FLAG DAY!

February 24th is DIA DE LA BANDERA, Mexican Flag Day. The Mexican flag has undergone several modifications since 1821. The one we see today was adopted officially in 1968. There will be speeches, marching bands, and you can be sure, festivities in the plaza.

I DO, I DO!

Every year on Valentine Day the plaza is transformed into a huge outdoor wedding party. The DIF, a state government agency, offers free nuptial rites to those couples who have been living together as man and wife but just haven’t gotten around to saying ‘I do’. Couples of all ages arrive for this special event, many with their children. As long as I was there I trolled the plaza in search of a willing candidate but nothing turned up. I can see it’s going to be a full house this morning. There are over a hundred reserved seat draped in white and adorned with red ribbon. There will be a huge wedding fiesta in the plaza this afternoon. Felicidades!

TACO TIME FOR BIRDS

Tacos Los Panchos is a Tecate landmark. It’s been on Avenida Revolucion as long as memory serves me. The tacos are to die for and the smiles of the congenial staff are like sunbeams even on the grayest day. It’s no wonder It’s a big favorite with locals as well as visitors from the Other side – and the local bird population. Occasionally someone will stick a wad of tortilla dough on the palm tree out front and you’ll hear a lot of happy chirping. Look for me at Los Panchos next time you’re in town.

BIG TAMALE PARTY TODAY!

Today is February 2nd, Dia de la Candelaria. It is called Candlemas on the Other Side and commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. Today is also the tamale party resulting from the rosca, that delicious sweet bread that everyone shared on Twelfth Night. You might remember that the one who finds the little figurine in their slice is designated the host for the big tamale party. Our Christmas season, that began with las posadas on December 16th, ends today. Here in Mexico we get a lot of mileage out of Christmas. Enjoy your tamales today – and the Super Bowl!