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 Villa
Guerrero is a small town on the Northern tip of the State of Jalisco,
between the States of Zacatecas and Nayarit. It is approximately
a 4-hours drive north of the City of Guadalajara. This small town
is as charming as its people are rich in tradition and culture.
From its native people, Los Huicholes, (UEECHOL) to the diverse
people found there. It is not uncommon to find people with blue
or green eyes, or people with a very light skin complexion. My grandfather
has blue eyes and his brother, my Tio has hazel eyes.
Every year, on the first day of December, the people stop working
their crops and their cattle to come together in festivity. Every
night the picturesque plaza in front of the church comes alive.
There is always a live Banda, great food, cold beer or Tequila,
and pretty girls. During the day here are rodeos, Chariadas, dances,
and horse races. All these activities build up to the 12th of December,
the day of La Virgen De Guadalupe. The plaza come alive and is filled
with people from corner to corner. Familiar faces and warm greetings
come together before a traditional fireworks show and church bells.
At night's end, the plaza goes to sleep, waking for another day
of activities. On the night of the 12th, everyone says a final good-bye
to the large crowds gathered around the plaza, until the following
year.
On the thirteenth of December, the plaza is quiet. There are a few
people sitting on benches holding conversation while another group
of people on a street corner huddle around Mariachi. The night of
the thirteenth, the plaza is empty. Everyone is attends the last
dance where big names such as El Coyote, Palomo, and Mariachi Vargas
come and perform. The plaza remains tranquil all year until, once
again, December roles around. Occasionally posazas, quinceañeras,
or a wedding may bring some spirit to the plaza, but nothing like
the Fiestas de Diciembre.
From the outside looking in, I am a Norteno, un extranjero, or un
ausente. I have come back again and again because of my roots. The
people there, just by looking at me, can tell that I am not from
their town but still make you feel very welcome once they find out
that you are part of a particular family. Others are born there
and leave to go north, returning to the fiestas to show their children
their roots. Mexico is a beautiful place and Villa Guerrero is no
exception.
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Abuelito's
Birthday Party
