The Mexican Revolution

For the past couple of weeks a band has been putting in a lot of practise time. The musicians could be heard squeaking and squawking with their brass instruments and loud drums. Too be truthful, I felt like poking sticks in my ears to quiet the sound. Then low and behold we realized the weekend holiday would be the celebration of the Mexican revolution and result for all the band practise. A parade was held, and I guess it was a long one...almost three hours, but needless to say we didn't partake in being a spectator, but I did some reading about the revolution.

It all began in 1910, when the plan was to overthrow the Diaz dictatorship. Liberals and intellectuals began to challenge this regime who had been in power since 1877, violating the principles and ideals of the Mexican constitution of 1857. The challenge started off as a revolt, but its failure fueled into a revolution which lasted a long and bloody tortured ten years. Many people died throughout this struggle. Diaz resigned in May of 2011, and reformist Francsico Madero was elected president in November of the same year. Eventually, Madero was deposed and executed by conservative Victoriano Huerta, and eventually Huerta was forced to resign in July of 1914. Reformists eventually claimed victory over the radicals and a new constitution was designed which is still largely in effect as of today. 

New Beach Bar

 We found a new little beach bar at Playa Linda that also has a pool. We stopped in on our way home after the surfing event for a couple of beer. I think we might be back!

 

Surfing and Whales

 Zihua has offered a lot of entertainment lately. Other than our usual outings such as pickleball, going to the beach, meeting up with friends, shopping, heading to the pool, or touring around on our motorbike, we had the opportunity to go to a circus or watch some surfing. Our choice was to head to Playa Linda and take in the surfing.

Ixtapa Zihuatanenjo hosted a 2022 International Surf competition at the neighbouring beach called Playa Linda which lies just north of Zihua and Ixtapa. We missed the international competition which was held last week, but we got to watch the national competitors which comprised of youngsters around 12 to 14 years in age. The surf was small, their boards were short and the talent was at the learning stage. Some competitors were able to ride the wave, do a 360 in the air with their board, and continue the ride towards shore. We didn't see anything spectacular, but it was a slightly different way to spend an afternoon at the beach, and overall it was a mildly entertaining.

The more fascinating sights were the four whales that put on a show a little further out!

 

Pool Time

 We always enjoy our rooftop! The other evening we were cooling off in the pool, enjoying the night view of the neighbourhood as a gentle rain came down upon us. What a way to relax!!

 

Beach Bar

We have been visiting El Dorado's Beach Bar for a couple of years now, so almost every Tuesday, a group of us head to Playa Blanca which lies about 2o minutes south of Zihuatanejo to enjoy each other's company, eat, drink a couple of cool ones, and cool off in the pool. It's always a fun time!

                                       We are early arrivals

                                       Our friends Pat and Wendy

We love our beach walks and the beautiful birds that fish for their meals. There is always interesting things to see while walking. For example we saw a dead tarantula on the sidewalk yesterday while walking to pickleball! Always check your runners before putting them on!😝
 

 

Morning Walk

 Oh, the sights you see as one walks to play the game of pickleball!

Fishermen are early risers or night hawks. They probably sleep the day away to prepare for the next fishing adventure.

 

Dia de Muertos

 Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday traditionally celebrated on the November 1 and 2, which has morphed into an early start including October 29, 30, and 31, in Zihuatanejo. The length of the celebration varies for each locality. 

Muertos originated in colonial times, when the Catholic Church fused indigenous rites honouring and communing with the dead with its own celebrations of All Saints' Day( November 1) and All Souls' Day(November 2).

Today, Muertos is a national phenomenon, with people everywhere cleaning graves and decorating them with flowers, holding graveside vigils, sprinkling the grave with liquor, so the dead can party on also, and building elaborate altars to welcome back loved ones with their favourite food.

Sugared skulls, chocolate coffins and toy skeletons are sold in markets everywhere as gifts for children and graveside decorations. Elaborate costumes are worn and parades are held as families and friends join together to pay their respects in a joyful manner to family members who have passed on.

It truly is an amazing event! 

 

First Day at La Ropa Beach

 Life in Zihua has returned to its former self with covid now in the rearview mirror, still there, but not front and center.

The beaches have dropped covid restrictions and its certainly a huge welcome for Mexicans and foreigners alike. The atmosphere has lightened up and life is carrying on.

 

                                      Our favourite place to sit at La Ropa Beach

Our Home Away From Home!

Mexico has become like a second home to us over the decades of our travels here, and especially in recent years and more specifically.....Zihuatanejo. We have become friends with many Mexicans, Canadians, and residents from the USA. We walk down the street and meet people we know while driving or walking by on their way to the beach, market, grocery store, or for 5 o'clock beers to our their favourite watering holes. We love the friendship Zihua has offered, but also its culture, food, and climate. It has morphed into my favourite place in Mexico!