Tlacotalpan: La Candelaria Festival Day 2

The highlight of the second day is the "Running of the Bulls". The bulls were preceded by a rowing boat race. Then three bulls came across the river on a barge and are "released" on shore. The idea is for the few dozen mounted cowboys to drive the bulls several blocks to a corral. Along the way, brave young people were to have some fun with the bulls. It turns out the bulls were too smart for this game. They kept coming back to the barge. Eventually bulls had to be lassoed and dragged off the barge. At this point, we had all we could stomach and left. Now I am wondering in Pamplona if they don't inject the bulls with stimulants.

In the evening we went around to even more performance stages, some formal, some informal, some bands, some jam sessions (fandango), some singing, some versing, some from memory, some improvising. Most of the music is Jaracho. From what I can see, Jaracho is a form of cheerful folk music, many guitars of all sizes, some singing, stumping/tapping dancing double as percussion. Most of the musicians are young, some as young as five. It's amazing to see such a thriving folk tradition.

First thing, we check out the situation at the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria. More roses. You can smell them the second you enter the church.


Then to the waterfront to look for the landing spot of the barge that will bring the bulls over.


The cowboys are ready.


Many vendors have put up temporary fencing to protect themselves from the bulls.


A boat race precedes the bulls.


The bulls arrive on the barge (center first below) and we are at a good spot for watching all the action. Click here and here for video or watch the embedded videos below.








Turning the bulls loose is a slow process as they don't want to leave the barge. Smart move!


The barge is in front of us, and the bulls will be "running" behind the barriers in back of us.






In the evening, before the music started, we watched the "Recorre Mojiganga" a "Parade of Paper Mache Caricature Figures" in the Plaza.










Once again, a great night of music and dance performances.














And fireworks.