Sunday 5th January 2014

This weekend is a special festival celebrating the Magi called la Fiesta de reyes magos.  As fiesta would have it, my front door is within the gates of the big gathering at the top of the road.  The pavements are full of vendors with bbqs, drink and in particular a home-made brew called chicha - which I have already been warned about...

I stepped out of my door just as the three kings paraded through the crowds.  I then stumbled across some games; climb up a big pole, shuffle on wooden boards with your pals and first one to pull a full bottle towards you with your arms in the air wins.  There are no prizes.  I fully intend to bring these activities to my next shindig.

As the clouds gathered I dashed back to the hostel for the hour long downpour before returning to catch the end of the nativity story through the eyes of the Magi done by the yoofs - and very good they were too.  

The crowd by the stage suddenly swelled and I realised I was about to see the headliner.  Nope not a clue who he was but everyone sang along and the masses were delighted.





I mooched around the vendors a few times and listened to the oh so loud bass of the main stage.  It's a nice atmosphere, the thought that this fiesta is an important tradition for the community to party together.


I couldn't help it though.  There were lots of very young parents and I can't help feeling that some of the stereotypes of latino young people have some truth.  It's possible I'm just jealous of the skinny jeans and bling.  Netted tops simply look ridiculous on me.