The State of Aguascalientes is hardly our
biggest state and the Capitol City, Aguascalientes, is hardly our largest
city. But once a year between the middle of May and the middle of June is
the festival of San Marcos, the annual State Fair and the largest State Fair
in Mexico. I wrote about this event a number of years ago and went back this
year to see how the fair was doing. It was worth going back to.
First we should note that Aguascalientes has been expanding rapidly
over the last few years to accommodate growth in industry. Unlike in México
(City) in this case, the growth has been orderly by Mexican standards. The
streets are wider (even in the poorer neighborhoods) and above all, the city
is clean. In fact, if you don't sweep the sidewalk and street in front of
your house occasionally, you are libel for a $100 peso fine! Clean is the
word.
There are a many new housing developments for young professionals and
workers that consist of well planned and well constructed affordable
housing. Many are not "track" housing developments, but with each house
different from the house next door. Small by US standards, but providing the
dream of being able to own your own home in decent surroundings.
While traveling to Aguascalientes from México (City) from the local
airport, I was standing in the check-in line. Behind me was a bunch of boxes
with holes in them making chicken noises. When I commented on the chicken
sounds, I was told that they were roosters (obviously going to the fair for
cock fighting).
But to the fair: Over the past few years, it has gotten bigger. Almost
in the Milwaukee Wisconsin class that my wife and I used to visit. The only
thing missing is adequate parking, but this is México.
On the fair grounds is a large church in honor of San Marcos, the
patron Saint of Aguascalientes. Also is a large bull ring. Aguascalientes is
famous for raising fighting bulls. It is also famous for dairy products and
one of the large agricultural exporters to the US. The bull ring was being
used for music shows while we were there.
There used to be many temporary sales booths
displaying many products
in a helter skeletal fashion, but much has been replaced with well
constructed temporary "halls" as in US fairs. Permanent buildings have
replaced many of the temporary buildings. And while you can buy hot dogs and
hamburgers all over, there are a good number of upscale restaurants too. The
beverage of choice is brandy, as this is one of the state products.
Most surprising is a full scale Las Vegas quality casino. With about 35
table games from blackjack to roulette, all manned by very professional
dealers, you can loose your money is style. The games are a little "Mexicanized"
with craps being played with three dice and no side betting and "horse"
played with lettered dice. The poker is also a little strange to me as it is
"Caribbean Stud", where everyone just plays against the dealer. But like Las
Vegas, they bring the drinks to you at the tables to keep you playing.
While there were less carnival type rides now, there were more "shows"
with loud music and some sponsored by beer companies. Even Cuba and Brazil
had pavilions. Much to my surprise, there were very big continual shows by
Budweiser and Miller from the US. Some of these shows featured general
dancing from the audience.
Speaking of the sound level, in the upscale restaurant that we ate in,
the sound level was high enough to make ripples in the liquid in our
glasses! You had to communicate with the waiter by sign language. Mexicans
do like it loud!
This time there was more livestock on display. A number of barns with
milk cows instead of only bulls for the bull fighting industry. This was in
addition to pavilions from the State agricultural commission along with a
good number of local university pavilions. Aguascalientes offers many
college level courses, both for credit and non-credit training in various
trades from industrial to farming. There is statewide emphasis on useful
education. We have family members that have benefited from the university
system in both farming and industrial skills.
We arrived at about 2:00 PM, spent some time in the casino contributing
to the State revenue, and finally left at 10:00 PM, thoroughly walked out.
What struck me was at this late hour, more people were coming into the fair
than leaving. When Mexicans have a good time, they really work at it. _____________________________________
Richard N. Baldwin T., a HispanicVista.com (http://www.hispanicvista.com/)
contributing columnist, lives in Tlalnepantla, Edo de México. E-mail at:
R1041643422@aol.com
By
Richard N. Baldwin T. /HispanicVista.com