So with all the travel in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been looking forward to sharing some of the highlights from all of the trips. Starting with Philadelphia – in fact, I think we might even have a bit of a Philly-themed week?
And first up is not so much Philly itself (though there’s plenty more of that to come!) but just a touch of Mexico in Philly. In this city, Cinco de Mayo is not just one day, it’s ONE WEEK – starting with the Carnaval de Puebla parade that kicks off the festivities.
And we saw the parade while out on a mission to have cheesesteaks, so it’s just about as Philly meets Mexico as it gets. While deciding “wit” or “wit out” (more on that to come too), the sound of horns filled the air…then percussion…the just full on marching band.
We didn’t know what the parade was about at the time but according to Philadelphia’s Uwishunu:
“The event kicks off Cinco de Mayo festivities, which celebrate the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when Mexican forces in Puebla, Mexico successfully kept foreign invaders out of the country. Thousands of festival participants dress up in traditional costume to represent historic individuals from the monumental battle. Folks dressed in bearded masks, capes, headdresses and other garb reenact Mexican folk dramas from Puebla…”
Maybe it was my perception, but the whole parade stopped for a loooooooooooong time in front of Geno’s Steaks – perhaps to order in english? But probably to make a point.
But I think the neatest thing about the parade was the willingness of all the participants to share it – they knew people were watching and that they likely had questions. Periodically revelers would stop to take pictures with spectators, they would lets kids touch parts of the costume or try on pieces, and I saw on several occassions paraders stop to answer questions patiently from spectators about what things meant on costumes or what the event was. It just seemed like even though it was clearly a cultural event for a particular nationality, the intent was to share that nationality with a broader community.
The most fun to watch, of course, are the littlest revelers. But even with all the bands and excitement, a few still preferred a nap tucked away…
beautiful photos!! just found your blog via the everygirl!! i'm in love!! x
dipped in yellow
We've most seen legendary western movies featuring understood countless horse and riders, although a procession associated with around more than 200 attached riders viewed face-to-face is usually an impressive picture within the present day, even towards nearly all jaded associated with western lovers. Visualize standing because of the area of a highway like a cabalgata, or cavalcade, on in the distant Chihuahan Sweet haze in a very range that will stretches as far as a persons vision are able to see down each lane interstate. New Mexico invader of 1916