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Mexican food, music and dance will fill the Phoenix Plaza this weekend for the 32nd annual Mexican Festival. About 8,000 people are expected to attend the festival throughout the weekend, said Kristina Hawkins, president of the Auburn Hills-based Mexican Mutual Society, which sponsored the festival.

Pontiac Mayor Clarence Phillips said everyone in the city and surrounding area needs to come check out “part of the rainbow of Pontiac.”

Prior to the opening flag-raising ceremony Friday, Phillips and State Rep. John Espinoza caught up on old times. Phillips served with Espinoza, whose district includes Port Huron, during his time as a state representative.

“I think that the Mexican-Americans in my community are a very important part of the population,” Phillips said. “I think that this is a nice panorama of Mexican-American culture; I think people will really enjoy the food, the entertainment, the ambiance.”

A first-time attendee and keynote speaker at the opening ceremony, Espinoza said making to the festival was long overdue for him. “My entire family has been going for years, but it has been on my to-do list and it wasn’t until I got an invitation from my former colleague that I came,” Espinoza said, adding events like Mexican Festival are like a “mini family reunion.”

“It also opens up that history to the rest of the community who might come here and see a Mexican polka and say, ÔHey that sounds an awful lot like a German polka,’ ” he said.

Oscar Morales, a fifth-time vendor at the event, said he travels to Mexican-American community events throughout Michigan and Ohio selling specialty items, such as T-shirts with the colorful images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and slain pop culture phenomenon Tejano singer Selena.

“I sell Mexican DVDs, CDs, too,” said the Bay City resident.

Ayala Alberto, a Mexico native but now an Auburn Hills resident, said he loves coming to the festival, because “we can bring the things we have in Mexico.”

The food vendor said he will be selling boiled corn served with mayonnaise and cheese, a Mexican tradition, and sliced fruit native to the country such as Mangoes and pineapples.

And Mexican food, Phillips said, is something he can’t keep his hands off, literally.

“I like refried beans and rice. I like tacos. I like tamales,” he said.

Beyond the food and specialty buys, Hawkins said there will also be a healthy dose of Tejano and Reggaeton music throughout the weekend.

Question: What do the King and Queen of Spain, the Emperor of Japan, and the Princess of Monaco all have in common?

Answer: They’ve all attended the Oaxacan festival of Guelaguetza.

The pride of Oaxaca, held on the last two Mondays of July, this year July 17th and 24th, the festival of Guelaguetza is Oaxaca’s answer to Rio’s carnival. Planning and preparation take nearly one year and the results show it. It is spectacular to say the least. For the weeks prior to the festival it already pervades virtually every aspect of Oaxacaqueño life.

Beginning in the morning around 9:00 or 10:00, brilliantly costumed folk dancers from each of the seven regions of Oaxaca perform traditional dances to live music and toss offerings of fruit and produce to spectators at the end of each folk routine. Culminating the festival are the colorful Pineapple dance by the agile women of the Papaloapan region and the exciting, stately, Feather Dance by men depicting the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Seating for the event, held at the Auditorio de Guelaguetza on a hill known as “Cerro de Fortin” to the north overlooking the city, go on sale months in advance of the event. There are free seating areas in this open-air stadium but you must be there very early for any hope of a seat. You’ll need to wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunshade and bring plenty of water to drink as the festivities last several hours. The Saturday prior to the main event, delegations from each of the seven regions stage a colorful, musical promenade through the city streets.

If you miss the festival, not to worry, videos of past festivals are usually on sale at travel agencies in town. Ask around for availability and the best prices.

Be sure to check out my other articles in the two continuing series: Teaching English in Mexico and Traveling in Mexico. If you would like more information, have questions or comments, the author can be e-mailed; see address below.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE ESCALATING TREND?

AS we head into the new millennium, marrying mitt dating across cultural lines seem to be increasing at record rates.

Almost anywhere you go these days, you will encounter mixed-race couples: at the grocery store, the mall, the theater, at a company function, at: a concert, even at church. And while for years the Black man-White woman couple was more prevalent, today many social observers say that the pairing of Black women and White men is just as common.

That certainly seems to be the case in cities such as St. Paul-Minneapolis, where interracial couples long have thrived. But the social trend also is quite evident in other large cities such as Chicago and New York, Atlanta and Detroit, where there is a noticeable and striking increase in the number of mixed-race couples, especially Black women with White mates.

In movies, on television and even on Broadway, the theme of interracial love has become en vogue. Wesley Snipes has starred in a number of movies in which his love interest was not Black: jungle Fever, One Night Stand and U.S. Marshal. The popular sitcom Ally McBeal has the lead character bemoaning a lost love, a Black doctor. Last year, Whitney Houston’s production of Cinderella starred Brandy in the title role but the prince was not Black. And a new Broadway musical, Marie Christine, revolves around a relationship in the 1800s between a Black woman (Audra McDonald) and a White sea captain.

ALL DEC: Campeche’s Historical Festival – Campeche, Campeche State. Throughout December the city of Campeche celebrates its Historical Festival which includes great concerts, popular arts, food fairs, children activities and much more.

DEC 1-15: Chiapas Fair — Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. This is Chiapas’ most important fair. It includes bullfights, horse races, motocross, cockfighting, cultural and sporting events, crafts, agricultural exposition and more.

DEC 2-3: Grand Pacific Marathon 2006 (Gran Maraton Pacifico 2006)–Mazatlan, Sinaloa State. Runners from the world over participate in this challenging race that takes place at the Pearl of the Pacific and features miles upon miles of beautiful scenery. For more information, please visit: www.maraton.org

DEC 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe)–Nationwide. One of the most important holidays in Mexico during which millions of travelers converge on the Mexico City Basilica of the country’s patron saint in a pilgrimage to pay tribute to Mexico’s patron saint. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

DEC 16-23: Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata)–Alcoman, Mexico State. The “Posadas” procession is an annual celebration near Mexico City. Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children’s designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.

DEC 16-24: Posadas–Nationwide. Processions recreating Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.

DEC 23: Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos)–Oaxaca, Oaxaca State. Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art–made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating Nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local flowers add even more color.

DEC 24: Las Calendas–Oaxaca, Oaxaca State. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper mache people whose arms flop around as the people hidden inside dance.

All month long: 6th Shrimp Festival. Guaymas, Sonora. Gastronomic sample, based on a great shrimp prescriptions variety and various cultural events, music and dances in diverse points of San Carlos. Hourly: from 12.00 to 5.00 pm. Institution. OCV Guaymas San Carlos, Tel. : (622) 226 0202. E-mail: info@go2sancarlos.org

All month long: International Jazz Festival. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. San Miguel de Allende Jazz festival finds a demonstration of great music performers, that will find a space for their expression. Many international recognized teachers of Jazz will interpret majestic melodies for all audiences. www.guanajuato-travel.com Telephones +52 (415)1522491 and +52 (415)1527599

All month long: Wool and Brass Fair. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Wool and brass from among many other, are typical crafts of the region; yearly is carried out in the Plaza Allende, of San Miguel de Allende, one of the most important expositions of handcrafts in the State, offering an extensive range of products that are found to accessible prices and of first hand such as role maché, leaf of tin plating, pewter, wickerwork wood carved from among other. www.guanajuato-travel.com Telephone +52 (415) 1520978

NOV 2: Day of the Dead. All over Mexico. Oaxaca, Oaxaca. For one of Mexico’s most colorful and magical displays of Day of the Dead, visit Oaxaca City in Oaxaca. Local markets burst with preparatory activities, and playful skeleton imagery adorns storefronts and home windows. The festival formally begins on October 31st, where families pay honor to their ancestors or deceased loved ones with the careful and sometimes elaborate construction of an in-house altar. Over the years, the altars have evolved into objects of art, making this celebration a true exhibition. Typically, homes are open to those interested in paying homage to their dead. For more information, visit www.oaxaca.gob.mx.

First week of November: Candy and Nut Festival. Parras, Coahuila. Parras is characterized for the milk candies elaboration, nut, preserves, liquors of fruits, etc. In this festival all the sweets-loving unite to devise the largest candy made out of nuts of the world and registered in the Guinness records. www.parrascoahuila.com.mx / proturparras@hotmail.com

NOV 3-4: 5th Vallarta Gulf Cup (5ta Copa de Golf) – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The Fifth Puerto Vallarta Cup Golf Tournament welcomes amateur golfers from Mexico, the USA and Canada. These three countries compete for cash prizes and the Swing Vallarta trophy at three different Vallarta courses, the Jack Nicklaus- and Weiskopf-designed Vista Vallarta courses and the Mayan Palace Country Club. For more information, please visit: www.vallartagolf.com

NOV 9-19: XII Festival Gourmet International (Festival Gourmet Internacional) – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. In this festival, you will have the opportunity to sample a spicy blend of culinary talents. More than twenty restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and around the Banderas Bay, as well as the finest culinary professionals from all over the world will come to Puerto Vallarta to demonstrate their unique and diverse cuisine. For more information, please visit: http://www.festivalgourmet.com/

NOV 15–18: Tecate Score Baja 1000. Ensenada, Baja California. A rugged peninsula odyssey of 1,016.3 miles from Ensenada in Baja California to La Paz, in Baja California Sur. http://www.descubrebajacalifornia.com/ / http://www.enjoyensenada.com/All month long: 6th Shrimp Festival. Guaymas, Sonora. Gastronomic sample, based on a great shrimp prescriptions variety and various cultural events, music and dances in diverse points of San Carlos. Hourly: from 12.00 to 5.00 pm. Institution. OCV Guaymas San Carlos, Tel. : (622) 226 0202. E-mail: info@go2sancarlos.org

All month long: International Jazz Festival. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. San Miguel de Allende Jazz festival finds a demonstration of great music performers, that will find a space for their expression. Many international recognized teachers of Jazz will interpret majestic melodies for all audiences. www.guanajuato-travel.com Telephones +52 (415)1522491 and +52 (415)1527599

All month long: Wool and Brass Fair. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Wool and brass from among many other, are typical crafts of the region; yearly is carried out in the Plaza Allende, of San Miguel de Allende, one of the most important expositions of handcrafts in the State, offering an extensive range of products that are found to accessible prices and of first hand such as role maché, leaf of tin plating, pewter, wickerwork wood carved from among other. www.guanajuato-travel.com Telephone +52 (415) 1520978

NOV 2: Day of the Dead. All over Mexico. Oaxaca, Oaxaca. For one of Mexico’s most colorful and magical displays of Day of the Dead, visit Oaxaca City in Oaxaca. Local markets burst with preparatory activities, and playful skeleton imagery adorns storefronts and home windows. The festival formally begins on October 31st, where families pay honor to their ancestors or deceased loved ones with the careful and sometimes elaborate construction of an in-house altar. Over the years, the altars have evolved into objects of art, making this celebration a true exhibition. Typically, homes are open to those interested in paying homage to their dead. For more information, visit www.oaxaca.gob.mx.

First week of November: Candy and Nut Festival. Parras, Coahuila. Parras is characterized for the milk candies elaboration, nut, preserves, liquors of fruits, etc. In this festival all the sweets-loving unite to devise the largest candy made out of nuts of the world and registered in the Guinness records. www.parrascoahuila.com.mx / proturparras@hotmail.com

NOV 3-4: 5th Vallarta Gulf Cup (5ta Copa de Golf) – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The Fifth Puerto Vallarta Cup Golf Tournament welcomes amateur golfers from Mexico, the USA and Canada. These three countries compete for cash prizes and the Swing Vallarta trophy at three different Vallarta courses, the Jack Nicklaus- and Weiskopf-designed Vista Vallarta courses and the Mayan Palace Country Club. For more information, please visit: www.vallartagolf.com

NOV 9-19: XII Festival Gourmet International (Festival Gourmet Internacional) – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. In this festival, you will have the opportunity to sample a spicy blend of culinary talents. More than twenty restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and around the Banderas Bay, as well as the finest culinary professionals from all over the world will come to Puerto Vallarta to demonstrate their unique and diverse cuisine. For more information, please visit: http://www.festivalgourmet.com/

NOV 15–18: Tecate Score Baja 1000. Ensenada, Baja California. A rugged peninsula odyssey of 1,016.3 miles from Ensenada in Baja California to La Paz, in Baja California Sur. http://www.descubrebajacalifornia.com/ / http://www.enjoyensenada.com/

All month long: Playa Azul, Michoacán. Sea Tortle Exposition at The Civic Plaza. Purepecha Heratage Festival in where the community is involve in Handcraft Contest surrounded by tipical dances, music in this religious event fron the Purepecha Comunity.

All month long: International Artistic Festival, Coahuila. During October the State of Coahuila is the host of this magnificent cultural event that gathers the presence of more than two thousand artists in all disciplines, from Mexico and various points of world. The festival is organized by the Institute Coahuilense of Culture (ICOCULT), presents artistic demonstrations as dances, theater, movies, literature, painting, poetry, among others. Information in ICOCULT: (844) 410 20 33 and 414 27 47 http://contraloria.sfcoahuila.gob.mx/icocult/principal.asp www.coahuila.gob.mx www.saltillomexico.org / info@saltillomexico.org

All month long: 7th International Film Festival. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Showing an extensive range of film productions of diverse countries, included Mexico. For the movie fans is an event that itself they should not be lost, for its delight conjugates at the enigmatic city of San Miguel of Allende. Info: 52 (410) 1032984 and 52 (415)1546444 www.guanajuato-travel.com

OCT 1 – 4. San Francisco de Asis Celebration. Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosi. Popular fair with cultural and religous events. http://www.descubresanluispotosi.com/web//

OCT 05-07 Mexico Luxury Travel Expo–Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo. During the expo, North America travel agents will meet top-end travel suppliers and Riviera Maya Tourism Board representatives to learn more about the many unique attractions the Riviera Maya offers the discerning traveler. For more information, visit www.mexicoluxurytravelexpo.com.

OCT 4 -22: 34rd International Cervantine Festival (34° Festival Cervantino Internacional)–Guanajuato,Guanajauato. One of the most important cultural events in Mexico, this annual festival fills the streets of this colonial town with performers and visitors from all over the world. This year hosting United Kindom. www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx/

OCT 6-28: 29th National Mole Fair (29° Feria Nacional del Mole)–San Pedro Actopan, Mexico. Just south of Mexico City, thousands of varieties of mole will be prepared for sampling and competition. This spicy sauce is a Mexican staple and made of unsweetened chocolate, peppers and spices, often served with meat or poultry. Eat your fill and take some home; mole paste stays fresh for several months in the freezer. www.milpa-alta.df.gob.mx

Second week of October: Street Theater International Festival. Zacatecas, Zacatecas. This International Festival was implemented of its first edition at 2002. Since the beggining was destined to succeed and to be consolidated as one of the most important events in Mexico. Today is one of the most recognized festivals that has been established in only a few years in Zacatecas. This event takes place at open spaces and in direct contact with the people.

OCT 13 – 15: International Nacho Fest in Piedras Negras. A great celebration with great environment, music, contests and diverse gastronomy is a part of this festival that is been celebrated from the past 8 years. Artistic, cultural activities celebrated in this festival that includes “Miss Tourism” as well as the contest of the biggest nacho of the world registered in the Guiness Records. www.proturac.com / proturac@prodigy.net.mx

OCT 13 – 30. Revueltas Festival, Durango, Durango. Very complete cultural festival, considered as the most important spectacle of the year. Revueltas festival offers an extensive range of events for cultural lovers, dance presentations, music, expositions, literary events, poetry, story tellers, popular art, and an endless number of artistic expressions. Cultural Institute of Durango (01 618) 128-60-08 y 128-60-11 web page, http://www.iced.gob.mx email: diseño@iced.gob.mx, disenoiced@hotmail.com

Third Sunday of October. Tradicional Fair. Nochistlan, Zacatecas. One of its main events of October is its traditional fair. They´ll have bullfights, cultural and sports events, expositions, etc. Among the main places of interest that can be visited they are: the temple of San Francisco, the temple of San Sebastián, temple of San José, the Market, the Arches (aqueduct of the 18th century) and more.

OCT 17 – 26. Tradicional Palenque. All State of Jalisco. Traditional festivals, cockfighting and artist, commercial handcrafts exhibition where you can meet the great culture of Guadalajara http://www.jalisco.gob.mx/index.html

OCT 18-19: 2006 Baja California Meeting Point – Tijuana, Baja California. Known as “the most profitable Investment Summit in the Sea of Cortez and Baja California,” this summit will include hundreds of pre-arranged meetings, one-on-one consultations and a full two-day program of conferences and discussion panels. Discussion topics include: financing, real state appraisals and valuation systems, tax and legal framework, sustainable development. For more information, please contact: armandolea@imacor.net or visit the web page: www.bajacaliforniameetingpoint.com

From last saturday of October until the second Sunday of November. All Saints Fair. Colima, Colima. Must important fair of the state and of the bordering zones of Jalisco and Michoacán. It dates from the year of 1826 and in 1934 was instituted like Agricultural, Regional Fair, cattle Raiser, Commercial, Craft and Industrial. At present functions in own installations, you enclose to the Park of Niños Heroes better known as “The Detour” -, in the Kilometer 4 of the highway Colima-La Estancia, with open spaces for restaurants, rooms of varieties, theater al air free and stockade. Recreational and cultural events are organized daily.

SEP 6: 13th International Mariachi and Charro Festival (13° Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria)–Guadalajara, Jalisco. Annual celebration of mariachi music in the mariachi capital of the world, gathering musicians from Mexico and around the world. www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx.

SEP 1-14 (first two weeks of September): Zacatecas National Fair 2006—Zacatecas, Zacatecas. Colonial jewel Zacatecas, celebrates its rich cultural history with a two week-long fair with musical performances, amusement ride for the children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.

SEP 8: Tepozteco Challenge (Reto al Tepozteco)–Tepoztlan, Morelos. Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl’s conversion to the Catholic religion. Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where offerings are made. This event includes a food festival, chinelo dances dating back to prehispanic times, and fireworks.

SEP 15–16: Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia Mexicana)–Nationwide. Mexico celebrates its declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. The night of September 15, marks “El Grito,” a dramatic reenactment of revolutionary Father Hidalgo’s call for his fellow Mexicans to join the uprising, which takes place at city halls across the country. On September 16, military parades are held in almost every Mexican city.

SEP 19–21: Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan (Equinoccio de Kulkulcan)–Chichen Itza, Yucatan. Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of the snake-god Kukulcan slowly “crawl down” the country’s largest Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

SEP 16: Running of the Bulls at San Miguel (Sanmiguelada)–San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico’s imitation of Spain’s “running of the bulls,” the Sanmiguelada is an annual festival usually taking place the third Saturday of September in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. The event involves dances, concerts, fireworks and bulls running through town. Daring participants meet at high noon. www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm

SEP 24-30: National Antique Festival (Muestra Nacional de Antigüedades)–Saltillo, Coahuila. Now in its tenth year, this festival gathers together top antique dealers from all over Mexico and features exhibitions of international treasures, accompanied by a musical and educational program. www.muestraantiguedades.com

AUG 14: Huamantla Fair (Feria de Huamantla)—Huamantla, Tlaxcala. At this event, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, churches and miles of city streets are draped in a beautiful tapestry of colorful flower petals and decorative sawdust. A running of the bulls follows the solemn event.

AUG 12-15: V Mushroom Fair of San Juanito (V Feria del Hongo)–San Juanito, Chihuahua. Organized by the Municipality of Bocoyna. Learn more about the various types of mushrooms and their diverse contributions to the culinary world through workshops, demonstrations and taste-testing. This event also features cooking contests and cultural events. www.chihuahua.gob.mx/turismoweb/

AUG 20: Mani Festival (Fiesta de Mani)–Mani, Yucatan. Mani is known in Mexico as the site of the infamous “Auto de Fe,” where bishop Fray Diego de Landa burned valuable Mayan codices and manuscripts in 1562. Mani is one of the most representative Mayan towns alive. This festival features local dancers, bands, traditional cuisine, live concerts, mechanical attractions, art exhibitions and more. The festival takes place at the center plaza and offers visitors from all over the world a unique cultural experience. www.yucatan.gob.mx

AUG 6-14: XXIII Paracho Guitar Festival, Paracho, Michoacan. Come and join the festival where the most famous guitars are made in Mexico.

AUG 24-27: Morismas of Bracho (Las Morismas de Bracho)–Zacatecas, Zacatecas State. A reenactment of the battles between Moors and Christians, this event involves thousands of actors and has been held annually for more than 300 years.

AUG 26: Chile in Walnut Sauce Festival (Festival del Chile en Nogada)–Puebla, Puebla State. Mexico’s national dish is commemorated every year with several activities, including culinary conferences and samplings, as well as a competition for the largest chile, judged by the Guiness Book of World Records. Inspired by the Mexican flag, the dish contains a poblano chile (green), walnut sauce (white), with pomegranate seeds (red) sprinkled over. A must for lovers of Mexican cuisine!

AUG 27: XXIV International Mexico City Marathon (XXII Maraton Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico)–Mexico City. Mexico City’s altitude makes this popular 26-mile marathon one of the most challenging in the world. More than 15,000 runners of all ages and from all walks of life compete in five categories. This year, the marathon will start and end at Mexico City’s historic central square (the zocalo). www.maraton.df.gob.mx

JUL 8 – AUG 20: X Festival of Adventure Tourism (Festival de Turismo de Aventura)–Chihuahua, Chihuahua State. Athletes compete for cash prizes at this festival featuring everything from marathons and triathlons to mountain biking and sand-boarding. Some of the competitions include: mountain cycling (July 8th – 9th), Wakeboard in Lago Colina (Jul 15th – 16th), Ultra marathon of Los Cañones in Guachochi (Jul 22nd – 23rd), Rally 4×4 in Chihuahua (Jul 28th – 30th), Triathlon in Creel (Aug 5th – 6th), Adventure dunes in Samalayuca (Aug 12th-13th), and Races 1/8 miles in Ojinaga (19th-20th). If the competition doesn’t take your breath away, the lush scenery will. For more information please visit www.chihuahua.gob.mx/turismoweb

JUL 13-23: XXI Annual International “ROSETE ARANDA” Puppet Festival–Huamantla, Tlaxcala. A time-honored tradition in Mexico, more than 15 cities in the state of Tlaxcala will be hosting this festival. For two weeks, a multitude of puppeteers and puppets of all colors, shapes and sizes will invade Mexico’s smallest state. Performers come from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Hungary and numerous other states in Mexico.

JUL 13 -19: 11th Villista Cavalcade—Chihuahua, Chihuahua. Chihuahua will host its annual weeklong cavalcade from the city of Chihuahua to Hidalgo del Parral, covering more than 136 miles of scenic Chihuahuan countryside. While the first cavalcade took place in 1996 with less than five hundred riders, more than 1,300 riders are expected to participate this year. For more information, visit www.chihuahua.gob.mx or contact Rita Meraz from the tourism office at merazrita@hotmail.com.

JUL 14-23: VI Nueva Paquime Festival—Casas Grandes, Chihuahua. This festival, taking place in Casas Grandes, just outside the renowned Paquime archaeological site (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998), is a celebration of the heritage and cultures of northern Mexico, featuring, parades, art contests, concerts, poetry readings, children’s workshops and much more.

JUL 17 and 24: Guelaguetza–Oaxaca, Oaxaca State. Dating back to prehispanic times when the festival was offered to the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest, this event brings together delegations from the region’s seven indigenous cultures. Traditional songs and dances are performed by each group, and objects and handicrafts typical to each region are also on display.

JUL 22-29: International Film Festival, Short Expression 2006 (El Festival de Expresion en Corto 2006)–Guanajuato, Guanajuato State. An annual film festival showcasing short films and documentaries and awarding the creators of outstanding films with the materials and equipment needed to continue their art. Every year, a country is spotlighted at the festival as the special guest of honor, with a variety of activities that provide a deeper look into the film culture, history and contemporary trends of the guest country. This year, France is the special guest of honor. http://www.expresionencorto.com/ingles/index.html or e-mail info@expresionencorto.com.

JUL 26: National Sarape Fair (Feria Nacional de Sarape)–Santa Ana Chiautempan, Tlaxcala. The renowned rectangular “sarape” shawls, one of Mexico’s traditional textile handicrafts, are spotlighted every year at this annual fair.

JUL 28 – 29: Acapulco’s First Juvenile Cliff Diving Tournament – Acapulco, Guerrero. Acapulco’s First Juvenile Cliff Diving Tournament is slated to take place on July 28 and 29 at La Quebrada. The Association of Professional Cliff Divers is expecting 22 competitors between the ages of 16 and 25, and approximately $2,000 USD will be disbursed among the first, second, and third place winners. Twelve-year-old Iris Celene Alvarez, Guinness World Record holder as the youngest to jump from La Quebrada, will host the event. For more information visit: http://pre.guerrero.gob.mx

JUL 28 - AUG 13: International Amber Expo (Expo Ambar Internacional)–San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Mexican amber, with its magical colors, brilliant finishes and age-old history, is considered by many the finest in the world. With the goal of developing and integrating the amber artist community of Chiapas and promoting international recognition, this expo highlights the hand-crafted jewels of the region. Forty-eight different tones can be found in Chiapas amber, which is exhibited in a variety of forms at the event from sculptures to articles of jewelry. Please visit: www.expo-ambar.com.mx

JUL 29 – AUG 12: 28th International Chamber Music Festival (Festival Internacional de Musica de Camara)–San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. A classical music festival to bid farewell to the summer, featuring award-winning international ensembles, guest musicians and local artists performing in the city’s beautiful open gardens and the grand gothic cathedral.

JUN 1-3: Second Annual Mexico Underwater Dive Show—Cozumel, Quintana Roo The show will offer industry professionals the unique opportunity to explore Mexico’s amazing underwater environment and learn more about the natural treasures surrounding the country. Hosted by the Cozumel Tourism Board and the Mexico Tourism Board, the second annual dive show is open to the public and will include educational seminars, news on dive technology, equipment information, travel opportunities, new product demonstrations, and free time for diving. For more information visit www.islacozumel.com.mx.

JUN 1-4 Mexico: Gateway of the Americas, Mexico City. Annual cultural program that promotes social, cultural and political understanding that emphasizes the importance of the performing arts and civic society. Gateway enables artist from Mexico and America assemble to work with ither professionals in the performing arts: presenters, managers, cultural leaders, among others. http://www.puertadelasamericas.org/

JUN 1-5: The Enkidu Summer Conference 2006. Testimonial Texts, Stories, Lives and Memories, Mexico City. The primary focus of this inclusive and interdisciplinary conference organized by Enkidu Magazine in Mexico City in cooperation with Mexico’s National University of Pedagogy (UPN) is to explore the power of storytelling in the construction of memories, collective and individual identity formations, and oral traditions. The conference will interrogate storytellng (oral and written), memories and identity constructions from a wide range of perspectives, definitions and in their manifold cultural and social manifestations. Papers that challenge traditional disciplinary boundries as well as traditional theoretical paradigms are welcomed. http://www.enkidumagazine.com/eventos/texts/intro_en.htm

JUN 1-15: Buenavista Festivities, La Paz, Baja California Sur. Go and try the wind surf and all the amenities this lovely town has for you, celebrate with the rest of festivities like the “Loreto´s Dorado International Fishing Tournament” and “The Coyote 300 Off Road Race” among other activities. http://www.vivalapaz.net/english/calendar.html

JUN 2-4: Mexico’s Annual International Outdoor and Specialized Travel Expo (8ª Expo Aventura y Ecoturismo) – Ciudad de Mexico. Including new destinations and exotic sites. This year, you will be seeing traditional festivals, luxurious eco-touristic hotels, archeological expeditions and much more. Featuring a wide variety of exhibitors such as local tourism offices, international tourism offices, outdoor travel operators, parks and natural reserves and many more. For more information, please visit: www.aventurayecoturismo.com or you may also e-mail: anacorral@tradex.com.mx ; gina@tradex.com.mx

JUN 2-4: 37th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Race–Ensenada, Baja California. This race will welcome more than 280 participants from 15 countries. More than 250 vehicles competing in 24 professional and five sportsman categories for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs will participate in this race which covers 450 miles of mountains, valleys, deserts, forest and gorgeous Pacific coastline. The race will finish in downtown Ensenada inside the Deportivo Antonio Palacios Baseball Stadium on 9th Street and Guadalupe Avenue. www.score-international.com

JUN 4-7: IV Meeting Place Mexico — Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta will be the host for approximately 100 different services providers and 150 buyers at the IV Meeting Place Mexico tradeshow. This year the marketplace will be at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias. The event is a professional and exclusive exposition of incentives, conventions and seminars; designed for national and international buyers to get to know the infrastructure, services and different destinations in Mexico, and will also be a first hand experience to meet the possibilities that Puerto Vallarta offers. For more information visit: http://www.meetingplacemexico.com/