CELEBRATING THE MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE

For further information and tickets:
Tickets are $85 before September, after $90

Mexican Society of Vancouver: Aida Lainas, Tel: 604 942 9597
Martha Foufoulas, Tel: 604 433 0625 achillesf@shaw.ca
Consulate General of Mexico: Patricia de la Maza, Tel: 604 684 1859 ext. 3020 pdelamaza@consulmexvan.com
IME: Tomás Reyes, Tel: 604 762 1096 tomasrys@imewest.ca
Calli Restaurant: 1102 Davie St., Vancouver

"Noches Mexicanas" (Mexican Nights) are traditional gatherings that celebrate the independence of Mexico. It is customary for them to be on the night of the 15th of September. During these gatherings, friends and family prepare typical cuisine, wear traditional clothing, as well as listen, sing, and dance to beloved folklore music. At one point in the evening, a bell will ring in remembrance of the start of the fight for Independence with the Cry of Dolores, made originally by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on September 16, 1810 at daybreak.

This year MexicoFest will feature the state of Oaxaca presenting a part of Mexico's colors, sounds, tastes and heart. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Oaxaca is rich in its biodiversity as well as its culture. The state is home to four of UNESCO's World Heritage Centres, as well as having seven officially protected natural areas.

Of the many celebrations every year the Guelaguetza showcases the region's earthy beauty. Originally the festival of the Corn Goddess, after the marriage of Spaniard and Precolumbian religions it has since become the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It consists of two Mondays in July when the streets are filled with parades filled with song and dance.

As for the local cuisine, Oaxaca is called "The Land of Seven Moles", but that's only a taste. The smell of chocolate either on your plate or cup, the "Chapulines" (grasshoppers) as an appetizer, the tamales, and of course a bit of Mezcal is what makes this land feel like home to its locals and visitors alike.

Program:
19.00 / Dinner
19.15 / Ballet
20.15 / Grito
20.30 / Mariachi
21.00 / Dancing
01.00 / End

LA GUELAGUETZA, BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE OAXACA


ESTUDIANTINA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD LA SALLE



Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Pacific Ballroom
900 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC _ map