Guadalajaras Fiestas de Octubre
by Dale Hoyt Palfrey
October 1997 Guadalajara-Lakeside Volume 14, Number 2

Boredom promises to be a non-operative term in our part of the world during the month of October as Guadalajara jumps into full-tilt party mode for the city's 32nd annual Fiestas de Octubre. Under its enticing theme The Universe of Dreams, Mexico's second largest city will be the venue for more than 300 cultural, social and sporting events spanning the next five weeks.

The Fiestas will literally burst into action with a glitzy speculate of fireworks and laser beams on the evening of Thursday, October 2, at the Glorieta Minerva. The formal inauguration, October 3 in the Benito Juarez Auditorium will be followed by a huge downtown parade Sunday, October 5.

Visitors will find a wide array of activities offered daily in the Fiestas nucleus set around the Benito Juarez Auditorium, located at the city's northern perimeter, just off the Periferico highway and near the end of the Tren Ligero I rapid transit line. Leading Mexican musical stars such as Vicente Fernandez, Ana Gabriel, Alejandro Fernandez and Lucero are slated for performances at the Palenque de Gallos, the site for traditional cock fights. Romantic music is to be featured in the Rincon Bohemio.

Youngsters will enjoy mechanical rides, interactive games and regular performances by the Circo Atayde, as well as special educational and recreational activities in the Canica Azul pavilion.

Shoppers will delight in browsing more than 400 commercial stands where typical crafts, jewelry, shoes, clothing and other locally produced merchandise will be sold. No one need go hungry either, for both international and regional Mexican cuisine will be available in the extensive area designated for small provisional restaurants.

Elsewhere in the city, residents and visitors will discover a bountiful choice of collateral events worth attending, many of which are offered in public venues free of change.

Art and culture have long been key components of the Fiestas de Octubre calendar and 1997 promises to be no exception. Of particular interest is the 9th National Cantera Sculping Contest at the Plaza de la Liberación, adjacent to the Degollado Theatre. A leisurely stroll through the city center will bring a unique bonus: viewing Mexico's most talented stone carvers labor on works in progress along with displays of their most masterful finished pieces.

Painting, sculpture, graphics and photography are featured in the month-long exhibitions included in Salon d Octubre, Jalisco's prestigious annual plastic arts competition. Special exhibits at galleries around the city, as well as an art auction, have also been programmed in conjunction with the Fiestas

Keep an eye on Guadalajara's daily publication for the exact dates, times and locations of events included in the Fiestas jammed-packed program for the performing arts. From classical concerts, ballet, and opera to jazz, blues and rock, there will be musical presentations to suit all tastes. Troupes of folkdancers and singers from around the globe are set to appear, as are mimes, comedians and other theatrical performers.

Sporting events will range from auto and motorcycle racing to daring displays of charreria by Mexico's most outstanding equestrians. Volleyball, racquetball, indoor soccer, tae kwon do and bowling tournaments are also scheduled throughout the month. Guadalajara is rightfully proud of a nationwide reputation for the stunning good looks of its inhabitants, so it's no surprise that the pursuit of beauty is another element not to be forgotten in the Fiestas dream theme. A Fiestas de Octubre Queen will reign over the entire event, while another crown will go to the competitor judged to have the prettiest eyes in the Ojos Tapatios pageant. Look for dazzling couture fashions in the 8th annual Muestra de Alta Moda.

As if all of above weren't enough to fill the city with eager visitors, Guadalajara will also host a variety of special gatherings during October, among them a convention of stamp and coin collectors and an exposition featuring uses for recycled plastic.

For readers with plenty of spare time and a yearning for unusual activities, 1997's Fiestas de Octubre offers the stuff that dreams are made of.