Noviembre 20 Día de la Revolución

November 20, Día de la Revolución
I was so excited when I realized that we would be arriving in the capital city of Michoacan, Morelia, on this important national holiday.

A few years back we were in Cofradia on November 20th, and we got to see all the school children parade through town in their uniforms and doing various drills, beating drums and portraying revolutionary heroes.

Well, I take it that every city, and every small ranchito in Mexico does the same thing. We watched kindergarteners through university students march past us. There were even a dozen schools for the neurologically handicapped, mentally handicapped, blind and deaf represented. Eddie couldn’t hold back the tears as the handicapped children passed us, some in wheelchairs, or on tricycles, or led by their teachers. They had banners, and uniforms, and even revolutionary costumes….just like rest of the students….and they got the biggest applause.

Folks, I really love Mexico. I wish you could experience the patriotism and national pride the people who live here have. This city is named after Jose Maria Morelos, who was important in the fight for independence from Spain. The city dates back to the first years of Spain’s occupation of Mexico, and has amazing colonial architecture wherever you look. In fact I am writing this from our hotel which was built in the 18th century, with cool courtyards, stone walls and arches.

After the parade we found the Casa de Artisanos where we saw art and handcrafts from all over the state. Last year we rode the bus through part of Michoacan and saw lots of carved furniture and guitars lining the highway for sale. Here we saw wonderful examples of the painted and carved goods…plus hundreds of fine guitars, plus violins and other stringed instruments made in the town of Paracho.

We just finished off our evening touring the state cathedral, and enjoying some café y leche with the lighted cathedral in the background. What a lovely time.

Tomorrow morning we leave for Oaxaca.