¡Viva Mexico!

So this post will be short because we've talked about Dia de Independencia en español until we were all blue in the face, but for any of you at home that are actually reading this blog, I'm sure you'd like to know about the festivities. In addition to the fact that it was their independence day, it's also their 200 year anniversary, so we were here to celebrate El Bicentenario!

the countdown

Monday, September 13th: Saw the Parade of Los Concheros

This was an amazing parade and dance. It's a tribute to all of the native people that were living in the area during and before the time of the Independence from Spain. It was incredible! I'm sorry I'm not that great of a photographer because some of the outfits were fantastic and all the dances were great; very colorful and lively. 

Wednesday, September 15th: El Grito

At 11pm the gobernador comes out and gives a little tiny speech and says a few phrases, such as "¡viva Miguel Hidalgo!, ¡viva la revolucion!, ¡viva Mexico!" and after every phrase the crowd shouts "¡¡VIVA!!" and right after the vivas, fireworks shoot out right over the crowd, so close that the ash falls into your eyes as you look up in amazement like you've never seen fireworks before. It was much freaking fun. We were all laughing and screaming and so incredibly excited to be in Mexico. 

September 16th: Dia de Independencia

A day to sit around in our pajamas and watch TV all day!

And that was it. I had a great weekend too. We went to Pueblito to see a local Pyramid from the Toltecs and also got to go on a walking tour of Legends and Myths of Queretaro where they take you through old houses in el centro and tell you all ghost stories and fun facts about who died there and how it happened. 

We changed classes in Spanish so we're all adjusting all over again, but it's a good challenge and I've decided I need to make some Mexican friends so I can practice my español. 

Love you all. Here are some more pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/rebeccajoyb/TimeInQueretaro#