The Guelaguetza is coming! It arrives in the streets in the middle of July when most Mexicans are on summer break and travel to Oaxaca to celebrate its eight regions and the vibrant culture of each of area.
In the evening yesterday, coming out of the Plaza de las Virgenes, I caught a show by this troupe of six ladies festooned in ribbons and lace performed for a videographer and a stable of wanna-be paparazzi (like me).
In the dance, by only women, the performers each have their own pineapple and dance with it as if it is a partner (or a baby), placing it, at various points, on their shoulder, over their heads, or carefully on the ground.
What is most impressive about the dance is how they work effortlessly as a unit and individually, bouncing and prancing while holding their dress with one hand as they balance the fruit in the other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H1VccnW1xc
There is so much joy out in the streets, even on a relatively quiet Sunday night.
shewhodaresnothing 