2023 July 30
This was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and was held at the Convention Center in Atlapa. This is a large building and the event spread over two levels. Its parking lot was full so cars were parking along the street up to two blocks away.
We visited on a rainy day. This only increased the attendance. With the entrance fee at only $3 for adults and less for seniors and people with disabilities, people came, many with children.
There was something for just about everyone from jewelry and molas to pottery and clothing. Throngs of people looked at items for sale. They crowded around the stage during performances.
On the stage, performers in elaborate costumes the kept music and dancing going almost continuously. A young girl, maybe preschool age, dressed in an orange print skirt and top was dancing in front of her parents watching and following the performers on stage. Cute.
An impressive piece of art was displayed flat on the floor. It looked like a large colorful carpet, soft and fuzzy, but the sign said it was made from coarse colored salt crystals. This was created by artists Jamie Pérez and Carlos Vargas.
What appeared from a distance like a stack Panama hats was, in reality, a solid wood sculpture. Only a close examination showed its true nature. Other sculptures were equally impressive.
Near the entrance were the food vendors. It all looked and smelled delicious. People were lined up to buy and others, were happily munching on whatever they had selected, some standing, others sitting on the ledge by the front windows. We watched them from the outside as we waited in line to enter.
Now hungry, we did not care to be an entertainment for people still standing in line outside so we returned to the car. The show was a fun experience, lots to look at. However, after all that walking my feet were very happy when I was seated comfortably at a restaurant.