Today, April 30th, is Children's Day here in Mexico. It's celebrated throughout the country in a variety of ways. In Mexico City there is always a big parade. In most places the kids still have to go to school but there are no classes and they don't have to wear their uniforms. There are usually lots or games and toys and candy, and, of course, piñatas.

Here in Mazatlan, at least in my neighborhood, the standard celebration seems to be for the children to put on a program. We live right in between two schools, both of which are very close: a private school Collegio del Pacifico at the top of the hill, and a public school, Josefa Ortiz, at the bottom. We have been listening to dueling shows all morning.

The program at the top of the hill has lasted much longer and is still going strong. They have featured a lot of American music, including Who Let the Dogs Out? and, surprisingly, Like a Virgin. The music from down the hill has been more traditional Mazatlecan music. Funnily enough, both schools have used the Spanish version of Achy Breaky Heart. Go figure. If we look up the hill, we can see what looks like the tops of giant crayons bebopping in time to the music over the top of the wall around the school. Very cute.

My neighbor has been saving for months and has gone to great lengths to buy her daughter, Michelle, a new dress for the day. Michelle even got new shoes. And it's obvious all of the kids are very excited about Children's Day. This is first day that I can remember that the kindergartener on my street has not had a complete meltdown when it was time to go to school. He went willingly and eagerly.

I think a day to celebrate children and let them know how much they are valued is a really cool idea: a day just for them and all about them. Just another reason I love Mexico