MeXscape

It's Christmas Eve day and everyone is rushing around town trying to get the last few things they need for tonight's celebration and finish their Christmas gift list. Tempers are frayed. More cars are honking than usual. If you are going to venture anywhere near the Piño Suarez mercado, you need football shoulder pads. But what's going on now is nothing compared to what tonight will be like.

Last night was Mazatlan's 1st ever, and hopefully annual, Gay Pride Parade. There weren't that many participants – two floats, a couple of trucks, a limousine, and some walkers and roller skaters. But in a city that has historically refused port to gay cruises, I am in awe of the brave souls who participated.

Today is the last day of bike week 2009, the end of one of my favorite yearly events in Mazatlan. I love the fat sound of a well-tuned Harley. I love the glint of sun off a well-polished bike. My favorite color is chrome. I particularly love bikers. A least the ones we get in Mazatlan.

In other parts of Mexico, Semana Santa is a holy and sometimes austere holiday. Not in Mazatlan. Semana Santa here is like a giant Spring Break with toddlers. And unlike Carnaval, the festivities are not limited to Olas Altas. The party surges through the whole city.

Carnaval ended pleasantly and fairly quietly on Tuesday night. Well, actually around five Wednesday morning, but if you haven't been to sleep yet, it can't possibly be the next day, right? I could only hear two stages Tuesday night, and one was definitely louder than the other, so what we were hearing was actually discernible as music, not just relentless noise, and it was pleasant. The band was quite good and I liked their playlist.