December 12th is a big day in our town. It’s a big day all over Mexico. The streets fill with people, businesses close, carnival rides are erected and thousands of devotees make their way by foot (many barefoot) from the surrounding communities to a hilltop iglesia in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Between the bombas (fireworks), the never-ending church bells, the food carts, the huge families, the processions of jogging pilgrims and the crazy, celebratory vibe, this day exemplifies the one thing I love most about Mexican culture: street life.

We’re all eager to get back to the festivities and the bombas are more than a little distracting, so I’m keeping it brief. Here’s a taste of what’s happening in the streets, though I wish you could taste the pastor tacos and fried plantains!