Message from Angangueo October 27, 2005 Dear friends joining the Monarch South Migration this year: No, no Monarchs seen up to now yet. Mr. Germàn Medina will go up to el cerrito tomorrow (Friday), to see if there are any, but until last tuesday, there weren`t any at sight; I`ve been asking some people from Chincua and El Rosario, but they still haven`t seen any yet. We are sure that the first one must be arriving this weekend indeed. Today's Weather Forecast for the Monarch's Winter Refuge in Mexico Meanwhile, here in Angangueo, we are preparing ourselves for tomorrow; The 28 of October is the Religious Fest for the Catholic Church (the absolute and only religion) in Angangueo and our surroundings. We "send tribute" to San Simòn, who was a poor peasant following Jesus concepts, and finally sacrificed for this reason. Tomorrow, then, many children, mostly babies, will be confirmed and 7-15 year old girls and boys have their first formal act of confession in their lives. Later in the afternoon, we will have what we call "air music" which is typical and beautiful, tradional dancing and typical mexican food and drinks until late in the evening, closing with wonderful firework spectacles. So, many families are having fest at home. Some schools stop activities at noon time, so that children can enjoy this together with their parents. Then, we will all be awaiting for our "Dìa de Muertos", on the 2nd of November, which is "Haloween" for you. This event you already know, we not only relate to our dead relatives and friends, but with the Monarchs arriving to our region, actually, as you will certainly remember, the presence of the Monarchs were, for our ancestors, in Pre-hispanic times, the soul of the dead, coming back to earth to be for short time together with us. Well, about this event, I will tell you next Tuesday about events and celebrations, since the Cultural office in town has an event-program to run next week. Sorry for the delay this week, I had to be away for a couple of days (health matters with my mother), and I was just full all day. Until next week. Ma. Estela. Copyright 2005 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form.