Two Ballets in One Week

Last week I went to two performances of the Ballet Folklórico within a couple of days of each other.  When my friend Heather was here we went to a performance on Wednesday evening at the Palace of Fine Arts.  Two days later, when Charles was here, we attended a special Day of the Dead outdoor performance at the lake in Chapultepec Park.  I have been to the Ballet Folklórico countless times, and I never tire of seeing it.  In fact, each time I come away with a renewed love for Mexico.

Two of my favorite segments of the ballet are those which deal with the music and dance from the states of Veracruz and of Jalisco.

Last year Alejandro and I went to the Day of the Dead performance in Chapultepec Park.  We enjoyed it very much, and when we knew that Charles would be here at that time, we asked him if he would be interested in seeing it.

"Death in Mexico is more alive than ever."

This performance is quite different from those at the Palace of Fine Arts.  Seats are set up along the edge of one of the lakes in the park, and the dancers and musicians perform on an island.  We arrived early enough that we were able to get front row seats.

The performance begins with a segment devoted to the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico.

Throughout the show, decorated boats sail across the lake.

A song from the state of Michoacán

The show ended with a mariachi band and the dancing of the "jarabe tapatío" (known north of the border as the "Mexican Hat Dance").

 It was, as always, a spectacular performance.

For both Heather and Charles, the Ballet Folklórico was a highlight of their visit.