Busy Few Days

Mexico is once again recovering from Semana Santa. All over the country, families and students journeyed to the beach to enjoy a week of sun and relaxation. This is our normally quiet beach across the street from our place...taken yesterday afternoon.

Relaxation I'm not so sure about. The crowds on the beach here were enormous and full of energy. The numbers appeared to be down somewhat from seven years ago when 250, 000 people would invade San Carlos. The police and politicians have tried to put a stop to all the partying and vandalism that comes with so many people.

They used to allowed taco vendors to set up wherever they wanted...they now must have a costly permit which has drastically reduced the numbers. Between the taco stands and the beer stands it was almost impossible to walk 50 metres without coming across food or drink. No more.

Most restaurants in San Carlos close for the last three days of Semana Santa. People camped out on the beach do not want to go to a sit down restaurant....they want tacos and beer, and lots of it.

The restaurants don't just lock their doors, they barricade their grounds as well. You would be surprised how many people want the bathrooms and will do anything to get there. At our park, we have to hire extra guards to keep people away from our pool and washrooms. Occasionally they do sneak in and create a big mess, but not too often.

Houses rent for huge money during this week and just like the Calgary Stampede owners move out so they can rent their house and make some spending money. If a house or hotel room can't be found, students will sleep anywhere. We have seen semi trailer tractors here, we have seen mattresses on top of vegetable trucks and we have seen people sleep on the street.

Afternoon picnics take place anywhere there is open ground. Family time.

And the noise! It starts early and ends late.  Very late...it is 8:00 am Easter morning and the music is still thumping on the beach somewhere. It seems like it will never end!