It’s Fiesta Time in La Misión!
text by connie ellig
photos by david hopps & connie ellig

At 1pm on Saturday, the fiesta opens to the public, who can enjoy regional foods and tour the preserved ruins of Misión San Miguel Arcángel de la Frontera, established by Dominican Friar Luis Sales in 1787, before the 3pm start of cattle branding and calf roping demonstrations, cowboy contests and horse races down in the arena and corral area. At 4pm, this year’s special guests, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Riverside, CA, will perform on the open-air stage next to the primary school, followed by the 9th Annual State Calabaceado Dance Festival featuring ten professional dance companies. Those who have never seen a performance of this high-energy, leg-twisting traditional Mexican dance are in for an amazing treat!

At 9pm, there will be a huge ceremonial bonfire in the traditional Cowboy Camp (Campamento Vaquero) with singing, dancing, music and a calabaceado contest for local dancers with prizes for the winners. Overnight dry camping is allowed; security and restrooms are provided. For the adventurous, the Cowboy Camp is a rare opportunity to meet descendants of the founders of the valley of La Misión and the vaqueros (cowboys) who make their living from this land. Language barriers tend to disappear in the Mexican atmosphere of hospitality and friendship.

Sunday's festivities begin at 8am with the opening of the “Micro-History of La Misión” exhibition, and the artisan, floral and food booths. The civic and school parade at 10am is followed by a thanksgiving mass at 11am, and the official inauguration of the Grand Festival of Mexican Folkloric Dance at noon. Don't miss the exotic “Danza del Borrego Cimarrón (Dance of the Bighorn Sheep)” by the Ballet Kicukpaico onstage at 1pm. More than a half dozen additional dance troupes from both sides of the border will provide nonstop artistic entertainment on the stage until the fiesta closes at 5pm.

Although the folkloric dancers can be mesmerizing, another must-see is the 2pm historic cabalgata, a procession of costumed riders on horseback that will wind its way down to the corral and arena area and signal the start of the regional rodeo competition. At 3pm the dust will fly as real-life cowboys ride bulls and broncos and execute other daring and dexterous feats while contending for trophies.

Fiesta La Misión is held on the patios and grounds adjoining the primary school and mission ruins at Km. 65.5 on the Tijuana-Ensenada Free Road (exit from the Toll Road at La Fonda). There is a small parking fee in lieu of admission charge. Be sure to wear sun protection, comfortable clothes and walking shoes. For more information, contact Professor Mario Reyes/UABC School of Tourism in Tijuana, tel/fax (664)682-1697.
 

The two-day Fiesta La Misión offers an informal, family-style ambience

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