It all started today, predawn and at first light, the biggest celebration San Pancho has. It will be loud from today through Sunday the third of October. San Pancho Days!
San Pancho … short for San Francisco … named to honor Saint Francis of Assissi, the patron saint who must be celebrating with a smile this week.
The pueblo is divided into seven areas, with each neighborhood responsible for the parade held each evening. Although there are lots of marchers wearing white and carrying flowers, fireworks, lots of music, the parade is really a walk on the way to church, where a mass is held. The walk is always led by a float with, of course, Saint Francis. On the last day the locally worshiped Virgin of Tintoc arrives, as does a torch from Guadalahara.
Neighborhoods are also responsible for the entertainment in the main plaza each night. Folklorico, Ballet, Mariachis, circus performers … something different every night. Some local talent, some professional.
Around the plaza? Lots of stands selling beverages, food and souvenirs. For the kids … a set of carnival rides. And they’ve painted a mural of Saint Francis on the wall behind the stage.
On the last day the locally worshiped Virgin of Tintoc arrives, as does a torch carried from Guadalahara and a host of charros on horseback.
If you’re going, you might want to take a chair … but, most of all, watch out for the bull!