Entertainment and Events

Other than an occasional public baile (dance), corrida de toros (bullfight), or charreada (rodeo), Mascota [1] people rely on simple diversions. You can join them in a stroll around the town plaza on any evening (especially Sat. and Sun.) or a climb to the top of Cerro de la Cruz.

Mascota life heats up during a number of regionally important fiestas. Fiestas Patrias kick off around September 10 with the crowning of a queen, and merrymaking continues during a week of performances, competitions, and patriotic events. On September 13, folks gather to solemnly honor the bravery of the beloved Niños Héroes; then, two days later, fireworks paint the night sky above the plaza as the crowd joins the mayor in a shouted re-enactment of Father Hidalgo’s Grito de Dolores. Concurrent with the patriotic tumult, the festival of Mascota’s patron, La Virgin de Dolores, continues with processions, pilgrimages, high Masses, and an old-fashioned carnival to boot.

Beyond Mascota, the nearby hamlets of Yerbabuena, Cimarrón Chico, and Navidad stage their own celebrations. Yerbabuena [2]’s patron saint is the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the town honors her with native costumes, folk dances, and processions climaxing in a special Mass on December 19. Neighboring Cimarrón Chico [3] celebrates its patron saint in a harvest-style fiesta September 20–29. Navidad [4] honors patrons San Joaquín and Santa Ana with processions, dancing, and fireworks that climax on July 26.