Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Just one reason why life is really good

Every Tuesday in el Jardin de la Union one of my favorite Guanajuato traditions take place. In the center gazebo a small band gathers (saxophones, trumpets, a drum set) and plays for an hour or so while the "elderly" population dances.

Let me try to describe the scene. The benches around the gazebo are filled with grandmothers and grandfathers dressed in their "Sunday best." High heels, dresses, button-down shirts, and ties. As the band begins a song couples move to the "dance floor" and begin to do their thing. The couples rarely vary, everyone has their favorite partner, and it's fun to watch the different styles. There are no rules as to how people dance, and neither do the dancers themselves seem to care (believe me, there are some characters). They're just there to have a good time.

The other half to this weekly event is the crowd that gathers to watch. People sit on benches a bit further away from the gazebo to enjoy the show. There are families, students, other grandparents, everyone. The performers don't seem to mind, and everyone is smiling and clapping at the end of every song.

Life is so peaceful and happy at 7:00 every Tuesday, and it makes me smile just to be a part of it.

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