Can it be....?

If only.

To Yell with Mexico

 Despite a common misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That would be September 16, anniversary of 'The Cry of Dolores', the announcement of the Mexican independence revolution against Spain.

The Cry ('El Grito') was delivered in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, by a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo de Costilla. Although, no historian is exactly sure what Hidalgo said as no records were kept.

To commemorate this historic event, at around 11PM the night before Mexicans gather in their local plazas and yell patriotic things. Viva Mexico! Viva la Republica! Viva independencia! are popular.  There are fireworks and a fair amount of drinking, like all good national festivals,

Guide to Guadalajara: La Catedral

 The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady - or, more simply the Guadalajara Cathedral - is the symbol and centerpiece of the city. It is depicted on innumerable postcards, paintings, tourist advertisements, and even appears in outline on the city's taxicabs.

Built in the Spanish Renaissance style, the cathedral has existed in various forms since 1541. The larger structure was completed in 1618 but was heavily damaged by an earthquake in the early 19th century. Famed architect Manuel Gomez Ibarra was hired for the rebuilding and created the cathedral as we know it today.

The basilica easily dominates the skyline of the Centro Historico, acting as a convenient nexus or landmark for the surrounding historic buildings. The interior is highly ornate and the surrounding courtyards are a pleasant place to contemplate life and the Eternal.

Do your best to dodge the priests spraying passers-by with holy water on your way in.

Guide to Guadalajara: San Juan de Dios

What city would be complete without its bustling marketplace?

This, the largest indoor market in the Americas, comprises three stories selling practically anything you could need - food, clothing, art, souvenirs, pets, household goods, all in dizzying profusion.

It put me ever so slightly in mind of Ben Thanh market in Vietnam, although more obviously geared toward an American tourist market, although still with plenty of locals to keep it authentic.

Beware, however - bargaining is expected, and an unwary gringo with limited Spanish may find himself taken for a ride.