The Benito Juarez fairground at Guadalajara’s annual “State Fair,” the Fiestas de Octubre, provides plenty of Mexican-style fun and games, food and entertainment.
Located on the northern perimeter of the city, the fairground opens to the public each day at 11 a.m. but the real action doesn’t begin until the evening hours. Nevertheless, there are literally hundreds of food stands, vendors’ booths, children’s and adult displays and mechanical games to while away the time before the entertainment begins.
The admission price for adults of 35 pesos (15 for children and senior citizens) includes admittance to the main show – usually musical – each evening around 7 p.m. in the complex’s large forum. Performances are by well-known names covers a mixed bag of rock, pop, mariachi and banda, although some dance presentations are sometimes scheduled.
Special displays include the Casa de Terror (House of Terror), the Canica Azul interactive children’s center (a small additional charge is levied), the Museum of Lucha Libre (Wrestling Museum) and the “Tequila and Cafe Route” for refined palates.
In the late hours, attention focuses on the cock-fighting arena or palenque. Stellar names, mostly ranchero, appear here around midnight – after the dead fighting cocks have been cleared away (this “activity” is not advisable for the squeamish or for animal lovers) – and tickets sell upward of 500 pesos.
The Fiestas fairground at the Benito Juarez Auditorium (two blocks north of the Periferico, between Federalismo and Alcalde) is open daily through November 4. It’s an easy walk from the northern end of Tren Ligero Line One. Parking can be found in streets adjoining the complex, although neighbors will charge for the privilege. More convenient is the valet parking service available at the auditorium entrance.
For more information about the Fiestas de Octubre visit www. fiestasdeoctubre.com.mx.