Grito

For a “Grito” experience without the crowds of downtown Guadalajara on Thursday, September 15,  head to either one of two popular spots on the western side of the city. The Glorieta Chapalita hosts a relaxed Grito party with all the right (culinary) trappings, as does the  park at Bach and Millet in Colonia La Estancia.  The Grito is “shouted” at 11 p.m. If you want more formality but an equally good time, head to a party at one of the five-star hotels. The Presidente Intercontinental (across from Plaza del Sol) bash begins at 9 p.m. and costs 395 pesos for buffet, mariachi, dancing and games. (33) 3678-1234.

Minerva

The newly renovated Minerva opened as a pedestrianized family recreation zone for the first time last weekend.

A jazz band performed Saturday night beside the iconic statue, illuminated by the atmospheric new lighting installed last month.

Then on Sunday, dozens of cyclists and skaters circled the glorieta as part of the Via RecreActiva that runs along Avenida Vallarta, while a host of other family activities were organized, including painting sessions and performances from clowns on stilts.

La Minerva Glorieta is now closed to traffic every weekend from Saturdays at 4 p.m. until Sundays at 9 p.m.

Mexpat

Guadalajara’s monthly Mexpat meeting takes place at the Jockey Grill House on Wednesday, September 14, from 7-11 p.m.

{reg}Mexpat brings together a wide range of expatriates from diverse countries each month to chew the fat and get acquainted with new and old friends.

The Jockey Grill House is located at Manuel Acuña 2938, across the street from Plaza Terranova in Colonia Prados Providencia.

Big Read

Mark Twain’s literary classic “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will be the focus of this year’s “Big Read,” which will take place in Guadalajara for only the second time.

A program founded by the U.S. government’s National Endowment for the Arts initiative in 2004, the Big Read first came to Guadalajara in 2009 when the book  of choice was Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.”

Throughout September more than 300 activities based on the Twain’s 1876 novel will take place across Guadalajara and Zapopan, including dance shows, training workshops, theatre, concerts, film screenings and literary competitions.

An additional 8,000 copies of the book, which details the adventures of a young boy growing up along the Mississippi River, are being printed specially for the occasion.

For more information go to www.thebigread.com.mx.

Noches Jaranas

The distinctive son jarocho is the musical style from the state of Veracruz that traces its roots to African, Spanish and indigenous culture. Its most widely known melody is “La Bamba.”  The principal instrument used is the jarana jarocha, a small guitar-like instrument made from a single piece of wood.  A conjunto jarocho (jarocho group) will use a variety of locally-made string and percussion instruments, including leonas, punteadores, arpas, panderos, cajones and quijadas.

Guadalajara’s Rojo Cafe is hosting a series of “noches jaranas” in September featuring top groups from Veracruz playing their lively local sounds.  Leading off the series on Sunday, September 4, 9 p.m. will be  Camerino Utrera and the Son de Hato, a family group that also manufactures the genre’s instruments.  Sones de Su Madre perform on Saturday, September 10 at the same time, and Colectivo Ometochtli on Friday, September 30.

Rojo Cafe (Guadalupe Zuno 2027) offers quality music, food and drinks in a pleasant ambience. Call (33) 3344-8492 for more information.{/reg}