Yesterday I visited artists studios during an open studio event.  As I walked through various neighborhoods, I admired the abundance of bougainvillea, some tidily pruned, and some doing its own thing.  All were dazzling in the sunshine.






In Central Mexico, the celebration of Candlemas on February 2nd coincides with the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, which originated in the Canary Islands.  The celebration also ties in with the new planting season, so seeds are blessed during special Masses.  In San Miguel, Candelaria also takes place in a large, beautifully landscaped park where plant and nursery vendors sell plants, shrubs and trees for an entire week.  I suppose it is comparable to the Boston and Providence Flower Shows.







I finished off the day by attending a bullfight.  There were two matadors and one rejoneador (who fights the bull from horseback) and six bulls.  The promoters over sold the tickets, so the place was packed, including the aisles and steps (fire inspectors in the States would have had a fit!)  This was the second time I had seen a rejoneador perform, and I was mesmerized by the maneuvering of the horses.  The horses were like dancers, light on their feet, prancing and twirling around in front of the bull, and when the bull charged, easily stepping aside.  Wow!
 
Since it was difficult to take pictures, I took these off the websites of the bullfighters who performed.