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Fiestas, regardless if they celebrate historic events, religious holidays or agricultural rituals, always include food, and one of the best places in Los Cabos to enjoy the taste of “la vida mexicana” is Solmar Suites’ La Roca Restaurant. Year after year, every Saturday evening it’s fiesta time at La Roca. Starting at 6:30 p.m., with folkloric dances and authentic Mariachi music, guests take a trip around México for a true south-of-the-border celebration. Their famous buffet, with 18 sensational dishes, includes many traditional fiesta delicacies such as tamales (pockets of corn dough with savory meat filling wrapped in cornhusks and steamed), carne asada (grilled marinated beef), and chicken in mole sauce. On Solmar Beach, at Avenida Solmar #1. For reservations, call (624) 143-3535. The fiesta is $35 U.S. per person, $17.50 U.S. for children ages 6 to 11, and kids under five eat free.
Music is another necessary element of a true fiesta. During the pre-Hispanic period, the indigenous tribes used drums, flutes, gourd rattles and seashells to produce music, while religious songs marked the colonial era. Folk tunes, called corridos, illustrated Mexican history, telling of the Mexican Revolution, bandits and sheriffs, or the struggle between the church and the state. Today all these musical elements come together as an integral part of any celebration, such as the Forever Fiesta at marina-front Pericos in the Lighthouse. With two daily performances of the Marimba Orchestra (12 noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.), at no extra charge, guests are transported to the state of Veracruz, represented by the cheerful sounds of this original instrument similar to the xylophone. The party at Pericos is a grand improvisation. You might find yourself limbo dancing under an old rifle or shooting tequila straight from the bottle. At Pericos, any time is fun time from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 144-4219.
And there certainly couldn’t be a fiesta without what some consider the only thing more Mexican than tequila––Mariachi. Originating in the 19th century in Jalisco, Mariachi goes far beyond music. It’s an experience that sums up the culture, the spirituality, and the tradition of the soul of the Mexican nation. Dressed in silver studded Charro outfits with wide brimmed hats, playing violins, guitars, bass, vihuelas (five-string guitars) and trumpets, Mariachi sing of love, betrayal, revolutionary heroes, and the life itself. For excellent live mariachi tunes, head to Margaritavilla at Blvd. Marina for weekend night performances or enjoy their music as part of the fiesta nights at The Office on Médano Beach, every Thursday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The dinner show is $75 U.S per person. For reservations, call (624) 143-3464.
At The Office, you’ll also have a chance to see the most popular Mexican folkloric dances representing different states with colorful regional clothing and often a story accompanying the choreography. While dining at México Mystic, a recent addition to the Cabo San Lucas restaurant scene on Paseo del Pescador, you will be participating in an authentic pre-Hispanic ceremony performed by mystical dancers dressed up in impressive, feather-adorned costumes of Aztec and Mayan warriors, amidst flames and music. There’s no fee for this Saturday night show. For reservations, call (624) 143-2374.
A Mexican fiesta is always a family affair, and Playa Grande Resort makes no exception, with its Sunday evening true Mexican fair. To the sounds of live mariachi music, kids and adults play traditional Mexican games including la loteria (the lottery), a popular game of European origin, introduced in the 18th century, which continues to be the favorite at local fairs and among families. The party is crowned with the kids’ favorite candy-filled piñata––the symbol of a Mexican celebration, traditionally shaped like a seven-pointed star to represent the devil and the seven deadly sins; hitting it with the stick makes him let go of the good things he has taken hold of. Join the fun from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost for adults is $29 U.S. and kids under 11 pay $14.50 U.S. For reservations, call (624) 145-7575.
Whether you are visiting or living in Los Cabos, you can’t miss out on an authentic Mexican fiesta. Opportunities are plentiful and the rewards triple with great food, fun, and a glimpse of a fascinating slice of Mexican culture.
by Anna Urbanik.
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