Woke up to brilliant sunshine fitting for the birthday of Allende and the big parade. I love parades so was excited about what was to come although I had no idea the parade would be so large and full of pomp and ceremony and watched by hundreds of people including so many wide eyed kids.

These are the instructions for looking at the blog and the photos that follow:

1. Put on some music, not any kind of music but loud music, loud foot stomping music, loud foot stomping hip swinging music.

2. Get yourself a glass or cup or bottle of your favourite beverage.

3. Get comfortable.

4. Now imagine you are sitting on the curb in this cute and lovely Mexican town. Next to you on one side is this most adorable baby with the biggest brown eyes. On the other side of you are these two ladies with character faces and who chatted non-stop through out the parade. Behind you are three kids, smart kids, who brought umbrellas to shield them from the hot sun. Across the street hundreds of kids eagerly awaiting the festivities to start.

5. OK you almost ready, the signal to start comes over loud and clear, now enjoy the parade!!!