Experiencing Local Culture (Mazatlan Part II)

When Casey and I travel, we attempt to somewhat immerse ourselves in the culture of our destinations. While we’re not completely opposed to visiting touristy spots, we also like to go where the locals go. This is often accomplished by speaking with the indigenous folk and asking where they eat and play. Thus far, this has led us to some memorable experiences.

On our Mazatlan adventure, everyone we spoke with directed us to the Plazuela Mercado. This local gathering place is especially hopping on weekends, so we were sure to walk over to the area the first night we were in town. Unfortunately our 5:30 p.m. arrival on a Saturday was way too early for the local scene. When we arrived, there were quite a few fanny pack-toting, black sock/white shoe-wearing individuals looking for an early dinner. Since we were already in the area, we chose one of the many restaurants surrounding the square for a snack and cool beverage. This alfresco locale supplied us with an optimal vantage point for watching the sidewalk vendors unpack their wares and the evening musicians set up their equipment. It was actually quite relaxing to just sit and watch the people and bustle of the square. In Mexico, we rediscovered how meals are certainly not something to be rushed and you may have to wait a half hour for your check after you are through. (Not that I’m complaining—I love the slowdown of vacation!)

After sitting there contently for a while, we opted to stretch our legs and check out some of the local shops in the vicinity. When we returned to the plaza a bit later, we realized our “snack” has spoiled our supper and had to settle for just wandering through the crowds for a while. Though there were clearly visitors on hand, it was definitely refreshing to be surrounded by a mix of locals and tourists. Obviously the secret of the square is out, but it is still quite the charming area. We revisited the stop a couple other times throughout our stay—once for dinner and once for morning coffee.

After booking our trip to Mazatlan, Casey bought me a tour book as an early birthday accompaniment to the trip. While perusing the pages, we both read about the local bull fights. This is not something we can catch any day back home. And after reading the fights were “in season,” we decided it was a cultural opportunity we could not pass up. When questioned on the subject, our lovely hotel proprietor told us her uncle regularly attends and they are definitely something to be seen.

Therefore, Sunday afternoon found us cruising along in a pulmonia away from the ocean, deeper into the heart of the city. The ride there was interesting, as we caught a glimpse of people living their everyday lives. Eventually we arrived at the arena, and the pulmonia driver pointed us to the ticket booth. Because we read the bull fights begin at 4 p.m., we were a bit surprised the gates were not yet open a mere 15 minutes before the four o’clock hour. However, when Casey purchased two tickets, he was told the entertainment wouldn’t begin until 5:30 p.m. that day. Resigned to the news, we settled in to enjoy the warm weather and outstanding people-watching.
Let me say, the hour and a half prior to the gates opening was quite enjoyable. Who knew what an interesting crowd a bull fight would attract?! All ages and types gathered at the arena. We saw many older men, lots of excited children and couples of all ages on what appeared to be dates. “Refreshing!” we thought. There was little English spoken, so it was laughable to see what Spanish we could catch from passing conversations.

This event definitely brought out the best in entertainment. If you wondered whatever happened to banana clips, I found them in bulk. The bling-bling was out in full force—especially for the guys. And you’ve never seen people travel as quickly and efficiently in high heels over uneven ground, steps and bleachers as the ladies in attendance. Oh, and if you felt a bit peckish during this waiting period, there were even concessions…in a wheelbarrow. Who knew such fun could exist? I mean, this is much better than a circus and possibly even rivals the state fair experience.

As we approached the time when the gate opened, a line began to form and soon stretched through the parking lot. When the people started pouring in, we joined the queue and slowly made our way toward the entrance. Inching forward, we noticed a vendor with his wares spread out on a sheet covering the dusty ground. I glanced over the merchandise, noting more of the strange masks we had seen other patrons carrying with them upon arrival. This was obviously another interesting addition to the bull fight. Perhaps their version of a rodeo clown wore masks at bull fights. Hmmm…

As I weighed the new development, items at the far end of the sheet suddenly caught my eye. “Wait—are those toy figurines of wrestlers? As in the fake kind of wrestlers?” Yes, in fact they were. You could purchase miniature versions of fake wrestling rings with your favorite wrestlers. Wow—this place did have it all!

And then as we passed through the entrance, it all came together. Those multiple versions of “Yo Soy AAA” shirts weren’t a coincidence. AAA was in town, and the classic bull fight was bumped for this version of local entertainment. For someone who grew up in a real wrestling family and never gave “professional” (a.k.a. fake) wrestling the time of day, this was excruciatingly ironic and hysterical. At this point, what else could I do but laugh? And laugh I did…all through the evening’s entertainment.


Yes, Casey and I had traveled across town, waited two hours and ended up at the Mexican version of professional wrestling. Instead of hightailing it home, we stayed to take in the entertainment. You see, my friends, the city had come out for this occasion. Even our favorite waiter from the hotel was there. While is wasn’t the cultural experience we had searched for, we did find the locals!

Happy travels!