Cinco de Mayo
Maybe it’s because May 5th falls midweek or perhaps the state is being Covid conscious, but this year's Cinco de Mayo festivities in Old Town were scaled back quite a bit from the pre-Covid fiestas. The entire event was put on by the businesses on San Diego Avenue and the side streets. There were no activities within Old Town State Park.
Fran and I rode our bikes there from Mission Bay. We wandered thru the rather quiet state park, before stopping for lunch at Casa de Maria, where we split two grilled mahi-mahi tacos, rice and beans. This is my half with my margarita chica.
Just outside the SP was the Wolfpack VDub Club from Imperial Beach. Not just VWs, but a few lowrider bikes were on display.
The VW bugs made up most of the display. This one ready for the beach.
This one ready for the desert.
A 1968 lowrider VW camper van and it’s for sale $23,000
New this year is Lucha Libre. Fun Mexican freestyle wrestling.
The live stage at Cafe Coyote had a new group on stage every hour.
With the lively music, the dance floor certainly was often used.
Little Italy Art Walk
This weekend was also the Art Walk in Little Italy. For this event we unloaded our bikes at Liberty Station and rode the waterfront path crossing at Ash to the walk on India Street.
It was much larger and better attended than the Cinco de Mayo fest.
Art was displayed in all forms of media. This gal is offering metal works from tin and copper.
I like good photography, specifically landscapes
and even better are great photos of places we have been, Zion's Narrows.
This interesting lion is made completely of straw
The Jacaranda trees are just starting to leaf and dropping the purple flowers everywhere.
There were a lot of different mediums on display. Oil and watercolor paintings, glass and ceramic sculptures, creations in wood and more ... much more!
There were 4 stages of live music, but I found the haunting Chapman Stick most captivating.
If you've not had the pleasure of listening to the 'Stick' follow the link above where they have samples of the music/sounds that can be created.
That's how we spent our weekend, it was indeed a good one. I hope yours was too.
It’s Gay…We love both those areas…Old Towne and Little Italy. Yummy Mexican, lively music, and unique art is always a draw. Glad you and Fran are doing well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gay! Both areas make for an enjoyable day and lots of lunch choices.
DeleteWe enjoyed dining at Casa de Maria with you and Joe.
It was a very nice day Jeff! You and Fran always pick the bestest places!
DeleteOur meetups have all been special must be our group and not the location ;)
DeleteSan Diego always has such fun festivities. Surprised Old Town didn't have more Cinco de Mayo dancing! The low rider bikes are so fun - and who doesn't love some tricked out bugs :-) Thanks for sharing the stick music, so haunting and lovely.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised the park didn't set up their parade grounds this year, news said it was the state's current covid policy. I've wanted to build a Manx Bug, but never got around to it. But those folks in the bug club could do it in a weekend.
DeleteOf the music on the other 3 stages, it was typical ... but the stick was so unique - he got a generous tip :)
Big portions perfect for two, or leftovers. Been very long since I attended any festivals. I always wanted a VW bus, but with more clearance. The Chapman Stick sounds wonderful. Maybe I don't get out enough.
ReplyDeleteI had never seen/heard a Stick before, totally captivating. Ah come'on you go to the 'Q' ... talk about festivities and crowds - that's out of my comfort range (even before Covid). You get out just fine, on your terms.
DeleteSound and looks like you two had a wonderful time! I love the straw tiger, I wish I could have seen it in person.
ReplyDeleteI certainly do not have the patience to create a 'straw tiger'. it was impressive to see tho.
DeleteIt was good to get out and enjoy the weekend
I'm surprised that covid policies are still impacting any outdoor activities. I love California, but sometimes they really act crazy. Given the ridiculously good weather you all have, you would think they would be falling all over themselves to support these kinds of events. Ah well. Love the artwork. The Narrows was one of our all time favorite hikes. That photo is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI agree, this city does some really dumbsh*t things. And preventing folks from having outdoor events is kinda just stupid.
DeleteThe water was too deep for us to make it far past Wall Street on our Narrows hike. It's an awesome hike!