San Blas or Saint Blas.

We called for a panga to guide us cross the bar into the San Blas Estuary. We anchored outside of town in 11 feet of water. We soon learned that this was a special day. Saint Blas blesses the fishing fleet today and it's considered a holiday. There was a special mass, schools and banks were closed. The town was turned into a carnival of excitement. Around 3 pm the entire town gathered in the square and a man size statue of San Blas was carried out of the church.


A parade started that went about a mile down to the water. At the water, the fleet was blessed and holy water sprinkled upon them. Then the fleet went out into the ocean and the fishing grounds were blessed. After the blessings the town center became the center of attention. Games and rides for kids of all ages. Street vendors were at work on every inch of sidewalk.



A firework display was being set up in the middle of it all. A structure, 50 plus feet tall with oversized pinwheels on all sides, was erected. People gathered around to see the show. Around 10 pm the firework show started. There was so much smoke, sparks, and fire falling on the crowd, I was sure someone would get hurt, or at least my jacket would have holes burned in it. But when all was done, my black coat was white with ash and I was glad I wore a hat. All was ok. The crowd cleared and everyone when home happy.

Once again, I am reminded why we chose to spend the next 7 years traveling the world. Full time travel is the only way to experience the small celebrations a town like San Blas Mexico partake in. We plan to staying here for our 28th anniversary, then watch the Super Bowl and maybe a jungle tour, before moving onto the next adventure.