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Diane Hernandez, Oracle resident and Rocky Point visitor, hands candy out to trick-or-treaters.
There is something rather soothing sitting by the beach feeling the warm sunshine and watching the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez ebb and flow with the tide. It is especially nice to be able to do this in late October and early November in the town of Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico. Puerto Penasco more commonly known as Rocky Point by Americans was once a sleepy fishing village but is now a bustling tourist town. Many Americans own property and businesses in Rocky Point and many winter visitors from the U.S. and Canada spend time here.
Americans have influenced some of the culture in Mexico just as Mexican culture has made its way into the United States. Halloween is celebrated in Rocky Point much like it is in the U.S. Although, in Mexico it extends to a three-day celebration with Halloween, All Souls Day and Dia De Muertos.
A young costumed girl.
This Halloween I was able to participate in some of their festivities. On Halloween my wife and I watched merrily as hordes of Trick or Treaters dressed in an assortment of costumes came looking for candy at our trailer park, Playa del Oro. We came prepared this year and brought a lot of candy.
It was great to see friendly Americans and Canadians passing out goodies to the at least 500 kids that showed up. They were dressed as their favorite comic book and cartoon characters as well as Mexican Calaveras (skeletons) and Catrinas. Iron Man, Spiderman, Ninja Turtles, witches, pirates and Freddy Kruger were well represented. The kids showed up shortly after school let out around 3 p.m. and all the candy was gone by 4:30. That left just enough time to take a dip in the surprisingly for this time of year warm ocean and settle down to watch an amazing sunset.
Dancers performing during the “Ofrendas Sobre El Mar” Altars at Sea event
On Nov. 1 we attended the first of what may be an annual event, “Ofrendas Sobre El Mar” Altars at Sea event down by the loading docks at Old Port. The event included food, music, folklorico dancing, Chinelo dancers, hula dancers, the Yaqui Deer Dance and the La Catrina dance with death. Altars with offerings for their loved ones were created by family members on board “pangas” the small fishing boats used in Rocky Point. The altars usually have a photograph of their loved ones along with items related to the deceased such as their favorite food or drink. They are decorated with sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and candles which allude to pre-Hispanic traditions. Pan de Muerte a sweet bread made for the Dia de Muerte is usually seen on the altars. A black dog appears in some of the altars to guide their loved one to the after life.
The boats with their decorative altars and lights were launched after dark and paraded in front of a crowd. Judges selected the best altar of the evening. It was an enjoyable evening. Many of the cantinas in town also had costume contests and live entertainment for the Halloween/Dia de Muerte celebrations. If you ever get a chance, visit Rocky Point during this time of year.
A dancer at “Ofrendas Sobre El Mar” Altars at Sea event.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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