On the schedule for our first evening in Campeche was the Christmas Spectacular to mark the end of a two week cultural festival. We arrived early for the 7 pm show, which really was scheduled to begin at 8. Keith bowed out, we had walked a long way along the waterfront and he was sore. I took him back to the hotel and went out by myself arriving at 8:20, no show underway.
Because I was alone I was able to snag a seat on the third row of hundreds set up outside in front of the incredible Cathedral; there was free seating all around the main square and on the streets coming in and out of the square. Right as the clock on the church tower sounded 8:30 pm big cameras (think TV cameras) were turned right on me! A line of finely dressed, obviously important people moved into the vacant, saved seats directly behind me, no other than the Governor of Campeche state & wife, Bishop & City Mayor & wife. The show may now begin!
The program included the State Orchestra, a beautifully costumed Mayan Children's Choir, three very talented Tenors & a wonderful Mariachi Band (5 violins, 2 horns & 3 guitarists). Before the live music began a film to celebrate Mundo Mayan 2012 (Mayan World 2012) was played on a HUGE big screen TV. I'd seen it before, it highlights many of the ruins in the five Mexican Mayan states in the south that we have visited &/or plan to visit on this trip. Each scene has children running through the ruins with elders. Very touching, emotional~ the music catches your heart with the images!
I won't describe each act or number...it just kept getting better & better!
During the last few songs with all the acts on stage together, the tenors led the immense crowd in some local favorites, boy how they all sang! Then there were Christmas carols~ Silent Night & Oh, Come All Ye Faithful. After an encore by the trio of tenors I could sense the big exctement coming!
Blasting over the loud speakers again came the Mundo Mayan theme song from the beginning. But this time with fireworks dancing in the sky, shooting from the roof and over the cathedral towers! Then more fireworks from the beach to the left! It went on for over five minutes and was more than I could literally handle emotionally! I was crying at the end when I turned to the Governor. I said "Thank You" and then "Gracias" as I signed thank you with my hand. He came me a thumbs up! It was a very special night!
My only regret is that I left my camera & my Keith back at the hotel!
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