Fiestas del Pescador (one month later)

The crowd on my street at the 4:00am opening ceremonies.  This was the first time everyone was able to see the three beauty queens---Kind of a big deal

Every year La Boquilla has a huge four day fiesta in honor of their patron saint.  This year the festivities started June 22nd and ended the 25th.  As it was my first year experiencing the fiestas del pescador I had no idea what to expect.  I did however, pick the brains of some locals, but even with their help what I witnessed was something both different and unforgettable.  La Boquilla transformed from a small fishing town to a bustling city for four straight days--it was as if the population tripled.  The events of the long weekend included a 4:00am parade, boxing matches, a bike race, concerts, drum circles, dances, more parades, and it all ended with the crowning of a new beauty queen.  The winning teen was from La Boquilla, beating out the candidates from Tierra Bomba and Boca Chica (two other fishing towns).  

Crowd at the boxing match

Two high school students exchanging some punches on the makeshift ring that was constructed on the softball field.   

I couldn't believe how many people came to La Boquilla.  

The three beauty contestants (In the middle is the La Boquilla representative).

Late might Vallenato concert with well know, in Colombia, singer Farid Ortiz

 La Bopquilla really put on quite a magical fiesta for their patron saint