I'm in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the skies are azure blue, dappled with brilliant white clouds. But, at the moment, I'm indoors at the Lensic Performing Arts Center for an afternoon concert of Mariachi music, part of this week's Fiesta de Santa Fe, which has been held every September for the past 298 years. (Santa Fe itself is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year.) An astonishing display of musicianship, with violinists, trumpet players, and that big acoustic guitar unique to Mariachi bands. There are also costumed singers - male and female - who sing with pure emotion, with the whole sold-out crowd singing along.

The big show, though, is tonight, when they burn Zozobar - a
50 foot high man puppet - in the town park. The locals say they get crowds in the tens of thousands, with partying that lasts all night long. Just like the Ferias in Spain.
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