We forfeited other plans so we could attend the Bacardi festival. As we approach the factory, roads are closed, vehicles parked sideways, and tents outside the grounds. There is very high security all around, and we are told we need to park "outside". It is stifling hot, but luckily, the sun is hidden by a few clouds. This event draws 50,000 people each year and as we reach the front gate, there is a line that only hell knows how long. Security gates with metal detectors, directly as a result of the 9/11 events, slow admission. Music is loud and coming on a regular basis. As we arrive, all we see is food, food, food. People are eating shish-kebab at 11 am. The art exhibits are housed under tents.
I’m sorely disappointed; I see the magi in wood, glass, ceramic, paper maché, painted, unpainted, on plaques, and in leather. Less than 10% of all artists had non-religious themes to their work. One was a ceramist with exceptional light switch plates, and other very ornate pieces. Another was a woman exhibiting art made with handmade recycled papers. Belts, leather hand bags and hats. A very original item was wooden purses which were put together with 2 different shades of wood.
CK took some pictures and I really never found anything that exceptional here.
There might have been over 150 artists in total, maybe more. There was also a huge stage with appropriate decorations and Bacardi logos, where a singing contest was being held. TV cameras were filming the event. People were sprawled all over the lawns, in chairs, on their derrières, where ever there was a spot to sit. We had a bite at one of the food stalls. I opted for a cheese arepa and a Mango batido and Chuck had a chicken shish topped with an Amarillo.
We started walking out as we were eating. Some people were posted along the exit route to survey the participants, and one of them stopped me. She asked what I thought about the fair, if it reinforced family values, and if it addressed people of all ages. I did say that in all fairness it did not, unless you are deeply religious as far as the arts and crafts go. I also responded that I would not come back nor would I recommend it to anyone else. Too much hassle and fatigue for very little return. The food was excellent, but no one needs to reach a boiling point of 200 degrees for an arepa.
As we exited, we looked at some of the people who also set up their wares outside; that was far more interesting and varied than what we found inside; in fact, I ended up purchasing a wonderful 3 pot mobile for $25.00 from a local ceramist. The walk to the car seemed interminable, and traffic was at a standstill for miles the car, we took a detour.