| MEXICO
-- Each year on August 14th residents of the town of Huamantla,
Tlaxcala
use the streets leading to the main church to display carpets made
of sawdust and cut flowers.
These ephemeral prayer rugs are as beautiful as they are colorful.
Each takes several hours to prepare, and the locals have mastered
the art since this tradition began years ago. Nearly seven kilometers
of road are used as a canvas.
At midnight, a young woman, chosen to represent the Virgin Mary,
leads a procession over the carpets to the church. The procession
thus consecrates the work. The best viewing time is late afternoon
and evening when pilgrims and tourists alike are invited to view
the work.
REGIONAL TOURISM
The August Festival is becoming increasingly popular.
While August 14th is the most popular day, the fair runs two weeks.
More than 350,000 people were expected to attend in 2003.
In addition to the rugs, there are other events, including
a handicraft fair, cattle exhibition and a local version of the
"running of the bulls" called the Huamantlada.
Visitors are also encouraged to visit the National
Puppet Museum (Museo del Títire) located across from Parque
Juárez.
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