Walking around La Penita de Jaltemba has afforded me the privilege of finding places both on and off the beaten path. In this post I will show you a few interesting tidbits about La Penita that have stood out for me.
Bull Ring
When I first saw this large complex, I thought it must be a bull ring. I asked a few locals what it was and was told it was for a horse show, only used once a year on Independence Day. While that may be true, I have subsequently found out that it is indeed a bull ring called Lienzo charro Las Isabeles!
Cowboys are very competitive here in Mexico. They have shows akin to our rodeo’s in Canada and the States. These are very festive events, the town will swell with visitors and animals. There will be competing bands playing and a carnival type atmosphere. At the time of writing I am unable to find out any type of schedule for this arena.
Town Square
All Mexican towns that I have visited have a town square, La Penita is no different. There are two things that stood out to me here however. Usually in the middle of the square is a pagoda or covered stage type of area, where typically bands will play music. These are concrete structures with wrought iron railings. The one in La Penita is such a structure however the dome ceiling is covered inside and out with the most beautiful paintings!
When the sun is shining early in the morning, the square is so peaceful and a perfect time of day to look around.
Always near the town square, usually across the street is a church. Again La Penita is no different. There is indeed a large church right across the road. The church however looks nothing like any church I have seen in Mexico. It is literally a square brick building without any spire, bell tower or steeple. I wonder if perhaps it is unfinished.
There is a large simple cross on the back side and two large bells that extend off of another side. The exposed brick work on the interior and the domed ceiling is quite stunning. I urge visitors to go in and have a peek. The first time I walked past the building, I didn’t even realize it was a church, it is just so unassuming in appearance!
Animal Murals
All of the towns and cities I have had the pleasure to visit in Mexico have had fairly extensive mural paintings. The talented artists have been granted permission to paint the most extraordinary scenes to decorate a building or street.
The curious thing in La Penita is that most of the murals, and by most I mean almost all, are of animals and specifically what look like pets!
I don’t know the history of this or why this is but it was really cute to walk down street after street and see all of the furry friends!
I will never tire of walking for adventure and discovery. This mode of transportation, my precious legs, have given me such insight into every place I visit. How lucky am I?
