On a Sunday evening in March, we walked to Centro in the early evening.  There were tons of people in the area of the Jardin.  We ate at La Sirena Gorda (the fat mermaid), which specializes in seafood.  The restaurant is like many here in Centro.  The kitchen and restrooms are under cover at the back of the space, and the tables are in an outdoor setting with a huge tree growing there and masses of bougainvillea hanging in one corner.  From the street, it looks like any other doorway, but inside it is mostly an open-air garden. In other restaurants, an awning or a roof will rollover at least some of the space electronically if the weather is threatening.  Not sure what they do at this particular place.  The food was just ok, but the drinks were a lot stronger than anywhere else we’ve been.  

Leaving the restaurant and walking toward the Jardin, we saw two of the local giant puppets walking around, plus a band with a large rhythm section (congas) playing in the central bandstand.  The music was soothing, and people were gently dancing as many others watched.

As we left the park in search of an empty taxi, people were pouring into the area.  Tomorrow is a holiday—Benito Juarez’ Birthday.  I will not be surprised if we hear lots of fireworks from Centro tonight.