With Semana Santa around the corner, we are reminded of many local traditions that have taken place across Puerto Peñasco over the years. One of these, carnaval, in past years wouldn't have been the same without the spectacular presence of Guille who, as Moka describes, has become synonymous in many ways with the colorful festivities. (Excerpts from original in Spanish) The Eternal Princess By MoKa Hammeken There was no Carnaval this year, though there are still those who more or less anticipate its arrival with joy (just as there are those who don’t, of course). Yet, one individual who truly misses the festivities is Guille who has seen Peñasco celebrate such spirited and fantastic carnavals, which now draw sighs from memory. I had arranged to meet with her one day, to which she charmingly agreed. I went to her salon to chat, and along the way made an appointment so she could cut my hair given it was a bit mistreated. This was her moment, as in
so many carnavals, shining proud amongst feathers, glitter, colors, and size 11 heels. Now she would have to do this through words. “So, how long have you been here? I understand you are nearly a Rocky Point icon,” I began. “Wow, can you believe that? You’re so mean,” she joked, “Well, I arrived here around nineteen seventy….five… It was Semana Santa, or a little before. The town was beautiful! You should’ve seen how beautiful Peñasco was…and I fell in love. It was…let me clarify.” “Why? It’s not anymore?” asking the obvious. “Well yes, it’s different and it’s grown a lot, of course, but not like before. Now there are other things and it’s nice, but not like the peacefulness. Before it was virgin, and had its spirit…there were no hotels, all the beaches were ours, the people were simple. It was more romantic.” “I went right into cutting hair as soon as I…