Religious fervor and devotion to the Virgin of solitude, Patron Saint of Puerto Escondido, found a different and adrenaline fueled outlet over the weekend during the Chacahua boat race.
Amid festive energy, the traditional race was held in the town of La Grúa Chacahua, located within the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, the perfect stage for the boats and the general public to gather in one of the many channels of the lagoon, where a lane of just over one kilometer long was marked as a race track.
Divided into different categories, the boats were tuned up by their respective owners and operators, while the atmosphere on the shore of the lagoon became more festive, as families, children, fishermen and tourists gathered to support their favorites.
There were three categories assigned according to engine horsepower: 15, 60 and 75 horsepower, said Karla Hernandez Rivera, one of the organizers of the event.
In addition to being a religious celebration, the event was also organized as a fundraiser for the Leona Vicario primary school in La Grúa Chacahua.
The winner of the 60 hp category was a fisherman identified only as Gerson. The race, he said, was full of excitement and adrenaline. “Do not let up until the end, accelerate with everything, especially having a good start, that’s the key; it is not the first time, I already won in El Zapotal, but, well, all races are different.”
“Look at the atmosphere. Accompanying to my friends, my friend’s son won and we are happy, celebrating,” commented a visitor from San José del Progreso.
The boat races have become a tradition in Chacahua.
With reports from Ecos del Pacífico
