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The ever-popular annual Mexican Festival is taking place this week at the bustling Adliya hotel and guests and VIPs on the opening night were enthralled by marvellous mad hatters, majestic dance routines and maidens wearing magnificent gowns.
A troupe of touring singers and dancers, brought to the island once again under the wings of promoter Imelda Widen from down Mehico way, put on a spellbinding display of traditional entertainment, thrilling the young and old alike.
The Mexican ballet welcomed guests from the minute they arrived on Thursday evening at the main lobby, supported with the lively sounds of swaying music and ignited by the irresistible aromas wafting from the entrance of Margarita Mexicana restaurant.
Ali Amralla, the hotel’s director of business development & strategy welcomed Mexican ambassador Arthuro Trejo, based in Riyadh, and Ruben Beltran Palafox, the embassy’s head of economic, cultural and cooperation section, and both appreciated a touch of home, judging by the smiles, foot and hand-tapping appreciation of the artistes.
Powerful singer Pedro Vicente was confident, captivating and charismatic cruising around the tables with style and panache. The master of the Mexican Hat Dance - The Jarabe Tapatío – a joyous national dance that has also become a symbol of Mexico around the world – he tip-toed around to woo his sweetheart in swash-buckling style and with a voice to melt many a maiden’s heart.
Great fun and great food too on the menu as Chef de Cuisine of Margarita Mexicana, Rafael López, delivered early on his promise of a new menu and the Tampiquuena clasica, a beef tenderloin with guacamole, refined beans and cheese enchilada, for example, will have you dancing with appreciation all the way home.
The festival continues until Friday.
–Stan Szecowka
