Erik García Where to

25/02/2026

I just drove back from the Gulf Coast today and everything was smooth on the road. As I got closer to the Istmo region, I saw several patrol vehicles along the highway. Security presence is noticeable, and it feels like things are steadily returning to normal.

23/02/2026

Additional information:

“The Secretaría de Turismo del Estado de Oaxaca informs the general public and tourists currently in our state that:…”

….”Regarding the update issued by the Embajada de Estados Unidos on February 22, 2026, about security operations in some regions of the country (mainly in Jalisco and specific areas of other states), we confirm that there are no reported impacts in our state.

The airports of Xoxocotlán, Huatulco, and Puerto Escondido are operating without interruptions, cancellations, or delays related to these events. Our main highways, tourist destinations, communities, and archaeological sites remain open and continue welcoming visitors with the hospitality we are known for.”…

mantiene condiciones de seguridad y operación turística con total normalidad ✨✈️

Los aeropuertos de Xoxocotlán, y operan sin interrupciones, cancelaciones ni retrasos relacionados con estos eventos. Nuestras carreteras principales, destinos turísticos, comunidades y zonas arqueológicas permanecen abiertas y recibiendo visitantes con la hospitalidad de siempre.

22/02/2026

“Please refrain from traveling outside Huatulco and remain informed through official channels.”

“STATEMENT

The State Coordination of Civil Protection and Risk Management reports that, in light of the violent incidents recorded today in the country, a preventive alert is being issued to people using the highways that connect the state of Oaxaca with the borders of Veracruz.

As a priority measure, it is recommended to cancel or reschedule non-essential transfers, trips, and activities, limit mobility as much as possible, and remain in safe places until official information is available that allows activities to resume with greater certainty.

In particular, this recommendation extends to those who carry out constant mobility, such as cargo transport and units that transport fuel or hazardous materials, in order to strengthen their self-protection measures.

These provisions have a preventive focus and seek to reduce risks, prioritizing the protection of the population’s safety and integrity.

The CEPCyGR urges citizens to remain informed only through official institutional channels.”

15/02/2026

Part 3

We continue sharing moments from the 47th National Gathering of Soneros and Versadores in Tlacotalpan.

Something magical happens in Tlacotalpan when night falls.

My first nighttime fandango took place at the Foro Cultural Luz de Noche, and it was simply unforgettable. The evening began with a concert by two great sonero groups: Manguito con Chile and Colectivo Carretoneros, pride of my hometown Loma Bonita, Oaxaca.

Seeing how people come together to play, sing, and dance simply for the joy of doing so is hard to explain… but deeply beautiful. In that moment, I realized once again how much I love jarocho music and everything it represents.

One of the most outstanding moments was watching Mario Alberto Ramírez Guillén play the quijada. It was truly out of this world. His performance, his energy, and his strong personality filled the space and stayed etched in my memory.

Something that deeply impressed me is understanding that a fandango has no closing time. It lasts all night and, in this particular case, did not end until 2:00 p.m. the following day. Music, verse, and dance flowing without hurry, as if time itself disappeared.

And to make a perfect night even better, I was accompanied by my wife Cecy Alvarado. There was no better way to live it.

This is how I experienced my first nighttime fandango at the 47th National Gathering of Soneros and Versadores. 🎶✨

15/02/2026

15/02/2026

Part 3

We continue sharing moments from the 47th National Gathering of Soneros and Versadores in Tlacotalpan.

Something magical happens in Tlacotalpan when night falls.

My first nighttime fandango took place at the Foro Cultural Luz de Noche, and it was simply unforgettable. The evening began with a concert by two great sonero groups: Manguito con Chile and Colectivo Carretoneros, pride of my hometown Loma Bonita, Oaxaca.

Seeing how people come together to play, sing, and dance simply for the joy of doing so is hard to explain… but deeply beautiful. In that moment, I realized once again how much I love jarocho music and everything it represents.

One of the most outstanding moments was watching Mario Alberto Ramírez Guillén play the quijada. It was truly out of this world. His performance, his energy, and his strong personality filled the space and stayed etched in my memory.

Something that deeply impressed me is understanding that a fandango has no closing time. It lasts all night and, in this particular case, did not end until 2:00 p.m. the following day. Music, verse, and dance flowing without hurry, as if time itself disappeared.

And to make a perfect night even better, I was accompanied by my wife Cecy Alvarado. There was no better way to live it.

This is how I experienced my first nighttime fandango at the 47th National Gathering of Soneros and Versadores. 🎶✨

11/02/2026

09/02/2026

Part 2

Sometimes, the best moments aren’t on the program… they live in the unexpected.

The Irreverent Décima Forum, scheduled for midday, ended up becoming an experience marked by improvisation and complicity among versadores. Because the venue opened later than planned, the masters of irreverent décima —Carlos Rosario, Porfirio Rosado, Daniela Meléndez, Honorio Robledo, Lourdes Aguirre Beltrán, Marconio, and Fallo Figueroa Jr.— found themselves outside with a group of Spanish versadores who were also attending the event.

Far from being a setback, the moment turned into pure magic.

While they waited for the doors to open, the performances began to the sound of the jarana and in the form of verses. No stage, no microphones, no formalities. Just the word, the music, and the talent flowing naturally.

It was a powerful reminder that the décima lives in the person who speaks it, not in the place where it is spoken.

And, once again, I had the good fortune of living it alongside my wife Cecy Alvarado.

This is how the Irreverent Décima Forum was experienced at the 47th National Gathering of Soneros and Versadores. 🎤🎶