In Loma Bonita I got the chance to experience a Mexican fair first hand. The small town in the state of Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s largest pineapple producers. The fair, now in its 51st edition, celebrates this delicious fruit and its economic importance for the community.

“Many people here (Loma Bonita) work directly with pineapples or benefit indirectly from its production,” Raul Zuccolotto told me as we walked around the fair.

Raul’s father has been farming the prickly fruit since he was a child and now he is taking over operations. With a good friend, who also farms pineapples, and their families we explored the fairground as the kids enjoyed the colourful rides. The fair was packed with families who come from different municipalities in the area.

After feeding the ponies and checking their water one last time I made my way back to my cheap motel. The next morning I awoke to a horrible surprise – bedbugs had eaten me apart during the night. It was the worst! I was itchy all over and the heat didn’t help.

Sporting bites all over my body, I joined my new friends for a local parade around town. Horses, ponies and floats made their way around Loma Bonita’s downtown as people crowded its sidewalks. As we arrived back to the fair, a special ceremony was held by the Cattlemen’s Union to give thanks to all of the participants.

As I sat there listening to the thank you’s and applause, I heard my name being called out. Once again I was handed a microphone and asked to say a few words. I thanked the Union and the Fair for hosting my horses and I so well!

If you are ever in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca in the month of May, check out the Pineapple Fair.