The weather was perfect and the people were out to dance. Fiestas Patrias of Austin provided a full schedule of music and other activities on both days.

We attended on day two, the conjunto festival managed by Johnny Degollado. We were sorry to arrive just too late to hear the University of Texas conjunto and the violins from Lake Travis.

As always there was much meeting and greeting. Congressman Lloyd Doggett took the stage and spoke briefly to great applause. Big news is that, in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte will give a free concert in the south grounds of the Capitol, from 6 to 9 pm on May 15. Here are the FAQs for the event.

Henry Zimmerle and his conjunto have played many times at this event and are always a treat to hear. Our great favorites are Los Dos Gilbertos, and they never disappoint.

When we left, between 6 and 7 pm, people were beginning to pour in and there was already a crowd. Toy-camera photos and unedited videos can never come close to capturing the delight of this festival. How wonderful it is for Austin to enjoy this wonderful annual event, made for all ages!

Head right over to Fiesta Gardens and you’ll be in time to take part in the dance contest at the Cinco de Mayo conjunto event. Santiago Jimenez, Jr., has taken the stage and there are more conjuntos to come. Entrance is $7 for adults. Parking is free. There are free carnations for the ladies, in honor of Mother’s Day. Other freebies were fans, frisbees, and pencils. There’s no need to dine ahead of time, because there’s plenty of food to accompany the various liquid refreshments. Bring a folding chair or be seated on the bleachers under the pavilion roof sheltering the stage and shading the dance floor. The Cinco de Mayo souvenir tee-shirts are just $10. See more pictures on Flickr. And go dance, for happy feet and happy spirits.