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124 The singing in the churches is of a high order, and the choir-boys have exquisite alto voices.

are likewise passionately fond of dancing. Public balls (bailes) are frequent all over the Republic. In the capital they are held on Sunday nights, while in the smaller cities Saturday is the more common evening for them. Private balls are given by subscription in the principal cities, to which tourists may obtain invitations through some banker or merchant.

It is rare to have a tertulia, or evening-party, without dancing.

The festivals of Mexico were formerly of a religious character, but since 1856 they partake of a political nature. The following is a list of the principal holidays:

January 23. Santo of the King of Spain. February 5. Anniversary of the Constitution of 1857. February 22. Birth of Washington. March 14. Santo of the King of Italy. March 21. Birth of Benito Juarez. April 1. Opening of the session of Congress. May 5. Anniversary of the defeat of the French at Puebla. May 8. Birth of the Curate Hidalgo. May 15. Capture of Querétaro in 1867. May 31. Close of the session of Congress.