El Mago Fresolín

On Saturday I became a godfather. No, I'm not talking about the kind of godfather who wears a snap-brim fedora hat and talks like Marlon Brando. I became a "Padrino" or "godfather" in the Catholic Church for a little Mexican boy named "Ian Krishna" at his "bautismo" (bau-TEES-moh) or "baptism". Now, as to how this little boy became to be named Ian Krishna is not a good story so I won't go there. I do have a good story to tell, however, so let's go there instead. After the church ceremony we had a party for little Ian and the party included a "mago" (MAH-goh) or "magician" named "Mago Fresolín". The word "fresa" (FRAY-suh) means "strawberry" and Irapuato is strawberry country. A "fresolín" (fray-soh-LEEN) is a milling cutter or engraving tool. Hence the name "Fresolín" is merely a play on words that sounds a bit magical. That's because it really is magical.

The magician's real name is Antonio García Sotomayor and he has been doing magic shows for events like birthday parties and baptisms for just about as long as anyone can remember. I do know that he has been doing it for at least twenty five years and he is now in his seventies. Many of the people who hire him for their child's party were little children themselves the first time they saw Fresolín. I have seen him many times myself over the years since I first came to Irapuato and I love this guy. His magic is old and corny and his equipment is the bare minimum and he carries it around on a bicycle in cardboard boxes and plastic bags. I don't know exactly how he does it but he can hold the attention of an audience both young and old better than anyone I have ever seen. Thousands of Irapuato children have never known any other magician in person. He really loves the kids and you can tell this by his infinite patience with them and they never give him trouble. He can get rid of a frown or wipe away tears with just a wave of his hand and a kind word. The man is a master at his art. On top of that he doesn't charge very much. For two hundred and fifty pesos he will entertain the kids for over an hour and the fee includes many little prizes that he hands out.

Mago Fresolín has a motto on his business card. It says " Las penas llegan solas pero las alegrías hay que buscarlas" or in other words, "Troubles come on their own but joys you have to look for". I am happy to have known Mago Fresolín and every time I see him it makes my day. It makes me wonder if it isn't true, the saying that goes "there are angels that walk among us".