Queen-Sized Show Of Horses Planned For Royal Anniversary

Q. I understand a major equestrian event is planned in honor of the golden wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. Please provide details.

A. “Major” might be considered an understatement. The Royal Pageant of the Horse, scheduled for July 5, is being billed as the largest equestrian event ever staged.

It will be held at the Queen Victoria Review Ground at Windsor Great Park, a former hunting ground in view of the royal residence, Windsor Castle, 22 miles west of London.

More than 1,300 horses, 120 carriages, 600 musicians and singers, military bands and entertainers from all over Britain will take part.

The Gold State Coach with a full Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry will make a rare appearance. A musical production of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries,” which will include the King’s Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, the Massed Bands of the Household Division and the Bach Choir will be conducted by Sir David Willcocks.

Equestrian events in the Royal Pageant of the Horse aim to illustrate all aspects of horsemanship from racing and polo to show jumping and leisure riding.

Working horses such as the heavy shire breeds and horses used in transport and the army will also be represented.

The hour-and-a-half pageant, which will offer seating for up to 28,000, will start at 9:30 p.m. Tickets will cost about $68, $85 and $102. Parking will be provided for ticket holders.

Windsor Great Park will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during which time viewers will be entertained with jousting and other diversions, including a display of vintage Rolls-Royces.

To make reservations, which are required for both the daytime and evening events, and for information, call (44-1604) 831889.

Q. My husband and I are planning a trip to Morelia in Mexico, and we would like some general information about the city, as well as some tips on mid-priced hotels.

A. Morelia, the capital of Michoacan in central Mexico, was founded in 1541 as Valladolid, but was renamed in the 19th century for Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, an Independence War hero who was born there.

The city, graced with some of Mexico’s loveliest colonial buildings - many of them constructed of a pale, rose-colored stone - is a lively market town with a university, several Spanish language schools and an active arts scene.

It is known for its sweets - honey fudge, crystallized mangos and tamarinds - as well as regional crafts: lacquerware, handmade guitars, copper pots and ceramics.

The city’s most famous building is the 17th-century cathedral overlooking the central zocalo.

Built in a combination of styles, most prominently Baroque, the cathedral has twin, 200-foot bell towers, the tallest in Mexico. The sanctuary contains a 4,600-pipe organ.

Inside the 18th-century Palacio de Gobierno, at 63 Avenida Madero, (52-43) 12 78 72, are murals by the artist Alfredo Zalce. Morelos was among the graduates of the seminary that was once housed here.

Another worthwhile site is the Casa Museo de Morelos, 323 Avenida Morelos Sur, (52-43) 13 26 51, the former home of Morelos, with exhibits related to his life and his involvement in Mexico’s struggle for independence.

Among the midpriced hotel options is the Hotel Posada de la Soledad, 90 Ignacio Zaragoza, (52-43) 12 18 88, which has 58 rooms ranging from about $50 to $80. It occupies a restored 17th-century mansion.

The rooms on the front section, facing the Plaza de Armas, are surrounded by a patio with fountains and bougainvillea. All the rooms are decorated with Colonialera memorabilia.

Hotel Catedral, 37 Calle Zaragoza, (52-43) 13 04 06, is a 44-room inn housed in a restored colonial building.

Rooms surround a courtyard and some have views of the Plaza and the Cathedral. Double rooms also range from about $50 to $80.