The holiday season

So one of the best experiences that Jay and I have been able to have so far is participating in holiday celebrations here in Jalcomulco. Christmas (which just ended yesterday) combines fiestas, religious pageants , special Catholic masses and is considered a national holiday." And we were able to experience all this first hand.

Starting Dec. 16 and continuing for many days the Mexican peasants and less often people in larger communities carry out a tradition referred to as Posadas. Kids from the community reenact the journey that Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem and their search for lodgings there. This means that two youngsters dress up as Mary and Joseph. Mary gets to ride a donkey, while Joseph leads her around. Another kiddo carries around a large paper star. People of all ages follow them around with candles as some people sing and play guitars. They travel thru various parts of town, on different streets every night. Families take turns hosting the group and when they complete their tour they share refreshments at that home.

Another distinct tradition is nativity scenes. They are bigger and better then anything you have ever seen and they are everywhere. They are very elaborate. On Christmas Eve Baby Jesus is added. When we attended mass at the local church three young girls dress in white silk present the doll. For the posadas that follow after Christmas, the girls are dressed in the same white dresses. I`d imagine that it is quite an honour for them to have this responsibility.

Mass lasted forever on Christmas Eve (it didn`t start on time and it feels like forever when you can`t really understand too much) . The church was packed with people and many ended up just standing. Once the service was complete we spent the evening with our Mexican famiy and about 15 other extended family members. It was such a treat. We had a great meal of pork cooked two diffrent styles, rice, spaghetti (done the Mexican way), salsas, beans and they made a salad just for us. There was also a hot fruit drink that included sugar cane and other local fruits. They included a Mexican rendition of Happy Birthday at midnight which was also the same time as the meal was served.

The host really wanted us to feel at home and started the night off by saying that we had to accept all drinks and were not allowed to say no. We paced ourselves pretty well. We even found out that there is a good way to drink Tequilla. We enjoyed our visit that lasted until 2:30 that morning. Before we left I was give the responsibility of adding baby Jesus to their nativity scene. Everybody has to kiss the doll first and then it is placed in the manger. The tradition is that once you do it you are expected to do it for the next 2 years. They are certainly hoping that we come back.