A Christmas in Mexico Newsletter

<body> <p> </p> <p> </p> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="21%"> <p align="right"><a name="top"></a></td> <td width="79%"><p align="left"><i><b><font color="#800000" size="6">Christmas in Mexico</font></b></i></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p align="center"><i><b><font color="#800000">*</font><u><a href="index.htm" target="_top"><font size="4" color="#800000">Home</font></a></u></b></i><b><i><font color="#800000"><a href="index.htm" target="_top"><font size="4"> </font></a></font><font size="4" color="#800000">  </font><font size="4" color="#800000">*</font></i></b><a href="About%20Us/AboutusQuienesSomos.htm" target="_top"><i><b><font size="4" color="#800000">About Us</font></b></i></a><b><i><font color="#800000"><font size="4">   </font>*</font></i></b><i><font color="#800000"><a href="Catalog/catalogall.htm"><b><font size="4" color="#800000">Video Catalog</font></b></a></font><b><font color="#800000"> </font></b></i><b><i><font color="#800000"><br> *</font><a href="#intro" target="_top">Introduction</a>    <font color="#800000">*</font><a href="#Guadalupe" target="_top">December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe Day</a>   <font color="#800000">*</font><a href="#Posada">Posadas Pastorelas and the Christmas Holidays</a>    <font color="#800000">*</font><a href="#Reyes">Los Reyes Magos</a>   <font color="#800000">*<a href="#songs" target="_self">Traditional Songs for the Posadas</a></font><br> <font color="#800000">*</font><a href="#Receta" target="_self">Simple Christmas </a> </i></b><b><a href="#Receta" target="_self"><i>Recipes</i></a><i>    </i></b><b><i> <font color="#800000">*</font><a href="#video">Related Videos</a>  </i></b></p> <p> </p> <p><a name="intro"></a>We have just finished the <i><b>Día de Muertos</b></i> festivities, and now the market where I usually shop, and where the famous painter Frida Kahlo also used to get her flowers and food, is completely transformed.    A few days ago it was filled with <i><b>cempasuchitl</b></i> flowers, sugar sculls, <b><i>papel picado</i></b> and <i><b>pan de muerto</b></i> or  Day of the Dead bread, and today it is getting ready for the Christmas season.</p> <p>Everywhere I turn there are piñatas of all forms, sizes and colors, as well as candles for the <b><i>posadas</i></b>, <b><i>nochebuena</i></b> flowers, better known as poinsettias, and figurines made of wood, ceramic or paste for the nativity scene.</p> <p>Stores and street vendors are also selling all kinds of beautiful ornaments that merrily announce the proximity of one of the happiest periods of the year.  But before the Christmas season "officially" begins on December 16, day when the first <i><b>Posada</b></i> takes place, Mexicans join together for the festivities of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on December 12.    This is one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><b><u><a name="Guadalupe"></a><font size="4">December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe</font></u><font size="4">                              </font><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> </blockquote> <p>On this date, thousands of the faithful from around the country make the most important pilgrimage of all those undertaken during the year to the Basilica of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, where the miraculous image of the Dark Virgin is kept.</p> <p>On the day before the great celebration, thousands and thousands of people start to arrive.  Many of them make the trip from their place of origin by bicycle.  Trucks follow them to provide assistance and for them to have a place to rest if necessary.  I was very moved when I saw all this riders, mainly men, tirelessly  riding their  bikes kilometer after kilometer, with their hearts set on seeing<i><b> la Morenita - </b></i>our Lady of Guadalupe.  The monumental atrium of more than 46 thousand square meters begins to fill up. </p> <p>Some of the pilgrims arrive on their knees as a sign of their enormous devotion and gratitude for a favor received.  There are many groups of dancers and musicians  that have come to offer their art to the Virgin.</p> <p>By nighttime, the atrium is filled to bursting with pilgrims.  People of all ages and of all regions of the country gather together, physically as well as spiritually. A mass is officiated inside the Basilica and it is at this moment that  I could really feel the warmth and spiritual richness of the people.   </p> <p>Although it is in the Basilica de Guadalupe where the most important rituals and celebrations of this special date take place,  there are <b><i>fiestas</i></b> all over the country in Honor of Mexico's Patron Saint.  Practically everywhere there is an altar to the Virgin, a special celebration is held on her day. </p> <p>By the early hours of the morning, in every niche and cranny of the country, the burst of fire crackers is heard and their brilliant lights crown this great <i><b>fiesta</b></i> dedicated to the Mother of all Mexicans...Our Lady of Guadalupe.</p> <p> </p> <p><b><u><a name="Posada"></a><font size="4">Posadas Pastorelas and the Christmas Holidays</font></u><font size="4">                        </font><font size="2">   </font><font size="4"> </font><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> <p>Very shortly after the fiesta for Our Lady of Guadalupe ends, the preparation for the Christmas season begins.  </p> <p>The first of nine <i><b>posadas</b></i> is held on December 16. These are <i><b>fiestas</b></i>, which represent Joseph and Mary's arduous pilgrimage on their way to Bethlehem, and there are nine <i><b>posadas, </b></i>from the 16 to the 24 of December<i><b>,</b></i> because they symbolize Mary's nine months of pregnancy.</p> <p>I must tell you that since we really enjoy <i><b>fiestas</b></i> and we like to start the celebrations as soon as possible, we have what we call <i><b>pre-posadas,</b></i> which are as you may imagine, <b><i>posadas</i></b> that are held before December 16!    </p> <p>The whole community is organized for the<b><i> posadas </i></b>. Beforehand they decide which and how many houses will not offer a place where  Mary and Joseph can stay in, and where they will finally find shelter, and break the <b><i>piñata.</i></b>   The community also decides how many <b><i>posadas</i></b> they will have. Some only hold one or two of them during the season.  </p> <p>The <b><i>posada</i></b> begins with the procession of the pilgrims. At the head is Joseph, holding Mary's hand as she rides on the donkey.  Sometimes, instead of having someone dress up as Mary and Joseph, and ride a <b><i>burrito</i></b>, a couple of neighbors carry a nativity scene. Following them are all the neighbors, carrying candles and singing traditional songs to ask for <b><i>posada,</i></b> a place where they can stay. At the end of the trip through the streets of the neighborhood they reach their final destination.  Doors open and the big party begins!</p> <p>The piñata  strung up and everyone gets ready to break it! The children are blindfolded so it is harder to break!   One by one the children try to break it, while they are hitting it, the rest of us sing:                                                                                                                      <b><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="50%"> <p align="center"><b><font size="4"><i>"¡Dale,  dale,  dale,<br>  no pierdas el tino,<br> porque si lo pierdes,<br>  pierdes el camino,<br>     Una, dos, tres!"   </i></font></b></td> <td width="50%"> <p align="center"><b><font size="4">"Hit it, hit it, hit it,<br>              don't loose your aim,          <br> because if you loose it, <br> you won't find your way!<br> One, two, three!"</font></b></td> </tr> </table> <p>Afterwards we all enjoy the delicious food prepared: <i><b>tamales, buñuelos - </b></i>sweet fritters-<b><i>, churros </i></b>and<i><b> chocolate caliente -</b></i>hot chocolate<i><b>.</b></i></p> <p>During the Christmas season there are <b><i>Pastorelas</i></b>, which are theatrical representations of the shepherds on their way to honor baby Jesus.   They must follow the star in the East to get there, but there will be many obstacles, set by the devils, for them to overcome.  The <b><i>pastorelas</i></b> are comedies of course, and display a traditional sense of humor.  Sometimes the characters even get to deliver political jokes, which the audience obviously enjoys!</p> <p>Although the custom of putting up a Christmas tree has become very popular, the real Mexican tradition consists of setting up a nativity scene.</p> <p>These scenes are set up on December 16, but the figure of the Baby Jesus is not put into the manger until December 24, and the Three Kings are added on January 5.</p> <p>Christmas Eve, or <b><i>Noche Buena</i></b> as it is called in Mexico, is celebrated on December 24. This is an essentially family day, which begins with the last <i><b>posad</b></i><b><i>a</i></b> and ends with a delicious, sumptuous dinner.  At midnight there are masses that are called <b><i>Misa de Gallo. </i></b>  After dinner the adults exchange presents.</p> <p>On December 25, children wake up early,  to find under the tree the gifts they asked Santa Claus for.  This is a relatively new, (some 50 years old ) addition to our Christmas season. Before,  gifts were only exchanged on January 6,  <b><i>Dia de los Reyes Magos.  </i></b></p> <p> </p> <p><b><u><a name="Reyes"></a><font size="4">Los Reyes Magos</font></u><font size="4">   </font><font size="4">                                                                     </font><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> <p>All Mexican children anxiously wait January 5,  because this is when the Three Kings, <i><b>Los Reyes Magos, </b></i>arrive with gifts for them!  A few days before, the children write their letters asking the Kings for the toys they want the most.  Accompanied by their family, they go to the town's plaza or <i><b>zócalo</b></i>, to send their letters, attached to multicolored balloons that float up, taking their dreams with them.  In Mexico City  they go to the Alameda Park, where dozens of photographers and vendors gather to offer their goods.</p> <p>On the morning of January 6, all their dreams come true!</p> <p>In the afternoon, family and friends gather to share the "<b><i>Rosca de Reyes</i></b>" , which is a traditional wreath-shaped bread that is made only during the first days of January. The <i><b>Rosca</b></i> is served with <b><i>chocolate caliente</i></b>, and <b><i>tamales</i></b>.  Hidden inside this delicious <b><i>rosca, </i></b>are several small figurines, of  Baby Jesus. Each person slices a piece,  and whoever gets the baby figurine  has to invite everyone present to a new party on February 2, <b><i>Candelaria</i></b> day.</p> <p>On February second, <b><i>Candelaria</i></b> day, the many Baby Jesus figurines are taken from the nativity scene to the church to be blessed.  Practically all the markets will restore, paint and dress these dolls for the occasion.</p> <p>The nativity scene is put away on this date until the next year when the new Christmas season begins. </p> <p>This marvelous season, filled with dreams and joy, ends on this afternoon in a family setting!</p> <p><b><font size="2">                                                                                                                                                                <a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> <p><u><font size="4"><b><a name="songs"></a>Traditional Songs for the</b> <b><i>Posadas</i></b></font></u></p> <p>These are the traditional verses sung in the <b><i>Posada</i></b>.  The first group of neighbors that are asking for shelter would sing the verses on the first column. The neighbors responding, either denying shelter or offering their house, would sing the verses on the second column.</p> <p><b>Verses sung by the people asking for </b><i><b>Posada</b></i><b><i><font size="4">   </font></i> Verses sung by the people giving <i>Posada</i></b></p> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="50%">1. En nombre del cielo<br> os pido posada,<br> pues no puede andar<br> mi esposa amada. <p>2. No seas inhumano,<br> tennos caridad,<br> que el Dios de los cielos<br> te lo premiará.</p> <p>3. Venimos rendidos<br> desde Nazaret,<br> yo soy carpintero<br> de nombre José.</p> <p>4. Posada te pide,<br> amado casero<br> por sólo una noche<br> la Reina del Cielo.</p> <p>5. Mi esposa es María.<br> es Reina del Cielo,<br> y madre va a ser<br> del Divino Verbo.</p> <p>6. Dios pague señores<br> vuestra caridad,<br> y así os colme el cielo<br> de felicidad.<br> </td> <td width="50%">1. Aquí no es mesón<br> sigan adelante:<br> yo no puedo abrir<br> no sea algún tunante. <p>2. Ya se pueden ir<br> y no molestar<br> porque si me enfado<br> los voy a apalear.</p> <p>3. No me importa el nombre,<br> déjenme dormir,<br> pues ya les digo<br> que no hemos de abrir.</p> <p>4. Pues si es una Reina<br> quien lo solicita<br> ¿Cómo es que de noche,<br> anda tan solita?</p> <p>5. ¿Eres tu José?<br> ¿Tu esposa María?<br> Entren, peregrinos, <br> no los conocía.</p> <p>6. Dichosa la casa<br> que abriga este día<br> a la Virgen Pura<br> la hermosa María.</p> <p> </td> </tr> </table> <p>When the doors finally open, everybody sings:</p> <div align="center"> <center> <table border="0" width="30%"> <tr> <td width="100%"><p align="left">Entren santos peregrinos, peregrinos,<br> reciban este rincón<br> no de esta pobre morada<br> sino de mi corazón.<br> Esta noche es de alegría<br> de gusto y de regocijo<br> porque hospedaremos aquí<br> a la Madre de Dios Hijo.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </div> <p>                                                                                                    <font size="2"><b>   </b></font>                           <font size="2"><b><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></b></font></p>  <script language="JavaScript1.1"> </script> <noscript> <p><img border="0" src="http://i18.netscape.com/c.cgi?B2698418$2492086" alt="Hitometer"></noscript>  <p><u><font size="4"><b><a name="Receta"></a>Simple Christmas Recipes</b></font></u></p> <p><u><b><i>Chocolate Caliente<br> </i></b></u>6 servings<u><b><i><br> </i>Ingredients</b></u></p> <p>6 cups of milk<br> 6 oz  sweet chocolate<br> 6 oz  semi sweet chocolate<br> 1/2 tsp vanilla<br> dash of cinnamon</p> <p>Heat the milk over medium flame. Break the chocolate into pieces. When the milk is hot, dissolve in it the chocolate pieces, moving constantly until everything is dissolved. Increase heat and let the mixture slowly boil.  Add the vanilla and the cinnamon. Continue beating until frothy.</p> <p>Serve immediately and enjoy!</p> <p>When we are preparing the hot chocolate with  children , we usually sing:</p> <div align="center"> <center> <table border="0" width="31%"> <tr> <td width="100%">"Chocolate, molinillo<br> estirar, estirar,<br> que el demonio va a pasar."</td> </tr> </table> </center> </div> <p><b><i><u>Buñuelos de Navidad -Christmas Sweet Fritters</u>                                                </i></b><b><font size="2">   </font><u><i> </i></u><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b><u><b><i><br> </i></b></u>10 servings<u><b><i><br> </i>Ingredients</b></u></p> <p>2 cups water<br> 1 lb. flour<br> 2 whole eggs<br> 1 egg yolk<br> 1/2 tsp salt<br> 2 tbsp  anisette<br> 9 oz. lard<br> 9 oz. <b><i>piloncillo</i></b> -raw sugar <br> </p> <p>Boil one tablespoon anisette in a cup of water and leave to cool. Mix and sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix in the eggs, the yolk and the anisette in water, as required, and knead until the dough stiffens. Form into small balls and roll out on a floured board until very thin. Continue flattening by hand on a napkin and place on a floured table. Heat the lard .Fry one by one in the lard.</p> <p>Heat the <b><i>piloncillo </i></b>in one cup of water with the remaining tablespoon of anisette. This mixture will thicken to a light syrup. remove from heat and strain.</p> <p>Serve the fritters, broken into pieces, in bowls and pour the syrup over them.<br> </p> <p><u><i><b>Ensalada de Navidad </b></i>- <b>Christmas Salad</b></u><i><b>                                                </b></i><b><font size="2">   </font><u><i> </i></u><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b><u><b><i><br> </i></b></u>10 servings<u><b><i><br> </i>Ingredients</b></u></p> <p>2 small cooked beats, peeled and diced<br> 1 large cooked carrot diced<br> 1 orange, peeled and chopped<br> 1 apple, peeled and diced<br> 1/4 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and diced<br> 1 large banana, diced<br> 1/2 cup unsalted nuts, almonds  or peanuts<br> seeds of 1/2 small pomegranate</p> <p>1 tbsp lime or lemon juice<br> 3 tbsp salad oil<br> 1/2 teaspoon sugar<br> dash of salt<br> <br> Mix all the fruits.  Put lime or lemon juice, salad oil, sugar and salt into a screw top jar. Shake until blended and sugar has dissolved. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad and toss well.</p> <p>Pile the salad into a salad bowl and garnish with the nuts and pomegranate seeds. Let it stand in the refrigerator until chilled.</p> <p>Serve chilled.                                                                                                           <b><u><i> </i></u><font size="2"><a href="#top" target="_self">Back to Top</a></font></b></p> <p><font size="4"><b><u><font color="#800000">Related Videos</font></u></b></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><b><u><font color="#800000"><a name="video"></a></font></u></b></font><b><u><font size="4"><a href="Catalog/CatalogPages/6December12.htm" target="_top">December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe</a></font></u></b></p> <p align="center"><a href="Catalog/CatalogPages/5enochebuena.htm" target="_top"><font size="4"><b>Noche Buena a Mexican Christmas<br> </b></font></a></p> <p align="center"><b><i><font size="4"><img border="0" src="images/cartita_para_contact_us.gif" WIDTH="65" HEIGHT="35"><a href="mailto:may@inside-mexico.com">We would like to hear from you</a></font></i></b><a href="mailto:may@inside-mexico.com">.</a> <br> (<font size="2">Click to drop us a line)</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">©1999 Inside Mexico, All Rights Reserved.<br> Webmaster: Alfonso Olvera (<a href="mailto:may@inside-mexico.com">webmaster@inside-mexico.com</a>)   </font></p> <pre> </pre> </body>