Mexican
Posadas
"La Posadas,"
the remarkable buildup to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful
and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, it commemorates
the events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
After dark, each night of the "Posada," a procession begins led by two children. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to ask lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company pleads for admittance. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer.
Now it's time of the "Pinata," refreshments and dancing. The "Pinata" is a pottery (or paper) container, brightly decorated and filled with candy and toys. It is hung from he ceiling or a tree. One by one, the children are blindfolded, turned around and instructed to strike the Pinata with a stick. Usually several attempts are made before the container is broken. Of course, when that happens, there is an explosion of goodies and a scattering of children.
On Christmas Eve another verse is added to the Ave Marias, telling the Virgin Mary that the desired night has come. Small children dressed as shepherds stand on either side of the nativity scene while members of the company kneel and sing a litany, after which the Christ Child is lulled to sleep with the cradle song, "El Rorro" (Babe in Arms).
At midnight the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Devout worshipers surge into churches to attend the famous "Misa de Gallo" or "Mass of the Rooster." Following Mass, families return home for a tremendous dinner of traditional Mexican foods. The dishes vary with the different regions. However, somewhat common are the ,"tamales," rice, rellenos, "atole" (a sweet traditional drink) and "menudo," which is said to be more sobering than strong coffee.
Christmas
Day has no special celebration though many have adopted the American style
Christmas with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus.
El
Mes Patrio
September is the
most important month for Mexican history. Las Fiestas Patrias, or Homeland
Celebrations, include La Noche del Grito, Mexican Independence Day,
and el Día de Los Ninos Héroes de Chapultepec. All are
celebrated in mid September making it an important month for Mexican
National heritage. Find out how Las Fiestas Patrias originated, or read
about the activities that surround this festive day.
Similar to other Mexican celebrations, people take time to enjoy the
day and gather with friends and family. Here are a few of the activities
that take place during Fiestas Patrias. Bands play live marachi music
in parks and plazas. Artists create and sell their crafts to people
who are strolling through the streets. Dancers and actors put on elaborate
theater performances for large audiences. People gather and share large,
home-cooked meals. Large quantities of beer and tequila are shared among
friends and family. Communities and homes are decorated with Mexican
flags and red, green and white ribbons. On September 16, there are elaborate
fireworks displays throughout Mexico. Friends and families dance together,
yelling, "¡Viva Mexico!"
Bullfighting as we know it today, started in the village squares, and became formalised, with the building of the bullring in Ronda in the late 18th century. From that time, it began to follow a particular sequence of events: the entrance of the bull, the picador, the banderilleros, and finally the matador (bullfighter). Many of the picadors' horses were injured in the early days, so these heavy horses now wear protection.
Novice bullfighter is called a novillero and fights not in a corrida, but in a novillada with young bulls (novillos)
Bullfighting on horseback is called rejoneo.
In Mexico, Bullfights are held at the bullring Plaza de Toros. The bullfighting season runs from December to April every Sunday and most holidays. You can also find rodeos or charreadas during the offseason. See a Picture