recife

Tonight is Christmas eve and this mean a big family celebration in Mexico. For most of the mexicans this is a religious holiday to celebrate the Nativity or the birthday of Jesus Christ. The main Christmas celebration in Mexico is called las Posadas, which refers to processions reenacting Joseph and Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem and these begin nine days before Christmas. Tradicionally each family in a neighborhood, should schedule a night for the Posada to be held at their home, starting on the 16th of December and finishing on the 24th on Noche Buena (Christmas eve). After the processions and the chants people do the Piñata filled with candies, peanuts and fruits. The kids are blindfolded and they try to hit the piñata with a stick while the other kids are singing a chant.











At home we set up a Nativity scene and usually a Christmas tree too. For the dinner people prepare roasted turkey, mole, apple salad, fish, bread and a special winter hot beverage called Ponche or Punch made with seasonal fruits and cinnamon sticks. Of course adults can always add a shot of alcoholic spirit.

The religious people use to go to church to listen mass and the come back home to have dinner. At midnight all the family wish Merry Christmas and they hug each-other. After that is time to eat and open the presents. Everybody gather around the Christmas tree and exchange gifts. In my family we usually play a secret Santa between all the grandchildren. And, of course, we listen music and dance all night. I miss that.

This holiday season a I might not be in Mexico but instead I will be celebrating with wonderful people that I happened to meet during this time I've been living in Japan and I thankful for that. If you want to have a great time come to join us at Recife. I assure you you will enjoy it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everybody!!

Wish you peace and success everyday on 2011.

Keep warm and hope to see you soon.

Andrea