Christmas Celebrations - Mexico-style!

 

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My husband Will and I have developed the habit of spending part of November and/or December in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. During our visits these past four years, we've noticed that as soon as the Day of Dead (Nov 1-2) celebrations are over Christmas decorations appear on buildings and streets. We northerners find it a bit jarring to see Santa Clauses in snowsuits and boots, reindeer, and our traditional Christmas trees juxtaposed with palm trees and swimsuits.  

A lucky girl rides the burro pictured below

Real burro stands beside restaurant Santa Claus and burro

No doubt Mexicans dress up their streets, restaurants, and hotels partly for snowbird tourists, but the locals seem to enjoy the festivity. Our hotel desk clerk was pleased when I admired the suggestion box she'd creatively decorated. 

Perhaps part of the appeal is that the traditional red, green, and white Christmas colours happen to be the colours of the Mexican flag. 

The Mexican flag flies above a beachfront cafe

Most Christmas decorations sold in stores are similar to ones available at Canada Walmart, although occasional stores displayed Mexican piñatas. Unfortunately, they were too bulky and fragile for us to bring home in our suitcases to add a Mexican flair to our own Christmas decor.  

 

Mexico is a predominately Roman Catholic country and Christmas is ultimately a religious celebration. From December 1-12 about 400 processions wind through the streets of Puerto Vallarta and culminate at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. These parades commemorate the appearance of

the Virgin Mary to the peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. Our Hotel Los Arcos organized a procession for staff members and invited hotel guests to attend. They asked us to wear white although the procession's dancers appeared in colourful costumes. 

Waiting for the procession to start

            

According to Google translate, this sign at the start of the procession says: Virgin of Guadalupe here are your children of Corporative Los Arcos thanking you for all the favors received and asking you to preserve our work and Directives.

The candlelight processions include both Aztec and Christian costumes and motifs, mariachi bands, and singing by all participants (the organizers gave us song sheets). Food stalls filled the park in front of the destination, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.     

We found it a beautiful way to welcome the Christmas season. With luck we'll continue our Mexico habit next year. 

Happy Holidays to you!