February 2nd in the Mexican Christmas tradition is Candlemas a Christian holiday celebrated annually on February 2. It celebrates three occasions according to Christian belief: the presentation of the child Jesus; Jesus' first entry into the temple; and it celebrates the Virgin Mary's purification (mainly in Catholic churches).
To celebrate this special day the Mexican tradition is to hold a tamale party known as a "Tamaliza" hosted by those who found the baby Jesus figurines in the traditional bread served on 3 Kings day, January 6th (Rosca de Reyes is a sweet bread, which is a special food for Three King's Day, known as "Día de Reyes" in Spanish, and celebrated on January 6 in Mexico)
Tamales were of course the main food with other choices included on the table to feed our guests. Including adults and children we had about 70 people.
The Municipality blocked off the street and donated tables and chairs for our event. Municipal officials are very pleased with the results of Claudia's work on saving the Mexican traditions.
This is the first year for Saving Mexican Traditions on our street, it has certainly accomplished what Claudia had hoped and more. One gentleman (expat) said he has lived on this street for 3 years and has met more people in the last 3 Christmas traditional parties than he met in all the time he has lived here. It is my hope that we are able to continue this Saving of the Mexican Traditions, because it has made our street a community of friends.
It was a laid back party enjoyed by locals, expats, visitors and friends. A couple no one had met heard about the party and joined us. How awesome is that? They were truly amazed with the event and left with a fuller understanding of Mexican traditions.
Rudy is watching the big foot ball game on his phone. It was so nice of he and sharon to join us and bring the game along.
The children enjoyed the Bounce Castle as usual.
Some were playing games on their phones.
Our Canadian neighbour Yannek suggested we have Karaoke and brought along his computer, another neighbour José brought his projector and Claudia provided a white sheet to show the words for the singers. Another Mexican tradition, everyone joins in and provides what they can to make a party, and it was a good one. It was amazing to see how many of our neighbours could sing. Karaoke night was well received by all guests, those who sang and those of us who sat and listened. What an awesome party.
Even the children took part in Karaoke when they tired of the Bounce Castle, it was so cute to watch them dance and sing.
Dwayne was very impressed with the whole event and our connection within the community.
During a walkabout town we came upon this
beautiful flower vine.
Dwayne took a walk into the port one morning and we met him with Howard and Theresa at "El Pirata" for lunch.
I am adding this photo to remind Dwayne of the awesome Club House sandwich and fries he had there.
A good time had by all.
His last night with us, Dwayne and his dad cooked fries and chicken wings for dinner, two good cooks in the outdoor kitchen.
It does my heart good to see Allan with his boys. Clinton was not able to make a visit this year, hopefully next year he will be able to attend one of our street parties to get a good feel for Mexico and our neighbourhood.
Allan and I had lunch one day at "El Picudito".
Our waiter in the white shirt on the right hand side is "Danny Boy", he speaks great English and is very good at his job. This is a must go to place for shrimp tacos, the best I have tasted! The serve fish, seafood and cold beer!
We walked past the bull fighting ring park and found they have removed the old bull fighting ring. It was getting dilapidated and looked somewhat dangerous for use. Bull fighting is banned in some parts of Mexico. In doing a google search I see some areas are trying to bring it back.
The removal of the wooden structure has provided a larger unobstructed area for circus events, fairs and other community activities.
Our long time friends Lew and the Red Hat Lady from Vermont joined us on the roof top of "La Sirena"
one evening for drinks after enjoying a lovely dinner together at "My Little Italy".
Such a pleasant view and you can see a cruise ship in the distance.
Mentioning views, here is another one from Don Ernesto's restaurant at Ojo de Agua.
Their beer is always ice cold and the food is delicious.
Later that day we went to Playa del Carmen with the Belfrays and visited, among other places, another fabric shop. I was able to find a nice material to make curtains for my kitchen back in Canada.
One day at "El Picudito" we met this nice couple from Chicago, they were very interested in our part of Paradise. They love the town of Puerto Morelos, have been here before and plan to come back often.
They told us they have a photo of the leaning lighthouse and the beach hanging on the wall at the foot of their bed to remind them why they get up every morning to go to work. We understand their love for this place.
Another week draws to an end, there aren't many left. We head home on the 5th of March so we will have to make good use of our few days left.
So again, until next post stay safe, keep warm and keep smiling.
No comments:
Post a Comment