Christmas in Mexico is a very special holiday. For the Mexican people the Posada is a huge part of the celebration. The start of the Posadas are just around the corner. In Spanish La Posada means “The Inns”. This is a reenactment of the pilgrimage Mary and Joseph did to get from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Neighborhoods and families get together starting the night of December 16 and it ends on December 24th. They go to a different house every night, carrying candles and singing along the way Christmas carols, playing music and usually carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary. When they arrive at the last house, there Joseph and Mary are invited in along with all the guests. The asking to come in is done in 2 parts of a song. Those on the outside sing the song to ask to come in while the people on the inside respond with song that there is no room at the inn. This will go on for some time until the inn keeper allows them to pass. Here they are served a variety of foods and drink. The dinner may consist of Tamales both sweet and savory, rice, Atole, Ponche, chocolate-cinnamon Champurrado and some form of alcohol like Tequila. Here the children break open a Piñata that is y filled with candy while the parents visit with the friends and family. If you ever invited to participate in a Posada, take them up on the invitation as you will not regret it.
This continues on until December 24th Christmas Eve when they celebrate what is called Noche Buena meaning “the Good Night”. Here dinner is served and usually consists of either turkey or roast pig. Children do not receive their gifts until January 6th or Kings Day as it is known.
It is interesting to note that while most homes have traditional Christmas trees, they also will have a Nacimiento or nativity scene. These can be found all over Puerto Peñasco in homes or yards and in various sizes. Something I recently read was that they are set up but the baby Jesus is not added until December 24 and the 3 Wise Men or Kings are added January 5th.
As you drive around Rocky Point during the Christmas season, you will see many homes decorated with lights and light figurines similar to the United States. Take time to park at City Hall or the Municipal Building as it is known and check out the Christmas tree, the animals and all the other things that are there. It is especially pretty at night.
King’s Day is January 6th, so once again the motorcycle clubs of Rocky Point will be doing the annual toy run to one of the barrios to pass out toys that were dropped off at the Rocky Point Rally in November or purchased with monies donated. They also contribute a lot to this day. If you are here, meet us on the Malecon as they gather up the toys and ride out with everything.
In closing, I would like to wish you each a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2018. Make each day count with your loved ones as one never knows what life can throw at you. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome you to our little city.
Come out and join the fun while enjoying the beautiful weather in Puerto Peñasco and the stunning Sea of Cortez views. Remember Rocky Point is only a 4 hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson.
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