January, September, November and December in Mexico are the most important months of the year. No other month matters much to them except these four, here’s why.
January hosts Los Santos Reyes Magos, the holy three wise kings. It’s at the start of January, and much like Christmas. Mexico is not the wealthiest country, and many kids do not receive presents on Christmas, that’s what Los Reyes Magos are for. Children place their shoes outside by their door or by their bed, and awake to them filled with treats or toys.
If children were unable to receive toys, Los Reyes Magos have you covered.
And then hurt you. Days later, La Rosca de Reyes is brought out. Best explained, it’s a rectangular concha cake, with jelly and Baby Jesus. You cut a slice into the cake, and if you find Baby Jesus (whom everyone hates on the sacred day), you have to cook a large meal for the family in early February. Baby Jesus, a plastic toy only 2 inches tall, goes through much pain. Many people have confessed to eating him as to not cook for their families, or his head is cut off when people cut, trying to avoid drawing attention to his snapping neck.
He is eaten and spit into coffee mugs, choked on by unsuspecting victims, and even thrown across the room in disgust. It’s like a game, that no one wants to win.
On September 16th, it is Mexican Independence Day, and some Pueblos have parades lasting days, or children from school preforming through streets. Gunshots will be heard, and cheers will echo into every home. No one rests til early in the morning, and there is a chance the president will cascade through the tall streets throughout Mexico. Bandas will be heard til midnight, stores will close early to partake in the fun, and families will gather to celebrate on every corner.
November has Dia de los Muertos, and the towns will be covered in orange carnations and fliers, graveyards will be piled up with living family members leaving bottles of tequila, lighting candles, leaving rememberences of their life, and photos of the family together.
Weeks later, nearer Thanksgiving, they bring in bandas and groups to perform at stages in amusement parks! They will have a Danza de los Voladores, bull fights, performances, and so much more.
December is the time for Christmas. And Mexico goes all out. Unneeded streets are filled with vendors who are selling ornaments for trees, or large decorations for the newborn Jesus with donkeys, cows and so many chickens. Too many, in fact. Last year, during December, when in Mexico, there were nothing but clay painted chickens in large boxes, and they’d always be sold out. I don’t know what it is about them, but people sure love their chickens here.
All of these events are routine, and every year is greater than the last. So wish me well on vacation!
Have a great break!
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