Mexicans fight to preserve century-old Xmas tradition
Mexicans fight to preserve century-old Xmas tradition
By Rita A. Widiadana
JAKARTA (JP): Ask anyone in your neighborhood if they know
anything about Mexico and they will most surely mention Maria
Mercedes, Louis Alfredo or Santiago. The answer isn't surprising.
The names have become a popular subject of conversation over the
last few years.
Indonesians' knowledge of Mexico, the northernmost country in
Latin America, is shaped by the frequent screening of Mexican
soap operas on television. Through these soap operas, Indonesians
have become familiar with many Mexican TV stars and have glimpsed
life in Mexico.
Of course these soap operas present a superficial picture of
Mexican society; a society rich in tradition and culture. The
Jakarta Post interviewed Cristina Goddard De Palacios, wife of
Mexican ambassador to Indonesia Jorge De Palacios, to learn more
about the lives of Mexicans and particularly how they celebrate
Christmas and New Year.
"Christmas is the most important religious event for most
Mexicans," De Palacios said.
More than 90 percent of the 70 million people in Mexico are
Roman Catholics. The rest are Protestants. Mainstream Mexican
Catholicism has incorporated many elements from Spanish and
Indian traditions. The Catholicism practiced by native Indian
groups offers a fascinating syntheses of Christian ideas,
organizational forms and indigenous tradition.
The Mexican populace is predominantly mestizos, a mixture of
Spanish and Indian, while mulattos (a mixture of Africans and
Indians) and castizos (mestizos and Indians) are considered
minority groups.
"There are two significant rituals preceding Christmas Eve and
New Year's Eve, the pastorelas religious performance and posadas,
a special procession featuring the birth of Jesus Christ," De
Palacios explained.
Both traditions started in the early 16th century when the
Spaniards colonized the regions of the Aztecs and the Mayan
people whom they called the Indians.
Pastorelas is usually staged in the plazas in villages and big
cities during the entire month of December.
The pastorelas blends acting, music and dance to depict the
evils of the pre-Christian era, and then the enlightenment after
the birth of Jesus Christ.
"It is a combination of religious and frivolity which offers
moral teachings as well as joyous atmosphere to all Mexican
neighborhoods," the ambassador's wife said.
The religious fiesta's makeup depends on the ethnic group and
region of the country it is performed in. Wealthier regions
usually organize bigger festivals, while the poorest areas may
hold a very humble party.
"What is most important for many Mexican people is that this
colorful and merry festival will bring them together to renew
relationships," De Palacios pointed out.
Many parents will bring their children to the pastorelas to
teach them the real meaning of Christmas, she said. "I will bring
my kids to the festival at least once every Christmas," added the
mother of three.
The other major pre-Christmas fiesta is called posadas, which
literally means "inns". The posadas is usually held once in every
household between Dec. 16 and Dec. 24.
Posadas is a reenactment of the biblical story of the journey
of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. They searched for an inn where
Mary could deliver her baby, but nobody accepted them. They
finally found a manger in a stable.
"Pastorelas and posadas festivities are now rarely held in
urban Mexico. But, in rural areas, people still strongly hold
these centuries-old traditions which bear important religious and
social functions," De Palacios said.
A solemn procession weaves through the village knocking at
every house and stopping at each house holding a posadas party.
The house is decorated like the original stable in Bethlehem.
The host will serve a large variety of food, candies and
beverages such as Bunuelos De Molde, tamales and tequila.
(see recipes)
Mexican urbanites have become more individualistic. "They
don't even know their closest neighbors, therefore it will be
very difficult to have a posadas party at their homes," she
noted.
Despite this problem, De Palacios believes Mexicans should
preserve their traditions.
"They give a rare opportunity to share their happiness with
family members and the whole community," said De Palacios, who is
also a communications expert.
The celebration peaks on Christmas Eve when people gather in
churches and continue the family gathering.
"It is a real family reunion and time for self-reflection,"
said De Palacios, who is celebrating her second Christmas in
Indonesia.
To overcome her homesickness, De Palacios organized a
pastorelas party at her home two weeks ago and invited the
families of diplomats from Latin American countries.
Being away from the family and close friends at Christmas is
very difficult and very sad, she said.
"The saddest thing is, I have to be away from my grownup sons
who are now working in Mexico. Parents in my country usually make
Christmas time the happiest moment for their children. But, now I
still have my youngest daughter living with us here, so we will
make a very special party to make her happy," she said, smiling
at her ten-year-old Cristina.