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.