Mexicans LOVE a Celebration
Before I talk about our continuing adventures, I feel the need to talk about the Mexicans in our beautiful community. First of all, this is a place where you do not get hung up on whether it is Hispanic, Latino or any other of the politically correct terms. These are Mexicans and they are proud to be called Mexican. They are hard working, family loving, fun loving people who are more than hospitable to themselves and the rest of us living in their community. They smile when I try my best to communicate in Spanish and will help me along the way. They are great at doing the Spanish/English charades and somehow we get by.
As of December 1 the minimum daily wage will go up to 88.36 pesos per day....that is less than five dollars a day but these people are concerned about feeding their family and will do anything they can to provide for the family. That is why tipping is so important although more than 10% is considered extravagant.
Since being here we have experienced many random acts of kindness and they often recognize that Trish has difficulty seeing the rough streets and stairs and will offer their hand or arm to help. If we are shopping and Uber home with packages, they are eager to help unload and bring items in the house for us. For an old guy like me, the children are most beautiful with their sparkling dark eyes and their big smiles.
Finally, on this subject, we have been downtown at night where there is little light on the streets and we have not had any fear like we would have in any large city including Phoenix, so all of the people who warned us about crime, pick pockets, muggings and more.....sorry, it ain't happening here.
Now on to the celebrations...starting the last of November there are celebrations through the Christmas season. The first was to celebrate the Revolution from Spain. So cool to see the little boys with painted on mustaches, dressed in white with toy guns on their way to school and the little girls in their best party dress. Of course this is accompanied by bombs which start at 3:30 am and continue until mid morning. Downtown, many of the streets are closed and children's rides are going. The children do not seem to mind that many parents can't pay for the tickets and they just enjoy the bright lights.
The parades are a hoot. This hombre was quite unusual and I think he was part of the dancing gay caballaros.
There were dancers with feathers and Angie got into the act with a headdress
And of course I had to associate with the musical side of the parade. My bronze buddy and I got
along quite well.
The horses were amazing and danced to the music doing some great steps
This guy was dancing with the band, throwing his hat into the air while drinking a beer at the same time. The celebrations will continue through the new year...WOW! Great fun.
As of December 1 the minimum daily wage will go up to 88.36 pesos per day....that is less than five dollars a day but these people are concerned about feeding their family and will do anything they can to provide for the family. That is why tipping is so important although more than 10% is considered extravagant.
Since being here we have experienced many random acts of kindness and they often recognize that Trish has difficulty seeing the rough streets and stairs and will offer their hand or arm to help. If we are shopping and Uber home with packages, they are eager to help unload and bring items in the house for us. For an old guy like me, the children are most beautiful with their sparkling dark eyes and their big smiles.
Finally, on this subject, we have been downtown at night where there is little light on the streets and we have not had any fear like we would have in any large city including Phoenix, so all of the people who warned us about crime, pick pockets, muggings and more.....sorry, it ain't happening here.
Now on to the celebrations...starting the last of November there are celebrations through the Christmas season. The first was to celebrate the Revolution from Spain. So cool to see the little boys with painted on mustaches, dressed in white with toy guns on their way to school and the little girls in their best party dress. Of course this is accompanied by bombs which start at 3:30 am and continue until mid morning. Downtown, many of the streets are closed and children's rides are going. The children do not seem to mind that many parents can't pay for the tickets and they just enjoy the bright lights.
The parades are a hoot. This hombre was quite unusual and I think he was part of the dancing gay caballaros.There were dancers with feathers and Angie got into the act with a headdress
And of course I had to associate with the musical side of the parade. My bronze buddy and I gotalong quite well.
The horses were amazing and danced to the music doing some great steps
This guy was dancing with the band, throwing his hat into the air while drinking a beer at the same time. The celebrations will continue through the new year...WOW! Great fun.
How wonderful, your running commentary makes your Blog come alive! My experiences in Mexico over the past 40 years echo your description of the Mexican people: hard working, warm, friendly, kind and certainly have an abundance of love for their families. I found your observation of their love of being 'Mexican' refreshing, I am certainly getting fed up with many groups in the USA wanting to be recognized by a distant association with another Country. I was sorry to hear that the minimum wage was still so low. The Bracero program of the 1970's set daily wages at about $7 a day so things have certainly not improved for the average worker.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about perhaps sharing your incredible skill at illustration and drawing with the children? I have fond memories of you coming to one of our staff Christmas parties and doing a character sketch of each of our employees. I also still have a copy your drawing of a barn taped up in my office. You are incredibly talented.
Did you miss their Festival of the Dead? Is it in October? I find it refreshing to honor the memory of the dead with a celebration.
I so enjoy your Blog and thank you for incorporating the pictures. How come you and I look older while Jane and Angie retain their youthful appearance??!!!
Warm Wishes for your Adventures in Mexico, Steve