Throughout Mexico: going from party to party!

Octavio Paz said that there are few places in the world where you can witness anything similar to Mexico's great religious fiestas, with their violent, sour, pure colors; their dances, ceremonies and fireworks; their unusual costumes and the inexhaustible display of surprising fruits, sweets and objects that during these days are sold in squares and markets.

As a matter of fact, our country is full of religious rites... For this reason, let's talk about this, just as part of our culture, without displaying all religious stuff I dislike.

Every town in our huge territory has its patron saint, and that is why it is said that Mexicans go from party to party... trying to find joy and acceptance in the fleeting company they provide. In our great nationwide celebrations, we shout, laugh, drink... searching for our identity as though our life depended on it.

Fiestas can be expensive, but we don't care, because what is important is that they allow us to remove the masks and to be just ourselves. Sometimes, even if it's only for few hours, our so-Mexican shyness manages to disappear in the crowd, cause we know that among the pack we can enjoy the absolute freedom of being who we are!!!

As Mexicans, we give everything we have, be it little or a lot, to have an unforgettable party. Perhaps, that is why we impatienly await for December to come.

Nevertheless, December is the month of posadas, piñatas, fruit punch, Christmas Eve supper and Chritsmas presents, ending with Holly Innocents on December 28th and the New Year (on December 31st) celebrations.

Accordingly, every December 28th, it is customary among friends and family to ask the victim of our joke to lend us money or one of his/her most prized possessions and, when we receive the loan, to sarcastically sing the traditional verse:

Innocent little dove

You let yourself be fooled

Knowing that on this day

Nothing should be lent.

So, let's practice this Mexican tradition in order to keep it among our customs' repertoire! Would you try?