!Feliz Navidad!

Since returning from San Luis Potosí, I have been enjoying watching San Miguel de Allende get dressed up for Christmas! Of course the best was to do that is to walk around at night. And, no matter where you go, it is the Parroquía that draws your attention.

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In the center of town you see the many interesting decorations, generally created by civic groups and include a religious theme. When I was in Mexico from 1958 to 1962 I did not see a lot of Christmas trees, but that has changed now.

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The malls have a little different style . . . I had a fun time finding my way to the Plaza de Luciérgana using the local buses – no printed schedules or routes, no accurate online information. But it was worth the adventure and effort to get here. The movie theatre is here, too, and I have been able to see West Side Story (Amore Sin Barreras, in Spanish, meaning “love without barriers”), and Encanto, in Spanish!

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The businesses have a beautiful range of decorating. Poinsettia’s (Noche buena) and piñatas seem to be central to the decorating theme.

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Though not as prolific as I remember in Bellingham, private homes still contribute their creativity.

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Christmas Eve (Noche Buena)

AM – I woke up to temperatures in the high 30’s, but by 3 pm it was 81 degrees!. I was the only one in sandals and legs showing – actually, I did see a teenager in Ughs and short-shorts. I made a trip to closest all purpose grocery store: The City Market. It is the newest and fanciest market I have every seen. It appears to have been created to draw in the local expats; however, I see lots of locals shopping there, too. On Christmas Eve it was crowded, with lots of families. The standard US Christmas carols were pumping through the store speakers. One of my favorite sections is the Chocolatería – a whole section for all things chocolate! The last time I was here I sat at the Bar Do Mar and ordered a couple of tapas: shrimp and salad. Before I ordered they brought me a glass of champagne!

PM – My friend Robin and I headed out at 6:15 to witness the Posada in the center of town. It turned out to be very special. I love the re-enactment of the journey Mary and Joseph took up to the night Jesus was born. I loved it as a kid and it seems like a much more meaningful myth than sitting on Santa’s lap and taking pictures with him. We approached the Parroquia around sunset when it and the sky was glowing! When we arrived the three wise guys were hanging around posing for photos. For about an hour families hung around the Jardín and the plaza. The mood was relaxed and expectant. Finally Joseph, his pregnant wife, Mary, and an angel climbed into the back of a decorated truck to begin the simulation of that night long ago hoping to find lodging for the night. The truck drove around the plaza and many people followed, including singers and a band (with an upright bass player walking his bass around the block). Finally, after being turned away many times, Joseph and Mary found the manger in the middle of the plaza. The priest is now front and center and there is clapping and more singing – joyful now, as the manger will house them for the night. Ultimately the baby is born and placed into his cradle in the manger. It was a very sweet and touching re-enactment.

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