Posadas is a wonderful Mexican holiday that brings neighbors and friends together for nine festive nights of singing and eating. Beginning December 16th and continuing through Christmas Eve, Posadas reenact the experience of Joseph and Mary as they wandered from house to house, looking for shelter (Posada means inn in Spanish) Traditionally, participants gather together to parade through the streets, carrying lit candles and led by the neighborhood children. The group pauses at various houses to sing a plea for lodging, only to be rejected by those inside the house in a sort of call-and-response carol. Upon arriving at the home of that night’s designated host, the song beings anew, but this time those inside the house relent and allow the pilgrims to enter.
Archive for the year 2007
The History of the Piñata
Posted on 27. Dec, 2007 by Transparent Language in Holidays
As the holiday season comes upon us, I felt it timely to clear up a misconception about the piñata. The piñata is widely viewed as a Mexican diversion and has become an indispensable attraction in children’s birthday parties throughout the world. However, in Mexico the piñata makes its most important appearance, not at birthday parties, but during the nine days leading up to Christmas. Starting on December 16th, families and friends gather to celebrate La Posada, a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter as they traveled to Bethlehem. In addition to enjoying food and drink, guests enjoy competing to break a piñata..
The Meaning of “Ahorita”
Posted on 18. Dec, 2007 by Transparent Language in Spanish Vocabulary
I have learned a curious thing about the word ahorita since living in Mexico for a couple of years. It has two seemingly contradictory meanings: “right now” and “in a minute.”
When I first studied abroad, I found that when my host mother asked my host sister to do something “ahorita,” she jumped to attention and performed whatever it was in that moment. Yet, years later, when my boyfriend would tell me he would do the dishes “ahorita”, I would stare at him, perplexed, as he continued to play a couple more rounds of Xbox. What was going on?