Mexico is predominantly Catholic, and Christmas -- Christ Mass -- revolves around religious icons with uniquely mestizo elements. Beginning early in December, the festivities don't stop until after the New Year.
Just 10 years after the fall of the Aztec capital, a dark complected Virgin appeared to a humble indigenous man. Our Lady of Guadalupe appealed to the conquered people, now bereft of their gods and goddesses. The nine days leading up to her feast day on December 12 are filled with music and autochthonous dance. In Oaxaca, babies and toddlers are dressed in representation of the many Indian tribes of Mexico, and Barbara Lyons Perez's all new photos accompany her story.
Four days later, the posadas begin and continue through the 24th; these re-enact -- through song -- Mary and Joseph's search for an inn in Bethlehem. Jenny McGill tells about a "miracle birth" at a Christmas posada in Talpa and also explains the religious symbolism in a popular carol.
This is a time of year when hearts turn toward giving. We welcome Fulbright Scholar Samantha Raneri who spent the past year working with a cooperative of indigenous women in Puebla's Sierra Norte. Landscapes of Mexico, Landscapes of the Self is the first of a section on people in Mexico who are "Giving Something Back."
Holiday feasting wouldn't be complete without special Christmas sweets, many of which are based on the fruits and nuts so abundant at that time of year. Karen Hursh Graber's gift to readers is a collection of nine brand new recipes for cookies, candy and more.
Linda Abbott Trapp's present is an essay on contentment that derives from her life in Puerto Vallarta.
Julia Taylor continues her tour of Tepoztlan. Doctors Robert and Curtis Page warn about Sunburn and Sun Safety.
Health insurance is vital and the wrong decision can prove to be very costly. Patricia Romero and Tony Hamrick explain the pros and cons of different kinds of coverage in International Insurance Plans for Foreigners in Mexico.
Fiction buffs can sit back and savor James Tipton's sultry not-so-short story, Welcome to San Blas. All this in addition to our regular columns.
All of us at Mexconnect wish all of you a blessed holiday season.
= Subscribers only
