Jalogüín

Over the past 10 years, here in Troncones I have seen kids dressed up any time between October 31 and November 2. Some years there have been none. Other years there have been up to a half-dozen groups of three to five kids. Sometimes it has been in the evening, but other times it has been during the day. Beforeb10 years ago, I never saw them.

I confess to feeling torn. On one hand, I don’t like to disappoint children. On the other hand, I don’t want to participate in the erosion of Mexican customs and traditions of this time of year and their replacement by what I see as mere crass commercialism.

I know the argument that it is going to happen regardless of what I do, so I might as well participate. But I reject that argument when it comes to consuming climate-changing fossil fuels and I tend to reject it about participating in the destruction of Mexican culture and traditions as well.

(By the way, I enjoy seeing the spelling of “Jalogüín”, although I will be challenged remembering it. I do remember trying to figure out a sign years ago over a little “shack restaurant” in Sonora… Quentuki Pollo Frito. It didn’t have a picture of a southern “Colonel”.)