Getting into Z Christmas Spirit

For (too?) many of us who live and work here, there is very little about Christmas that has to do with shopping and all that commercialization crap. We simply don't have the money and it really isn't part of the local culture except perhaps for folks who've moved here from cities and del Otro Lado. El Día de los Reyes Magos on Jan. 6 is the day we traditionally give gifts, mostly to the children.

Nevertheless, Christmas isn't about buying and giving presents, it's about remembering Jesus with a bit of paganistic ritual thrown in. It's about being with family. And it's really just another excuse to celebrate life, something we practice a lot here in Mexico.

Someone was complaining about the lack of Christmas decorations the other day. Well, la Dirección de Servicios Generales del Ayuntamiento has been busy and since Día de Guadalupe the decorations have been going up. The zócalo now has a Christmas "tree" and other adornments. (I hope it doesn't get set on fire as trees have in Mexico City and Chilpancingo in the past few days, seems to be the fad this year.) The splash of color along the waterfront looks nice and adds a bit of Christmas cheer to the area. ¡Jo jo jo!

Also, the piñatas and poinsettias along La Boquita further add to the colorful holiday season sights associated with Christmas time in our tropical Pacific port. The piñatas are for all the Posadas Navideñas that take place at this time of year. If you've never experienced a Posada Navideña I highly recommend trying to find one to attend. Many are like block parties, though families, friends, businesses and churches all have them. Shake a hand, make a friend and get invited!

A few photos from the past few days:

This is part of the scene along La Boquita.

The zócalo all spiffied up for Navidad!

A night heron fishing from the panga "Aquiles Boy" (aquí les voy).

Mother nature's Christmas lights: Jupiter (in Gemini) and a full moon.