Go big or go home! That’s how Mexicans celebrate the holiday time. Each state of Mexico has its own time and ways of celebrating their fiestas during the winter months. Most happen between the months of December and January for most places. For Michoacan that time rolls around December. These fiestas last several days with different traditions/events happening each day. Their holiday spirit is intertwined with holiday traditions, music, people, celebrations, lights, food, and more. Having fun is taken very seriously and everyone is determined to make these times amazing.
The fiestas typically last from December 1-12. There are a lot of things that happened leading up to the 12th which is the most anticipated day of the celebration. The cities are beautifully painted in colors from all the decorations. There is confetti, flowers, papel picado, lights, pinatas, and music playing all throughout the city. There is also plenty of food at all times. During these holiday seasons traditional foods like pozole, mole, or tamales are typically made to serve to family and friends. As well as pan dulce (sweet bread) to be served with coffee, atole, or champurrado to keep warm during the cold evenings.
In the small town of Changuitiro, Michoacan the 8th and 9th are their most eventful days. They have horse races, dances, parades, and Jaripeos. These dances are known as Folklorico and are typically performed by groups of women in beautiful colorful faldas (skirts). These dances have been around since the times of the Mexican Revolution when it really started evolving. There are different styles of Folklorico, the most popular being danza. These dances tell stories and are shown to remember the deep-rooted tradition. The Jaripeos are also especially popular. Similar to American rodeos, Jaripeos showcase the courage of the brave individuals who choose to ride bulls. What started as bull fighting in the 16th century where the rider essentially rode the bull to death has changed to trying to stay on until the bull simply stopped bucking. At Jaripeos you will find people from all over, loud music, beautiful horses dancing, and people dancing.
When the 12th of December rolls around this is a very special day. The birthday of the Virgin De Gauldalupe. The Virgin Mary is extremely respected and highly looked upon in the Catholic religion. This day is jam packed filled with things to be done so an early start is needed. 6 am is when most people start waking up to the sound of bands playing their music. People start to prepare for the early morning mass of church. You will see people flooding to the nearest church and throughout the entire day there will be doing different prayers. As well as after the first set of prayers there will be a big parade with floats, also with the Virgin Mary on it. This float will be leading everyone to another church where a second set of prayers will be held. Once this is done, the live music, dancing, and fireworks all get to begin and continue until 12 am.
My mom grew up going to these fiestas as a teenager so she was definitely someone I felt like should be interviewed. I asked her two questions, what was her favorite part of the fiestas and how they were different from other celebrations she has seen here in the USA.
She responded with, ¨I liked the dances because I liked to dance a lot when I was younger, especially with my cousins.¨
For the second question she answered, ¨They feel more like family in a sense because its a small town and it just feels like there a lot more tradition and it feels more comfortable.¨
Mexico is such a big place but with small tight knit traditions that keep it strong. The small communities are such an amazing place and always do their best with what they have. Especially around the Holiday times when it’s all about being thankful Mexico does exactly that very well.