Christmas Drinking, Mexican-Style

                                                                     Ponche Navideño

The time between the Feast of Guadalupe on December 12 and the arrival of the biblical Three Kings on the Feast of Très Reyes (January 6),has evolved into a non-stop alcohol-fueled fiesta known as the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon.  You can read about this "event'  and its origins at:

https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-20th-century-institution-guadalupe.html

If you personally, would like to do some Mexican-style imbibing this holiday season, here are a few recipes to brighten your celebrations. https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/rompope-ponche-navideno/

Saludos!

 

Will Guadalupe Be Wearing a Mask?

Normally, the week leading up to December 12, the feast day of Guadalupe, is a beehive of activity in Mexico.  Pilgrims are rushing to her shrine in Mexico City or, where that is not possible, to their home churches.  All must arrive before 12 am the morning for December 12 for the special service dedicated to Guadalupe. 

Many people travel great distances, on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, car or a combination of these. You can read about this unique and vibrant time in Mexico in this article.

https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-race-for-guadalupe.html

Closed for Business:

                                                        Shrine of Guadalupe, Mexico City, MX

Because of Covid, Holy Week and Dia de los Muertos have been different this year.

Guadaupe's Feast is also going virtual.  In fact, the doors to the Mexico City Shrine of Guadalupe will be closed from December 10-13 to prevent the usual crowds from congregating.   

https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2020/12/mexican-religious-authorities-summon-a-virtual-guadalupana-pilgrimage/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virgen-de-guadalupe-pilgrimage-will-be-online-say-mexico-s-n1248792

Since Guadalupe's official shrine will be closed for the holiday, some people are celebrating there on a different date or redefining the meaning of a their pilgrimage there.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/coronavirus/fear-of-coronavirus-doesnt-stop-pilgrims-to-guadalupe/

 It will be interesting to how Mexicans in other parts of Mexico observe the event.