Well, it's begun. Mexico's holiday fiesta marathon, del 12 de Guadalupe al 6 de Reyes, is in full swing. Beginning December 12, the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and running through the 6th of January, the day of the Kings, Mexicans dedicate themselves to fiestas with friends, holiday dinners, and posadas (traditional Mexican Christmas parties). Chilangos in particular are serious about this marathon event and the already hectic pace of the city intensifies. The trick is to manage all the parties (you certainly can't turn an invitation down), still get to work on time, and catch a few hours of sleep whenever you can. And it ain't easy.
This weekhas already included the Casa's long-standing Christmas caroling party (a major event which drew over 50 people this year), an evening of drinks with friends, the Columbia University alumni party, two holiday dinners in one night, and the Casa staff comida and gift exchange. Tomorrow is our book club get together which I'm hosting, followed by two posadas that night with colleague organizations. Oh, and did I mentioned that I had an insane week at work which included a 3-day intensive workshop with 30 people that we hosted at the Casa? I'm not actually sure I'm really awake right now.
But ni modo. If Mexicans can wait until January to sleep, I suppose I can too. When in Rome... And besides, who would want to miss this time of year, when the country turns away from its problems for a moment and focuses on what Mexicans do best: celebrate being together, laugh at the world and toast one another, embrace and sing and bash in piñatas. Who needs sleep when you can pass another tequila and visit with friends a bit longer into the night.
So, I'm in. Week 1 almost down, three more to go. Wake me if you see me dozing in the corner, or at my desk, or on the Metrobus. And pass another tequila. Aguanta, Bridget, aguanta!
No comments:
Post a Comment