Happy New Year 2012! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo 2012!

We wish you all a 2012 full of Happiness, Health and Prosperity! / ¡Les deseamos un 2012 lleno de Felicidad, Salud y Prosperidad! - Casa Las Margaritas Barra de Navidad Jalisco Mexico

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad, Melaque and Cihuatlan

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad - Sunset at Sunset bar

Winter in Mexico -  Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad beach

Winter in Mexico -  Baby Sea turtles hatchery -  Barra de Navidad  malecon

Winter in Mexico - Lalo performing at La Oficina Bar and Restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Sunrise from Casa Las Margaritas in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Mexican Christmas Tradition - Las Posadas - Barra de Navidad barrio church

Winter in Mexico - Cloudy Sunset  - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad - Canal

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe - SeaMaster Restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Serenade to the Lady of Guadalupe in Barra de Navidad church 

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - One more beautiful sunset in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Gorgeous night with a bright moon - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Melaque beach

Winter in Mexico - Gtand Bay Isla Navidad (Christmas Island) Golf Course

Winter in Mexico - Paco Renteria performing at Festival del Mar - Melaque

Winter in Mexico - Singing lullabies to Baby Jesus, posada in the barrio - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Cute tree frog at Casa Las Margaritas- Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Salud with Corona beer - Sunset at Sunset bar in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Floats and Parade in honor of Lady of Guadalupe - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Winter in Mexico - Sunset - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad beach

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad - Barrio 2011

Cute litle angel -  Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Patorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio 

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas - children dressed up as shepherds carrying decorated crooks (báculos) singing lullabies to baby Jesus

Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebrations "Las Posadas" and "Pastorelas" in "San Felipe de Jesus" barrio in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco organized by Doña Petra and neighbors. Dec. 16 - Dec. 24 2011 Barrio church starts around 6:00 pm.  Check => Schedule and Details.

Posadas oficially begin on Dec 16th when the Nativity Scene is set up in most of the houses in Mexico, and the last posada is on Dec. 24th. In a traditional Posada the Rosary is prayed and images of Joseph and Mary are taken on a pilgrimage by the "peregrinos" (pilgrims) carrying candles and "bengala" lights and singing the traditional songs looking for a place to stay where Jesus will be born.During the pilgrimage Joseph and Mary are rejected until they are finally allowed in a place where Jesus will be born.

A piñata with seven cones (that represent the seven capital sins) full of candies, oranges, mandarins and sugar cane pieces  is broken and bags with colaciones (special type of candy for posadas), cookies, oranges, mandarins, sugar cane pieces and peanuts (bolos) are given to all the attendants.

Posadas can be organized by families, friends, neighbors, churches, companies, etc.

 "San Felipe de Jesús" barrio in Barra de Navidad celebrates these beautiful traditions in the most authentic way thanks to a group of neighbors led by Doña Petra.

In this case they organize a combination of Posada and Pastorela. Enthusiastic children dressed up as Joseph, Mary, shepherds, the Wise Men (Reyes Magos), angels and devils including "luzbel" (lucifer) gather in the church of the Barra de Navidad barrio where the Rosary along with  Christmas songs is prayed around 7:00 pm. After the Rosary children and adults walk in a parade singing Mexican Christmas carols toward the street where "la posada" takes place.

All the attendants to the "posada" participate singing the verses of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary looking for lodging (see below songs to ask for Posada). They also sing lullabies for Baby Jesus in the part known in Mexico as "acostada del Niño Dios" (bedding of Baby Jesus).  A piñata  is broken by the children and to finish an appetizer is served (pozole, tostadas, tacos, etc) and children are given "bolos" bags with traditional Mexican Christmas candies and cookies and also fruits. 

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas - San Felipe de Jesus barrio in Barra de Navidad Jalisco

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas - Joseph, Mary and the Angel - Barra de Navidad barrio 

  Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas -   Ready to break "la Piñata"!! 

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Patorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Traditional Piñata of seven cones - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Doña Petra praiying the rosary with children - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

A little devil "Luz-Bel", a cute Angel and a shepherd -  Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio 

Doña Petra with children dressed up as Joseph an Angels - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Children singing "Las Posadas" songs - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Songs to ask for Posada . From wikipedia

Afuera: En nombre del cielo os pido posada -pues no puede andar mi esposa amada(2)	Adentro: Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante. -Yo no puedo abrir no sea algún tunante(2)
Afuera: No seas inhumano, tenos caridad -que el Rey de los cielos te lo premiará(2)	Adentro: Ya se pueden ir y no molestar -porque si me enfado os voy a apalear(2)
Afuera: Venimos rendidos desde Nazaret; -yo soy carpintero de nombre José(2)	Adentro: No me importa el nombre déjenme dormir -porque ya les digo que no hemos de abrir(2)
Afuera: Posada te pide amado casero -por sólo una noche la Reina del cielo(2)	Adentro: Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita -¿Cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?(2)
Afuera: Mi esposa es María es reina del cielo -y madre va a ser del divino Verbo(2)	Adentro: ¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu esposa es María? -Entren peregrinos no los conocía(2)
Afuera: Dios pague, señores vuestra caridad -y os colme el cielo de felicidad(2)	Adentro: Dichosa la casa que alberga este día -a la Virgen pura la hermosa María(2)

Todos (Se abre la puerta de la casa e ingresan todos los cantantes que estaban afuera):

Entren Santos peregrinos, peregrinos

reciban este rincón

Y aunque es pobre la morada, la morada

os la doy de corazón

¡Cantemos con alegría,

todos al considerar

que Jesús, José y María,

nos vinieron hoy a honrar.

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011

Traditional Mexican Nativity Scene

Posadas traditionally begin on Dec 16th when the Nativity Scene is set up in most of the houses in Mexico, and the last posada is on Dec. 24th. In a traditional Posada the Rosary is prayed and images of Joseph and Mary are taken on a pilgrimage by the "peregrinos" (pilgrims) carrying candles and "bengala" lights and singing the traditional songs looking for a place to stay where Jesus will be born.During the pilgrimage Joseph and Mary are rejected until they are finally allowed in a place where Jesus will be born. 

Traditional songs are song by the participants, a piñata with seven cones (that represent the seven capital sins) full of candies, oranges, mandarins and sugar cane pieces  is broken and bags with colaciones (special type of candy for posadas), cookies, oranges, mandarins, sugar cane pieces and peanuts (bolos) are given to all the attendants.
Posadas can be organized by families, friends, neighbors, churches, companies, etc. The following is the program of the Posadas organized by the Church in Barra de Navidad where everybody is welcome to participate.

Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011

On the first day the Belén also called Nacimiento (Nativity Scene) and Chritmas tree are set up in the houses.

Posadas in Barra de Navidad downtown
 Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass and Posada at 8:00 p.m. in the sector detailed in the schedule below.

The following is the schedule of the posadas in Barra de Navidad downtown. 

• Thursday Dec. 15 - Sector 5
• Friday Dec. 16     - Sector 4
• Saturday Dec. 17 - Col. Infonavit-Brisas
• Sunday Dec. 18 - Sector 2 . Barra de Navidad church. Rosary and posada outside the church after 7:00 pm mass.
• Monday Dec. 19 - Sector  3
• Tuesday Dec. 20 - El Aguacate
• Wednesday Dec. 21 - Colimilla
• Thursday Dec. 22 - Colonia San Felipe - Barra de Navidad barrio church located at O. índico and Ejidatarios.
•  Friday Dec. 23 - Sector 1
• Saturday Dec. 24 - Colonia Ejidal, Las Perlitas and Gallo Colorado . Rosary and Posada at 8:30 pm 

Posadas in Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús"

Join the enthusiastic Doña Petra and neighbors of the Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús" in their traditional "Posadas in the barrio" accompanied with their children dressed up as Joseph, Mary, shepherds and devils.

Traditional Mexican Christmas Posada in Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús"

 Dec. 16th till Dec. 24th. 2011 : The Rosary is prayed at 6:00 pm every day at the barrio church. After the rosary children and adults walk in a parade singing Mexican Christmas carols toward the street where "la posada" takes place.

All the attendants to the "posada" participate singing the verses of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary looking for lodging. A pinata that represent the evil or 7 sins (if it has seven cones) is broken by the children with a stick that represents the triumph of good over evil. The pinata is filled with fruits like pieces of sugar cane, mandarins, oranges, peanuts and candies.

An appetizer is served and children are given "bolos" bags with traditional Mexican Christmas candies and cookies and also fruits..

Note -  Barra de Navidad barrio church is located at the corner of O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets (one block north from Nueva España, a few steps from Abarrotes "Pelayo". Barra de Navidad Mapquest map shows all the streets of Barra de Navidad including the Barrio streets.

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco - Floats and Danzas Parade - Dec 12 2011

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco

One of the most important religious holidays in Mexico is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgen de Guadalupe) on Dec. 12th. In fact the celebrations start 46 days before with the praying of the Rosary and Veladas each day.

Floats and Danzas Parade on Dec 12th. This parade is part of the Lady of Guadalupe Festivity in Cihuatlan, Jalisco, México.

Floats show life scenes of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Danzas are different groups of dancers dancing in pre-Columbian style and dressing either like Apaches or a mix of pre-Columbian and Hispanic dresses. They held flags with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe or have this image printed in the outfit.

Some of the groups that participate with Danzas (Dances) are:

Danza de Los Plataneros / Banana Field Workers Danza 

Danza del Amarillo 

Danza de la Tecolotera (Colonia Miguel Hidalgo)

Danza de los Niños del Divino Nino / Children of Child Jesus Danza

Danza de los Apaches

Danza del Chavarín

Danza El Barrito 

Corredores de las antorchas  / Runners carrying torches

 The guys dressing in customes made of newspaper, balloons, etc are known as "locos de la danza" or "viejo de la danza". Danzas in Mexico usually have at least one participant call "Viejo de la Danza" or "Loco de la Danza" / "The crazy guy" in other parts of Mexico. In some danzas they represent the evil fighting against the dancers. In the danzas in Cihuatlan they are dressed up in costumes made with balloons, newspaper or banana leafs.

The parade starts around 5:00 p.m. After the parade a mass is celebrated dedicated to the Virgin Mary, there are blessing of Roses and Images. After the mass finishes there are traditional Mexican Fireworks known as Toritos and Castillos (castles).

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas Part 1 - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas Part 2 - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

"Viejo de la danza" - Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

"Viejos de la Danza" - Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivities 2011 in Barra de Navidad, Cihuatlan, Villa Obregon and Melaque

Lady of Guadalupe -Virgen de Guadalupe 

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgen of Guadalupe) celebrations is one of the most important religious festivities in Mexico. The celebrations start in October 26th  and end on Dec. 12th.

Celebrations in Cihuatlan, Barra de Navidad, Villa Obregón and Melaque include novenas, rosaries, veladas, and on Dec. 12th. Danzas and Floats. A description of the meaning of each of these can be found in this post: Lady of Guadalupe - Rosaries, Altars, Novenas, Floats and Parade, Pilgrimages inBarra de Navidad, Villa Obregon, Melaque and Cihuatlan.

Calendar for 2011 Festivities

December 11 Lady of Guadalupe Eve celebrations

• Colonia Ejidal : 5:00 pm. Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
• El Aguacate: 6:00 pm. Pilgrimage with Lady of Guadalupe images. 6:30 pm Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
• San Felipe: (barrio Barra de Navidad). 7:45 pm Mass, blessing of images and music in honor of the Lady Of Guadalupe.
• Jaluco : 8:45 pm Mass and "Mañanitas" serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
• Barra de Navidad Church: 7:00 Ordinary Mass celebration. 10:00 pm Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.

December 12 Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations

• Jaluco : 6:00 am. Mass. 5:30 pm. Pilgrimae with images, blessing of roses, mass, kermesse, castillo and toritos.
• Barra de Navidad church: 12:00 pm Blessing of images and roses.  6:30 pm Pilgrimage of the Barra de Navidad community with Danzas, Virgen of Guadalupe images and starts. The pilgrimage start by the football field in Nueva España ave. All the different sectors, barrios of Barra de Navidad join this pilgrimage. The community is invited to dress as inditos (Juan Diego outfit) and inditas for women.
• Cihuatlan: 

          Dec 1st. - Dec 11th. Veladas, Pilgrimages and Rosaries.

          Dec 12th

                4:30 am Church Ringing Bells, pilgrimage and rosary in the Parroquia de la Santa Cruz

                5:30 am Mañanitas and Mass.

                8:30 am First Communion Mass

               11:00 am Pilgrimage of the whole town

               12:00 pm Solemn Mass by Bishop Gonzalo Galván Castillo

                 5:00 pm Floats and Danzas

                 8:00 pm Solemn Mass to the Virgin Mary, blessing of roses and images.

                At the end of the mass celebration in the main square with live music (Tamborazo Banda "El Cihualteco") and traditional Mexican fireworks: castillos and toritos.

• Villa Obregón and Melaque

          The Virgen of Guadalupe is also the patron of Villa Obregon, so, these are also Fiestas Patronales and                         Melaque community join them.
           Dec 1st. - Dec 12th.
                5:30 am Rosary and Pilgrimage with the Virgen of Guadalupe image and Floats to the Villa Obregon church.

                6:00 am Mañanitas and Mass

                5:00 pm Pilgrimage

                6:00 pm Mass. After the mass traditional Mexican fireworks: toritos and castillos.

all night Veladas in Barrios.