Posts tagged Festivities
Holidays in Mexico
Sep 23rd
When it comes to holidays and festivities, no other place in the world has more festive ones then the country of Mexico. Mexico is located right underneath the United States and right above Central America, fitting perfect in between the two countries. Mexico has received a lot of negative criticism due to some of the crimes that take place there, and while that is a bit discouraging to someone wanting to take a vacation to Mexico, the majority of Mexico is quaint little cities that are made up of great hospitality and sheer aesthetic beauty.
The entire country of Mexico celebrates quite a few different major holidays; each of these major holidays falling under three distinct categories. Holidays in Mexico are categorized either as statutory holidays, civic holidays or festivities. Statutory holidays are celebrated around the entire country while at the same time, any employee or student is allowed to take day off and still receive their regular pay. Civic holidays are exactly the same as statutory holidays with the exception that employees are not necessarily entitled to get a free day off from work. Any holiday that usually is widely celebrated around the world such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and many others, will fall under the classification of festivity.
When somebody says that Mexico celebrates a lot of holidays, this would be considered very much an understatement. Mexico celebrates so many different holidays throughout the year, each with its own significant meaning. Some of the more popular statutory holidays would be Ano Nuevo; this is the first day of the New Year. Then you have Dia de Indepencia, which is the celebration of when the Independence War first started. One of the most heard of events in Mexico that is also celebrated in other countries by those of Mexican descent, is Cinco de Mayo; which would fall under the civic holiday category. Then you have festivities such as All Souls Day, a celebration honoring all those who have passed away.
The holidays listed above are just a few of the very many celebrated all throughout Mexico. There is a celebration for so many different events, leaving something for everybody. Anybody knows that where there is a celebration, there is great food being cooked, nifty little items and toys being sold and passed out and just an all around gathering of good people. There are holidays that celebrate the first day of the New Year, children, adults and so many other different important aspects of Mexican culture.
Mexico is probably hiding one of the best vacations or family trips that you have ever been on; it may just be time to take advantage of that fact. Another great thing about Mexico aside from all the different holiday celebrations is all of the other aspects that Mexico has to offer. First of all, there are plenty of high quality hotels and accommodations so that you and your family have a nice relaxing stay there, but then there are many different attractions to suit every member of your family; including some pretty fabulous beach line. Mexico is teeming with all sorts of different things to do, so take a trip to this fabulous county.
Retire in Nicaragua and Experience a Rich Cultural Heritage
Sep 12th
One of the most compelling and charming benefits in buying real estate and retiring in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to and immersed in the rich cultural heritage the country has to offer. The month of December, in particular, offers a compelling glimpse into this wonderfully rich cultural heritage.
‘La Purísima’ is celebrated in primarily in December and is likely the most widespread celebration in the country. The festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgin’s image is taken from the church so that she may visit the different neighborhoods of the town.
From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is transported into different barrios on peoples’ shoulders, or on the back of pick-up trucks. The procession is accompanied by singing, decorations, the omnipresent Nicaraguan marching band and plenty of bombas (firecrackers). During this period families decorate alters in their homes and barrios decorate parade floats in honor of various themes related to the Virgin Mary.
During the period of Purisma, a church mass is celebrated every morning. These masses are the starting point for the day’s procession to a specific barrio. A rosary is read at the barrio in early evening after which chichi (a traditional drink made from maiz) and sweets are distributed to the people. A few hours later the procession of the Virgin returns to the Church.
La Griteria is celebrated during La Purisma on December 7th. December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria. La Griteria means “the outcry”. A loud, joyful and at times boisterous “crying out” for the Virgin can be heard all over town at all hours of the day.
“What causes so much joy?” is chanted by people walking from home to home in their barrios. The people inside their homes shout out” The Conception of Mary” in reply.
Although it originated in Leon, La Griteria spread to Masaya, Managua and Granada and eventually spread across all the towns and villages of Nicaragua.
If you are attracted to sun and sand but also feel enriched by exploring new cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might appeal to you. For more information on retiring in Nicaragua please click on Nicaragua real estate.
