Pinata lure X’mas cheer

The country likes to mix Christian beliefs with indigenous customs in their celebration called Posadas

Mexico: Despite the Mexican government’s warning against traditional posadas, people in the capital’s Xochimilco neighbourhood continued to buy the festive party item. Posadas traditionally bring people into the streets and into the homes of neighbors across Mexico and in other parts of Latin America over the course of nine nights.

The holiday custom involves going door-to-door singing Christmas carols, sometimes dressed as characters from the biblical Christmas story. The tradition, which mixes Christian beliefs with indigenous customs, can lead to giant fiestas, bringing together thousands of people.

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Although posadas are not expressly prohibited, authorities in the capital are considering fining those who throw parties of more than 10 people.

Brightly decorated pinatas are a central element of the holiday. The hollow cardboard creations are generally shaped as stars, animals, or characters and stuffed with candy or fruit.

Participants then beat them with a stick until their contents fall to the ground.

In Xochimilco, a community closely linked to tradition, some like Hilda Varela are trying to find a middle ground. The 66-year-old doctor will hold a celebration on Facebook after preparing for 10 months.

“By tradition, you cannot close the door to God. Even if online, we will go forward,” she said.
Apart from pinatas, sales of poinsettias, a red flower indigenous to Mexico used for Christmas decorations, are also doing well this year.

Some 16 million plants have been sold in Mexico, according to the Agriculture ministry.”We feared that sales would fall, but thanks to local consumption we sold almost 30,000 plants,” said Edgar Lopez who manages the San Marcos greenhouse.