The Christmas holiday celebration begins in Mexico on December 16 with nine days of “posadas,” processions that re-enact the nativity scene. These usually include “Mary” on a burro, led by “Joseph” and followed by a host of pilgrims. Afterwards, there’s a celebration, complete with food, music, and “pinatas” filled with candy and other goodies.

Decorations
Mexican holiday decorations are colorful. Like most primarily Catholic countries, the centerpiece of home decorations is a nativity scene (”el nacimiento”). In Mexico, these can range from small clay figures to life-size tableaus. The scene is completed on Christmas Eve when the Baby Jesus is added to the scene.

Flowers
Mexico is the home of the Poinsettia, called “Cuitlaxochitl” or “El Flor de Noche Buena” in Mexico. These red-hued flowers so entranced Dr. Joel Poinsett, a 19th century US diplomat in Mexico, that he brought the plant to the US and popularized it under his name.

Food
Christmas is ushered in with a late night Christmas Eve mass (”el misa de gallo” — rooster’s mass) followed by a traditional feast with such foods as tamales, churros, and “bunuelus” (sweet fritters).

For more Christmas in July posts, see:
How to Make Wine Cork Wreaths, from Peggy at “Junk Creations”

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas around the World: Mexico

Today is Cinco de Mayo, the holiday that celebrates Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla–a turning point in the war for Mexican Independence. Ironically, the holiday is celebrated more in the United States than in most parts of Mexico. (The town of Puebla does have an annual pagent.)

But, maybe it’s not so odd. According to the US Census Bureau, there are more than 28 million people of Mexican descent in the US, about nine percent of the total population. About 11 million of these residents live in California. Not surprisingly, that state hosts some of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations, such as the one in San Diego pictured above.

For more about Cinco de Mayo, see:

• Mexican Flag Dip
• Crab and Avocado Taco Bites
• Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
• Four Margarita Recipes

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Blisstree

Cinco de Mayo!

May 3 is Dia de la Cruz (Day of the Holy Cross) in Mexico and some other Latin American countries. Until 1960, this was an official day in the Catholic Church. That year, Pope John XXIII removed it from the liturgical calendar (as there is another Holy Cross feast day in September).

In Mexico, however, the day was also celebrated as the feast day of the construction trade and the country continues to mark Dia de la Cruz with decorated crosses at construction sites, processions of the cross, and, of course, dinners with family and friends.

^{(photo: Newscom)}

Post from: Blisstree

Dia de la Cruz

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), the Mexican holiday the celebrates that country’s victory in the Battle of Puebla–a turning point in the war for Mexican Independence–is one of my favorite holidays. It comes at a time when the Midwest is just emerging from winter and the vibrant colors, flavors, and music of Mexico seem to represent the joy of spring.

I came across this dip recipe this morning and can’t wait to serve it. It’s part decoration, part food, and all fun. (thanks to the people at Wholly Guacamole for sharing the recipe with All Holiday Cafe readers.)

Mexican Flag Dip

One 14 oz package Wholly Guacamole (or make your own recipe)
Fat-free sour cream
Your favorite salsa
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Black beans and olives
Tortilla chips

1. Divide a rectangular pan into thirds. Spread guacamole and salsa on
outer bands, putting sour cream in the center.
2. Top center with an “eagle” of olives beans and sprigs of greens.

^{(photo courtesy of PR Newswire Photo Service)}

Post from: Blisstree

Mexican Flag Dip for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is just around the corner. That’s the day that Mexicans celebrate their victory in the Battle of Puebla, a turning point in the war for Mexican Independence. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has come to be a day to celebrate Mexican culture, language, and most of all, food.

The people at Hass Avocado were kind enough to share their recipe for Crabmeat and Avocado Taco Bites. It’s a great choice for a festive Cinco de Mayo appetizer.

Crab and Avocade Bites

1/2 pound jumbo lump crab meat
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained and liquid reserved
1/2 red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large avocado from Mexico, diced
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the crab, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and cumin. Fold in the avocado and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the reserved tomato juice until desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve on corn chips or crackers.

Makes approximately two cups.

^{(photo courtesy of Hass Avocado)}

Post from: Blisstree

Crab and Avocado Taco Bites for Cinco de Mayo

February 24 is Flag Day, or Dia de la Bandera, in Mexico. A public holiday since 1937, the day is marked by the displaying of the Mexican flag, public ceremonies, and honoring the nation’s fallen heroes.

The current tri-color flag, used since 1821, is the fourth flag in the country’s history. The green band represents hope; the white band, purity; and the red, the blood of Mexico’s national heroes.

(pictured above is the Mexican flag flying in Mexico City’s Zocalo.)

Post from: Blisstree

Mexican Flag Day