FELIZ DIA DEL PAVO!

It is interesting to see how two cultures overlap on our borders. Americans enjoy tacos and tamales and a sip of Don Julio tequila. Here in Mexico we enjoy real American food such as hot dogs, apple pie, and pizza. You celebrate Cinco de Mayo over there and you can be sure there will be a turkey roasting in every oven in Tecate on Thanksgiving Day. This is especially curious when you consider that no one here is acquainted with the story of the pilgrims, and anyway, the arrival of more illegal immigrants was not great news for Mexico. You won’t see cranberry sauce or yams or pecan pie. The roasted bird is usually served with fresh corn, jalapeño sauce and guacamole. (Just now the same.) I would like to take this moment to wish all my friends and readers everywhere, a very happy Thanksgiving Day with family friends and football.

SCENES FROM THE PLAZA

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS * DAY OF THE DEAD

November 2nd is Memorial Day here in Mexico celebrating the life of the departed. Arrangements such as this with skulls, candles, fruit and marigolds are usually placed on the sideboard in the dining room. The table is laid with the favorite foods of the honored guests. Dia De Los Muertos is not a solemn occasion. Quite the contrary, it is a joyous repast for family and friends who gather around the table to remember the absent with stories, funny anecdotes of the past thus give life to those no longer here. There is much laughter at the table and an occasional tear. Following dinner pan de muerto is served, a delicious sweet bread laced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. November 1st is Dia De Los Angelitos, set apart for children. In the cemetery the displays can be more elaborate. There is much singing and dancing and mariachis fill the air with their unique gay melancholy music.