yesterday, people in ixtlan celebrated the equivalent of santa clause at home. it was "three kings day" and it was all about the kids. there was a procession of kids marching through the streets, then a church service, and then evryone assembled at the basketball court, where there was a whole program and activities organized just for the kids (we only participated in this last event). there were clowns and people dressed funny, there was very loud music, and bouncy houses. there were treats given out to everyone: traditional sweet bread, fake-colored juices, jello, and other junk food. finally, everyone got in two huge lines, girls in one line, boys in another, and then, the presents came out. huge bags filled with toys, boxes of clothes, tons of stuff. the kids were extatic. everyone got a gift, or two, and everyone in ixtlan was there, so that was a lot of gifts. the municipio paid for everything, which is the norm over here.
i think this is a nice system, because all the kids get something of more or less equal value, regardless of their family's financial means (most people give their kids something else at home too, but those who can't afford to at least still get something at the town fiesta). sena and aiyana got a barbie (their first!) and a tea set each, and they were really happy. our landlord, whose brother is the president of ixtlan, gave us special treatment at the fiesta, getting the kids to be first in the gift line, and other stuff like that. it felt a bit weird, although we appreciated his generosity. we felt uncomfortable being so pampered, when we already feel pretty priviledged compared to most people over here...but i guess that was his way of honoring us as his guests. he and his family are very kind...
a couple of pics from the event:
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