September 2012: Happy Birthday Mexico
September here in Mexico is an important month. There are many celebrations to enjoy - the first on September 16th is Mexico's Independence Day -the 202nd anniversary of achieving their independence from Spain. -( called independencia dia). Lakeside in mid-September will be full of annual events. From charro (horsemanship and rodeo competitions) , mariachis, strolling style shows of beautifully worn rebozos (ladies' shawls), parades, dances and a huge hot air balloon regatta -(called Globos) will feature air-worthy homemade hot air balloons made from tissue paper, the action goes on for days! This is something to see! Many of these crafts float about the sky, some not so lucky end up in flames. This year Greg and I are working at a charity hot dog stand for the day. It should be alot of fun watching these crafts and selling (and maybe eating a few) hotdogs! The Mexican community look forward to the month of September and come out in droves for these fun filled events.The children here go back to school the third week in August. We recently learned how the school system works here. The Mexican government supplies the school buildings and teachers. Every other necessity must be supplied by the parents of each child attending school. One of our Mexican friends outlined for us these costs. Each child requires a school uniform complete with two pairs of shoes. The parents are given a list of items - the usual things like pencils, pens and notebooks which you would expect - same as at home. Then there is toilet paper, soap, each child's share of the electricity that will be used to run the school over the year. It is expensive for parents here to send their children to school - average per child is about $250 for the year! The children look so cute marching together down the cobblestone streets heading happily to school................
There are many century old traditions that happen here in September — they're a huge part of the Fiestas Patrias (patriotic celebrations). A very big traditional dish is the molcajete - (mo-ka-het-teh) the lava stone bowl that is filled with pork, chicken or shrimp and cheese in a flavourful broth and is baked in a hot oven. The Molcajete is served to you bubbling hot and is absolutely delicious! This traditional dish has been enjoyed for centuries! When my sister Sandy visited in April, she enjoyed her first Molcajete - I think Sandy will return simply to have this wonderful dish again. Hurry back San!
