Fiesta is the Spanish word for holiday or festival. In Mexico the people celebrate many public holidays, both religious and national with parades, dancing and music. 

Civic festivals are often celebrated with fireworks, particularly those related to events like the foundation of the city or the promulgation of the constitution. Between 16th and 24th of December Mexicans celebrate a religious holiday, Las Posadas with street processions that commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Fiestas are held to celebrate a great many different occasions however, they all have one thing in common, they all involve copious amounts of food, drink, dancing, music and fun. They certainly know how to make the most of their public holidays in Mexico.

We take part in many events and activities here and one thing that stands out about them is the diversity. Many of our events are celebrations of other cultures and countries. It is wonderful to be able learn so much about the world around us, the differences and the similarities shared plus we also get try delicious local cuisines and cocktails.

This week we threw our own Mexican fiesta, and we did it in style. Dressed for the occasion in sombreros and ponchos we headed into the cinema room, it had been decorated beautifully. There were streamers and bunting, bright coloured tablecloths and a table laden with the most delicious looking Mexican fayre.

Everything about it was vibrant and colourful, the food, the clothes, it’s astounding how much splashes of colour can lift a mood. We all got into the party spirit almost immediately.

We had a great afternoon, singing, dancing along to the mariachi band, drinking pretty cocktails and mocktails and eating our fill of tortillas, with their spicy fillings and dips. The fiesta was a triumph.