Saturday, December 19, 2009

Oaxaca Steet Children Christmas Concert

The pinata was loads of fun
Children sang in both
 English and Spanish
It was a fabulous event and a good time was had by all, except about half the North Americans, and one Northern Italian, who aren't use to Mexican culture.

The concert was to begin at 4 p.m. "Where's Denis, Andrea, Crisael and Israel?" I asked Isabela. Half the children were missing.

Whistles were handed out and the very loud, piercing sounds began. The Americans who were unaccustomed to Mexican revelry plugged their ears and wished the noise would stop.

"When was this suppose to start?" they asked.

"Four o'clock," I replied.

"What are they waiting for?"

"The rest of the children to arrive. This is Mexico, time has a different meaning."

By four-thirty or so all the children had arrived and they put on white T-shirts so they would have a similar appearance and off they went to sing carols around the block before starting the concert.

By this time some of the American volunteers left instead of staying for the concert, but many stayed. In fact some of the seasoned Americans didn't arrive until 4:30, or so. The children returned and their performance began. They danced and sang took a few swings at the first piñata and then sang their only English Christmas song, which was Jingle Bells. They performed fabulously. There is a photo of all the children, Isabel and me, but I didn't take it. I'm going to try and get it though.

We ate frijoles, avacados, tamales and gelatin for dessert. It was a very good meal especially considering the limited budget. Everyone went home with enough candy to last the entire Christmas season because there were plenty of piñatas and gifts of candy dishes.


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