The winter solstice is upon us and there is a sliver of moon hanging in the sky like an oyster shell, illuminated and alluring. In the southern part of the northern hemisphere Oaxaca is celebrating Christmas with her traditional pomp, ceremony, somber ritual and ubiquitous brass band. From the city to the villages, women are preparing tamales with mole, patting the corn tortillas, and simmering the guacalote (indigenous turkey) for the feast day. The wood fires curl skyward from the comal where the tortillas will cook. Children will run underfoot and bring ingredients or utensils. Men will sit with a beer or mescal after their work at the loom or wood carving table. They will all gather at the church for La Ultima Posada (the last procession on Christmas eve) where there will be an all-night celebration after Baby Jesus is rightfully restored to the manger of his birth.
Here are some of my favorite scenes of Christmas in Oaxaca to share with you: Feliz Navidad — Happiest Holidays. May all your seasons be filled with peace, joy and love. -Norma
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- Yarn drying on rooftop, Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
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- Street corner altar, Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
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- Handmade beeswax candles, a key part of the posada
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- Copal incense and flowers, Teotitlan del Valle posada
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