The Christmas season is upon us in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico. Each morning I wake to the sound of the cojetes — the firecrackers — going off at six o’clock. They continue through the day and well into the evening.
This is a signal that Mary, Joseph and Jesus are traveling to Bethlehem and are resting overnight in the altar room of a local host. Each evening around seven the posada (procession) will carry the trio to the next home, until the last posada on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Christmas Day Fiesta Meal with Mole Amarillo, a Teotitlan tradition
If you haven’t experienced a village posada, this is the place to be. Book at room at Las Granadas B&B or at Casa Elena B&B. You will be welcomed as a guest into the home of each of the posada hosts, I’m certain.
Handmade beeswax candles, a key part of the posada
The last posada, La Ultima Posada, is the grandest celebration of the week. But at all resting places, there will be food, celebration, drink and firecrackers well into the night.
Street corner altar, Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
This morning the church bells chimed. Last night, I could hear the band playing in the distance. Each of the administrative sections of the village hosts a posada and asks a resident of that area to be the mayordomo. After all, it’s a birthday party for Jesus! It’s a fascinating introduction into Zapotec life in Oaxaca.
Yarn drying on rooftop, Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
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