Now is the time to plan to go to Puerto Peñasco for late fall and the Christmas season.  Fall brings Mermaid Markets, Art in the Park in Las Conchas over Thanksgiving, stunning sunset cruises and the traditions of the Christmas season in Mexico.

Stop by Latitude 31 to see the Christmas Village and train and it is free.  While you are there have a great breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Take time to do a Sunset Cruise on the Pancho Villa or the Eco Fun or any of the other boats here that will not disappoint you.  Just getting out on the water is such a great way to unwind.  You can view the Dolphins that will entertain your boat and you can sit back and have a Margarita or cold beer.  There is something about fall and winter sunsets that are so amazing.

If you are lucky enough to be here in December, you can watch all the Posada’s or go over to City Hall and see the decorations that are set up.  Plaza de Madre is where you will find the animals from the Nativity setting.  Children love to see all the animals.

The Posadas start on December 16 and end on the 24th or as it is called “Noche Buena” Christmas Eve.  In many parts of the world they celebrate the 12 days of Christmas but in Mexico it is 9 days. Las Posada translated means in English as “the inn or the lodging”

Neighbors and family meet and go from house to house every night reenacting the travels of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.   When they arrive at the last house, they are given passage and it is here where the party starts.  Before entering the home they recite something like this. This song is called “Canto Para Pedir Posada” which means to ask for shelter.  This is a shortened version.

Pilgrims, outside)

“Mi nombre es José,
Mi esposa es María.
y madre va ser,
del Divino Verbo.”

“My name is Joseph,
My wife is Mary.
and mother to be
of the Divine Word.”

(Inn keepers, inside)

“Posada os brindo,
Santos Peregrinos,
y disculpa os pido,
no os reconocía.”

“The inn I give you,
pilgrim saints,
and offer an apology,
for not recognizing you.”

The people arrive carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary and little candles as they walk from place to place.  Once admitted, they are treated to food and a drink called Ponche con Piquete, which is made fruits, cinnamon and Brandy or Rum or a beer called Noche Buena. This beer is only found in the Christmas season. After everyone has finished, the Pinata is hung and the children start to break it open.  The families spend a lot of time talking and enjoying the sounds of glee of the children.   On Christmas Eve, most families go to midnight mass.

The Christmas season extends until January 6th which is known as “Kings Day” and in traditional fashion, this is when the children receive their Christmas gifts.

If you are in Puerto Peñasco on January 6th, you may want to join in the parade to one of the poorer areas of the city and see the gifts that the American community and motorcycle riders have collected for these children.