Why the holiday traditions in Mexico have struck differently: CEO’s perspective

My family had a lot of traditions during the holidays, raising a baby in Wisconsin. Since I was not exposed for much of other cultures, I was happy and enjoyed most of them annually. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Church I have many special memories, or dressing up for Easter Morning Mass or creating Christmas cookies with my sisters. We are fortunate to have a family living in the vicinity of grandparents, aunts, uncles and relatives. I first began to notice some of our traditions until I met my wife in the late 20s.

My wife, who was born in India until the age of 18, often question many of our family traditions. When she looked through many of the spiritual/religious/religious/seasonal traditions she used, she saw many of my traditions that were very confusing.

She did not criticize or put it down in any way, but she asked about the appearance, material and importance of some of them. Why did we go to Walmart the next day, thank you for trying to score 60 -inch television on the 60 -inch TV for $ 199, or why did we eat more when we looked back on NFL football games on Thanksgiving Day? Why do you want to see four NBA games on Christmas Day, or search a basket full of chocolate candy in the morning Easter? The traditions were of course they were, but it is not easy to explain to me the importance or meaning of many of them.

As I reflected my many traditions, for many years, they have been very low about Systamas Eve Midnight Mass or Easter Morning Mass, and I felt a lot of eating, buying a lot and watching a lot of games on TV.

Commercialization seemed to be increasingly entered. I will protect them by saying that what we are doing is not important; The truth is that we were together, a family, and we enjoyed what we were doing. It seemed like a good answer to me, and my wife went with it for many years. Traditions were maintained, and everyone had a good time.

When I went to Mexico, I started looking at my holiday traditions in a very different light. After spending time in Mexico during the Thea de Muurtos, it is difficult to see the American style Hallowin after seeing the exceptional traditions for families to be affiliated with their dead loved ones.

I remember visiting some friends in Chicago in October last year, and I felt like all the other houses were competing in their yard to keep the most giant coastco skeleton. Do not misunderstand me, for many years I have done many fun (mostly drunk) Halloween nights, but in Mexico, when you enjoy the Thea de Mourtos, the holiday takes a completely different meaning.

Another eye opener who spends my adopted hometown, San Miguel de Alende for the past two weeks. We have come here in other Easter times, but this year it hit us very differently. We were out, almost every evening, we landed on the basis of the community and traditions of the family and traditions. The entire neighborhood decorate the houses on their street with flowers, or lay flowers in beautiful shapes on the street. Almost all of them were many generations of events, and young children learn the meaning, importance and importance of each heritage from adults. It touched deeply.

After night we were moved with a sense of society, family bonding, active participation of all ages, and almost every minute with a smile and laughter. One night, the community decorated the streets with flower petals all night to congratulate thousands of religious pilgrims coming before sunrise. Another night, we saw a tradition that refers to the tears of the virgin Mary, in which families will give free juice or water or ice cream. Another night is the tradition that goes with the family to see the beautifully decorated changes of seven different churches in the center of the city.

Finally came the Good Friday evening. Somehow I missed it in previous years. In the 90 -minute procession, hundreds of people and hundreds of people rebuilt the funeral of Christ. I am still at the expense of words to describe the event. Complete m. Total reverence for now. No children are crying or playing. No cell phone conversations. When we saw the procession of women and men, young people and the elderly did not speak quietly and city. Every woman was formally wearing their best jewelry, black veil, high heels and black dresses. Every man wears black cases and relationships formally. Each child is dressed in flowers in the hair. Children sing. A full band that reads quiet music is perfect for now.

It will impress the mind. It had an impact. It was humble. I felt the power of such deep, meaningful and significant traditions than any other time in my life. It was completely magic.

My opinion in today’s column is no way to criticize the traditions I grew up as a child. They helped me shape myself as the person I am today. I have no regrets. But to come to Mexico I encourage you so strongly Dead dayOvarian Christmas seasonOr Easter/Holy Week. I can guarantee it as an experience that will affect you, encourage you, and give you a very different perspective. The “reason for the season” is truly a spectacular experience with the eyes of Mexican families and communities.

Travis Pembenk Chief executive Mexico News Daily ANT has been living in Mexico for almost 30 years, working or playing.