Life goes on as usual in Rocky Point, and I'm happy to report that there's hope for the human race if one teenaged girl is an example of our future.
Cori Z., who lives in the Phoenix area, recently had an article called "Wish List" published in Teen Ink and it really put a smile on my face. This girl thinks out of the box when it comes to making her Wish List for Christmas, and Rocky Point is right near the top of the list, in her "Yearly Contracts". Here's part of what she said:
First and foremost is the contract my parents sign that states our family will vacation at my favorite spot – Rocky Point, Mexico – whenever possible. Of course it is complete with fine print and witnessed at the signing. I use it against my parents when they decide they would like to go to Disneyland or some pricey tourist attraction for vacation, instead of the beach complete with kayaking, fireworks, and Coke in glass bottles.
Doesn't that make you grin? My favorite part, though, is the item at the top top of her list: A working time machine. She's still waiting for that one. I'd say her mom and dad (Mom's been going to Penasco since the early 1970s!) are doing a darned good job of parenting, wouldn't you?
Meanwhile, out at Playa Encanto, preparations are well under way for the annual New Years Eve Light Parade. Participants will line up at the last beach access on the West end of the beach (near the La Jolla entrance) and then proceed out to the beach and go the length of Playa Encanto property. The only vehicles allowed are ATV's, Jeeps, golf carts and dune buggies and of course they must be decorated with lights. No cars or trucks. (There are battery operated lights available and also inverters and or small generators with which to run the lights.) They'll start lining up at 8:00 PM while the tide is low.
This is a lot of fun to watch (and participate in), and I'm hoping for some photos to share after the 1st of the year. If you have any questions about this event, please contact yomikey27@msn.com
If you're looking for Christmas in Penasco, you won't have to look very far. Besides all the expat parties, decorations and special dinners at local hotels and restaurants and so on,The Posadas are ongoing now and are great to watch if you can't join in. The Posadas comprise nine consecutive days of candlelight processions in which families get together to reenact the Holy Family’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem. Sometimes small statues of Joseph and Mary are carried, sometimes the procession is led by a little girl on a burro, followed by a little boy representing Joseph other children dressed as angels, shepherds, etc. Everyone carries a candle to light their way. The little procession goes from house to house asking for a room, only to be turned away until finally a family in a predetermined house opens the doors to let them in and the partying begins. A different house lets them in on each of the nine nights. The "conversations" at each home are all done in song, kind of like caroling, and there's a lot of singing going on along the way, too. The BIG celebration, when Jesus is born, takes place on La Noche Buena (Christmas Eve):
At midnight on Christmas Eve or "Noche Buena," the birth of Christ is proclaimed with fire works, the ringing of church bells and the blowing of whistles. After the final Posada procession, the people surge into the churches to attend the Mass of the Rooster or "Misa de Gallo." Afterward, families head home for an exotic Christmas feast of dishes like tamales, rice, chiles rellenos, menudo or roast pig or turkey, along with hot fruit or cider punches and other spirits such as rompope. They gather around their personal nativity scene, or "Nacimiento" a recreation of the stable where Jesus was born, complete with Mary, Joseph, the baby in the manger, angels, the Magi or "Los Reyes Magos, the ox and ass, shepherds and their flocks and even perhaps a serpent representing the forces of evil lurking in the shadows. The nativity scene is constructed with loving care throughout the days preceding Christmas Eve, and is not completed until that night. It is here that each family pays homage, once again, to the miracle of Christ's birth. The evening ends with the opening of gifts, another Piñata and sparklers for the kids. Christmas Day is obviously a day of rest in Mexico-after the festivities that precede it.
You can find out more about this delightful custom at MexGrocer (or lots of other cyber locations).
So have a Happy Christmas in Rocky Point!
And that's all the Buzz on the Beach for today.
Peace out...
About Beach Buzz: Not necessarily the news, this is a place for information, opinion, speculation, gossip, tips and other good stuff about Rocky Point, and Mexico in general. Have opinions to air, anecdotes to share, tips or tidbits to contribute? I'd like to hear from you!
Email me: La Huerita
