The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-01-06
AWAY DOWN IN MEXICO.
Strange Customs Attending the Christmas
Festivities of the Natives.
Interesting Description of "a Race In which
Rancheros Were Riders.

Interesting Description of Race In which
Ranchcros Were Riders.
Special Correspondence of the EVENING LIGHT.
CITY OF MEXICO, DEC. 2l.-SOme months ago
life was rather monotonOus in Mexico but
lately we have bad Il variety of amusements
such as races, balls, private theatrcals, ba-
zarrs, paper hunts moonlight excursions and
novelties 10 the theatres, ana the days passnow
and do not resemble each other
The German clubs races took place several
days ago and were u complete success. The
race course near the Piedad was crowded with
u large number OF persons on foot, on horse
back and in carriages aud presented most ann
mated appearance.
One race was very interesting, as it was rid
den by Mexican "ranchcros' on bareback
horses, and it was picturesque sight to see
these dark-skinned, Odd-lOokinx jockeys win
their fancifui costume consisting oil white
shirt, dark pantaloOns with metal buttons,
red or blue scarf around their waists and
handkerchief OF brilliant colOrs on their heads
flying over the race course. They rode the race
splendidly, and the fortunate winner was re-
warded with stylish "sombrerO jaranO, en-
broidered with silver, which was handed to him
by our lovely cOuntrywoman, Mrs. Mariscal,
who, as the wife of II distinguished Mexican,
was requested to bestOw the prize upon her
husbands humble countryman. The Baroness
Wedell handed the winner glass OF cham
payne, and il is To be supposed that the Vict0ri-
OiIs '.fanchero" passed one of the happcst
moments of his life as he stood there with his
new hat on, basking in the smiles of the ladies
ON the stand and the applause and the diana
ringing in his ears.
AS have already said the races were most
enjoyable and their success is greatly owing 10
the energy and intelligence of Baron Wedell,
who is president OF the committee and who
arranged everything In the best manner posi-
BILE, and Ia the exquisite courtesy of the Baron
ess, who presided. She was ably seconded by
Mrs. Warnhltz, and Miss Struck and the three
ladies distributed the prizes and received the
MOI
amiability. 30
II was really refreshing to witness the genial
ity of the Germans, who appeared to be one
large family united for the purpose of enjoying
themselves and in whose frank and open cOun-
tenances the greatest satisfaction beamed
Among the persons present noticed nearly
all the members of the Diplomatic Corps some
prominent Mexican families aud the most dis
tiuguished foreigners residing at present i'm the
capital. Some ladies went to the race course on
horseback. The Sonora JuaIla Rivas de AdAlid
looked-ve~ handsome zen amazone," dressed in
tue English style, ana Mrs. Neyt the wife of
the Belgian Minister, very fascinating with her
green riding habit and large grey Mexican hat.
Between the French opera lnaugurated hy
Maurice Grau on Friday evening when the Ma
tiOnal theatre was dcnSely crowded with Il
fashionable audience come to see the betwitch-
ing Louise TheO and hear the delicious tones of
Privat's melodious mezzo-soprano- and the
"pOsadas," which were commenced last night,
the city of Mexico is very gay, not to speak OF
cannot say with Madame dc Sevigne ale jours
passeut et lis s6 resembent.
The "posad0s' to WHICH referred constitute
one of the strange customs Of this country.
They are religious balls, If may use the term,
and commemorate the journey of the blessed
Virgin and Saint Joseph from Nazareth 10
Bethlehem and the vain efforts made by the
Mother of God 10 find an inn To shelter her be-
fore the birth of her son, The 'posado' COM
mences With sort of possession in the
rooms in which ths p party is given tn tig n
Mary arrs sa"' ron %sGpA n f ae Gg
band of music and by young ladies and
gentlemen holding lighted tapcrs and singing
ltanies, The Blessed Virgin AMI Saint Joseph
are supposed 10 he seeking 'posada," that
being the Spanish word for inn; they knock at
one of the doors and are answ, frd by voices
singing inside. Contrary TO what really hap
and then the holy figures are put
away i'm corner until the following evening.
When the procession is over the breaking OF
the "pinata" takes place. The 'pinata" is II
sort OF large earthen vessel handsomely decor
atcd aud ttlled with sweetineats and candies OF
all kinds which is hing from the ceiling in the
middle of the room; nnme or the children or
young people are bndrOided and are given
long sticks and after many vain efforts one OF
them manages TO break the ''pinata, the bon
bons fail on the floor and there is great 6nus,-
Inent and sctaInbling among the children oyer
them. AT this moment little presents are given
10 all the guests, such as china baskets, figures
silk satin boxes, etc, and then dancing com
meuceS and lasts until the following morning.
represent the stable ia Bethlehem, and the
guests repair there AZ the hour that Christ was
born; some g0dmOthers arr selected among
the young ladies, and then dancing paifll6lcEs
aud is carried on with great enthusiasm, The
ball is not supposed to commence until after
the birth OF Christ, but, as Il rule, dancing be-
gins early.
On this night which is called "Noche buena,"
grand supper is given at which there is moth
ing served but fish and salads and one particu-
lar dish called "revOltillo," which is composed
lf nNA n In n
wine is drank with these thirst-provoking
dishes, and Christmas morning is ushcred in in
AN exceedingly lively maHnGr,
There is not So much sty IL ana elegance IN the
''pOsadaS'' now AS there used To he. At one
time at least $1,000 were expended in each
''pOsada," and presents of silver and gold
baskets were made to the guests. Even the
poorest class of people in Mexico have their
''poSadas" on small scale. They are one of
the institutions of the country, and the custom
is certainly an original one. They are CON
tinqfd for nine days. PAPnLIoN.
RANDOM NOTES AND COMMENT.