The Mexican people love to have fiestas or parties, celebrating everything from birthdays and weddings to farewells and graduations.
These fiestas have distinct characteristics that make them stand out from the parties you see in many other countries.
Fiestas are typically boisterous celebrations filled with laughter, music and plenty of good food.
Depending on the reason for the celebration, fiestas can last anywhere from five hours for a child’s birthday party to two days for a traditional wedding.
Many fiestas have piñatas for kids to hit and get at the treats inside.
Various snack foods are served, such as vegetable platters of carrots and jicama with chile powder.
Other Mexican foods are duritos (a puffed wheat snack in the shape of a wagon wheel served plain or drizzled with Valentina) and esquites (a dish of corn mixed with mayonnaise, lime juice, and chile).
Adults often sip on tequila, beer, and wine. Non-alcoholic beverages include horchata, jamaica tea, and limonada.
Fiestas always include music, usually in the form of mariachi.
Singing and dancing with mariachi hired for the party often goes on for hours, late into the night.
In Mexican cities and towns, visitors can often hear these bands performing as various fiestas are taking place.
Fireworks and firecrackers are also commonly used during fiestas and help contribute to the noise of the celebration. Xoximilco Park puts on a fantastic fiesta show for visitors. Check it out here.
