Thanksgiving in Mexico

Since Thanksgiving is about the Pilgrims giving thanks after they survived their first winter in America, it is not celebrated here in Mexico (obviously). However, that did not stop our team of American missionaries from celebrating it in full fashion! Last week on Monday, we had a huge Thanksgiving meal with the Americans on our team here in Fresnillo. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, carrots, cranberry sauce, corn pudding, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and more. It was quite the abundant feast. On actual Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) morning, my roommates Karen and Elizabeth and I went running and called it the "Fresnillo Turkey Trot." We even made shirts for it so it would be official. :) It was a lot of fun and reminded me of home. Later that morning, we drove to Zacatecas and celebrated with our team of Americans plus many other American missionaries who live in Zacatecas. We had another delicious meal and even had the opportunity to watch football there, thanks to satellite TV! All in all, it was a great Thanksgiving!

Dia de los Santos y Dia de los Muertos

In Mexico, they celebrate two holidays near the time of Halloween in the U.S. On November 1st, they celebrate "Dia de los Santos" or "All Saints Day." We had a party at church for the kids for Dia de los Santos and explained to them that saints are followers of Jesus. The children could come in happy costumes (no scary ones), and we played several fun games, gave away lots of candy, had a costume contest, and also sang some songs and had a short lesson.

Dia de los Muertos or "All Souls Day" is November 2nd. For this holiday, people honor the memories of loved ones who have died. Often, families will put out special picture frames of these loved ones. They also will go the cemetery and bring food and flowers with them.

For both of these days and several days before it, a lot of people dress up and walk around to houses and stores asking for candy or money. So instead of trick or treating for just one night (like in the U.S.), they will do it for several nights!

Here are two pictures from the party we had at church for Dia de los Santos:

All of the helpers for the Dia de los Santos party

Mareli & Bryan (sister and brother) and their great costumes