Amongst many, there are two universal generalities that must be acknowledged. One is that University exchange students party a lot (a shitload even?)! Another is that all Mexicans, be them old, young, short, tall, hot or ugly also enjoy a party... a big party in fact... at least once a year. And if you consider an exchange student in Mexico, you have a sure fire recipe for a pissed off liver, not enough sleep and barely mediocre grades. Let me elaborate:
In Mexico, social life is extremely important and it seems there is nothing people like more than getting together with lots of food, alcohol and family friends to be jolly and merry. Another very important aspect is religion, which explains why most communities, cities, pueblos and localities have a giant church and a patron saint. Patron saints (although they mean eff all to atheists such as myself) are highly revered by the pueblo they represent and deserve a day of worship (or provide an excuse for a big party if you may). Over the past 2 weekends, I have been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to take part in 2 holy days/fiestas in 2 different places, and boy can these Mexicans party. Dancing in the streets, indigenous groups from surrounding areas showcasing their dancing prowess and amazing costumes, food stalls and more elotes and cotton candy than you can poke a stick at, masses partying in the streets, beer left right and centre and so much more... nothing says "OH PRAISE THEE HOLY SAINT!" like a party. It is inspiring to see an entire community (and in the case of San Miguel de Allende... almost an entire state!) come together to share in a joie de vivre that Mexicans just exude unlike anyone else. And unlike belligerent, drunken idiot Australians who would most likely be covered in vomit, beating eachother in the street and behaving like animals in the presence of free flowing alcohol in the streets, Mexicans just seem to be able to enjoy themselves with only a few drunken sleazy louts to annoy and molest (granted we don't see what happens when they get home).
Another fabulous feature of Mexican fiestas to worship patron saints is the fireworks spectacular. After seeing the man burn at Burning Man, I thought all fireworks from that point on would be a huge disappointment. As usual, I was wrong. Even in the smallest of pueblos, the fireworks towers that are created are mindblowing and astonishing. While the safety standards of such shows are dubious (non existent), the sheer size and creativity of such shows just blow ones mind. Clear goggles and a safe distance (although not guaranteed) are a few simple rules of the fireworks show and avoid polyester, flamable clothing because you WILL get showered in embers and ash.
BUT it's not only the Mexicans who like to get their drink on and have a good time de vez en cuando, but also University exchange students. Although most students in general are big partiers no matter where they are, it seems being on exchange, having easy classes (well at least in Mexico) and not having to worry about grades just adds fuel to the already young, invincible, hormone fueled students who roam the streets. It seems that no matter what night of the week (maybe not Monday) there is some kind of party, bar hop, drinking promotion or just plain catch up going on that one rarely needs to spend a night at home if they don't wish. Last week alone I think I was only in for 1 or 2 nights, which inevitably results in sore, tired bodies and heads the following day. Add to that, the fact that September and October seem to be birthday season and that drinks are incredibly cheap in Mexico (1L of licor de agave goes for about $2.50 AUD), Mexico for exchange students is a party and a half.
Which of course is why I had to give up drinking (and of course the personal challenge/loss of my favourite drinking buddy/not be an alcoholic) for a few weeks. Seems now I can dance all night like a lunatic, not humiliate myself, remember most of the people I meet the following day and act all smug when I wake up the next morning fresh as a spring daisy. Although anyone who knows me (myself included) knows that this is definitely not forever... in fact the date October 28th is looming in my mind as we speak... Licor de agave anyone?
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