Piñatas a la Fiesta

I have officially experienced an authentic Mexican birthday party, and let me tell you, American parties pale in comparison. This Sunday my host family celebrated the birthdays of my host siblings, Paula (6) and Cesar (3). Their birthdays were actually in April and June, but now was first opportunity the family has had to celebrate. I didn't understand what the big deal was until I arrived at the party.

At Mexican fiestas, everyone is invited...everyone. Even though the party was for the kids, there were over 100 adults at the event. There was food, drinks, games for the kids, two piñatas, and of course cake. All the adults sat around and ate and talked while the kids played on the playground and had their faces painted. This was all good and fun, until it lasted from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Actually, the time went by quickly because there were several people there that I knew, the food was delicious, and I got to play esconditas (hide-and-go-seek) with the cutest little 4-year-old I've ever met.
Some basic differences between Mexican fiestas and American parties:
1) People who are not invited come. Fiestas are basically free-for-alls, but nobody cares.
2) The family makes all the preparations, including cooking enough food for 100+ people.
3) The party lasts as long as the last guest stays, and there is no such thing as outstaying your welcome.
4) Nobody cares that the little girls are dressed in beautiful dresses and playing in the mud.
5) The birthday song is different. I'm not sure what the words are, but it is definitely different.
6) There is piñata song that determines how long each kid's turn is for hitting the piñata. (The whole blindfolded and spun around thing doesn't happen.)

I also got to spend some more time with my host dad's family. I met them early on in my time here in Mexico when I knew no Spanish, so it was nice to see them again and show them that I am not a complete idiot. They are really friendly and seemed glad to see me. I hope I get the chance to spend more time with them before I head back to the States. There are several cousins that are about my age, and it would be a lot of fun to get to know them better.