www.womanthismonth.com 71 December 2015 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO I n this colourful Mexican city Christmas is both a solemn and celebratory affair filled with ‘Piñatas, posadas and ponche’. In the lead up to the festival, you're likely to stumble upon Mary and Joseph strolling the streets, as locals make pilgrimages from home to home singing songs as they re-enact the journey to Bethlehem. ‘Noche Buena’ or Christmas Eve is actually more important to Mexicans than Christmas Day. A life-size manger is set up in the main city garden in front of the church. The last procession of the season passes by in early evening after which everyone prepares to party. And like any good Mexican party it goes on all night replete with lip-smacking food, piñatas and mulled fruit drink called ponche. Enjoy a long evening of non-stop celebration around the cobblestone city that also enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its beautiful churches, well-preserved architecture and grand plazas. On the 25th, after family and church, it’s time for promenading through the streets. The day is also celebrated as the Day of Holy Innocents as Mexicans play elaborate practical jokes on each other. If you fall for one, you’ll hear the cry of “Inocente! Inocente!”. VALLETTA, MALTA This Mediterranean jewel offers one of the most inimitable nativity experiences during the holidays that can often include grazing live animals. The 12 days of Christmas in Malta are a wonderful mix of zesty merrymaking and age-old traditions preserved by its strong Roman Catholic community. This is the busiest and most merry time of the year for the Maltese capital of Valletta. Its beautifully lit streets with carols echoing in the background, shops dressed to their best and activities in abundance, extend a warm and festive welcome. Special highlight for kids include Santa’s Toy Town at Popeye’s Village and a number of pantomime productions across the town that enthral young ones and adults alike. Bethlehem Inn or Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, located on the nearby island of Gozo, hosts a month-long nativity enactment that takes you back 2,000 years. Be part of the scene by renting a room that comes with period costumes in the village. On Christmas Eve, join a massive parade as throngs of people walk behind a life-sized figure of the Infant Jesus. After the midnight mass, delivered traditionally by a child and not a priest, you can head to any of the world-class hotels, for a 1am breakfast. Taksim Square San Miguel de Allende The main garden and church Christmas mass Bethlehem Inn in Gozo Christmas in San Miguel
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