Birthday Party

Yelapans require no excuse to celebrate; any event will suffice. However, when a marriage merges with the birthdays of the parties involved, it becomes a Mexican cause celebre. Such was the case this past evening. The celebration site was up river at the home of the groom’s parents. As I am close with this entire family, I relished the opportunity to participate. 

 

First, I need to establish some local social basics. There is never a guest list. Neighbors, friends, visitors and casual passers-by are all welcomed, fed and libated. Beverage coolers are scattered throughout the site. Bar-b-que chicken and steak, rice, frijoles, homemade salsas and tortillas appear at some predetermined moment. The scene is punctuated with a portable stereo system replete with oversized speakers. 

The gender dynamics mirror those of a seventh grade dance; men reside on one side of the festive area while the women occupy the opposing domain. No one seems to mind. At this gathering, the groom served the gentlemen, the bride performed identical duties for her counterparts. 

As the evening progresses, two events evolve: initially, the head count grows from thirty to well in excess of fifty; and secondly, a collection of futbol (soccer) fans relocates in front of the resident large screen. This re-positioning of males is hardly noticed. As the evening progresses, the volume on the stereo increases, the volume from the now highly animated male discussions increases. An inverse reaction occurs with the women. Their conversations have traveled their course and now attention is drawn to the antics of their respective mates. They respond with muted chortles and head shaking. 

As my departure time approaches (9-ish), I express my appreciation to the bride and groom, the parents of the groom and bid “buenas noches” to the balance. It is a crystal clear evening with stars galore. I pass and greet others on the path. It was a good night to be a Yelapan.