Internationalmatt's Blog

Weekend Fun with my Hispanic Friends- Fiesta at Cristo Rey on Saturday

On Saturday my weekend adventure with my Hispanic Friends continued when I went to a Fiesta at Cristo Rey church. I actually went twice, one time around noon and the other in the early evening. I went around noon to watch the children dance some traditional Méxican dances which were fun and lively. I made a special point to go watch because a friend told me about it. A friend who helps teach the children how to do the dances, but she did not come due to her husband’s birthday. Nevertheless, I had fun watching.

Méxican culture has a lot of rich tradition, which I do not presume to know much about, but I certainly enjoy observing and sharing with my Hispanic Friends. The music, dance, and colorful costumes were an experience I enjoyed thoroughly. Watching children perform is always fun and it is cute when they make a few mistakes, but then I have to admit they certainly danced better than I could. The dance was just the beginning of my fun. I also had the opportunity to walk around and see some of my former students and my friends. It was great to catch up on how they are doing in their lives. I was also able to enjoy some delicious food for lunch.

my friend Roxana made Papusas

Torta table

My lunch began with a delicious Torta which was a sandwich with meat, avocado, tomato and some other toppings although I passed on the jalapenos. The Torta was very tasty and I thought about having a second one, but then I remembered the Papusa table, so I went there too. I had two Papusas which my friend Roxana was cooking. I asked her if she needed my help and she just gave that look  I get sometimes when I try to joke around. I was full after a Torta and two Papusas, so I went to a table where they were playing a form of bingo.

The game cards had pictures of different items with their names in español. I played mostly to practice my listening skills, but had fun as well. I was not concerned with winning and in fact was elated when some children I gave tickets to won in a few games. My friends Yolanda and Elizabeth helped me with some of the words when I missed them. My biggest thrill at the table was watching the children have fun.

I left to go sit in some air-conditioning and get some things done. I returned around 5pm to enjoy some more food and see if I could run into anyone I knew. I ran into several people I knew as I walked around. I had opportunities to practice my español and find out about my friends. I also had corn on the cob Hispanic style which is rolled in butter, then dipped in grated cheese and red pepper sprinkled on it. It was awesome!! I also had another torta. I then found my way to the flavored drinks and had a lime drink. I finished my indulgence of good eating with a ice cream bar of mango and creme.

It was a full day of fun, food and friends. It was especially a blessing for me to see my friends having fun and enjoying themselves. My Hispanic Friends tend to be maligned and face discrimination. Life is hard for them and they work hard. Seeing them have a day to have fun with their families was very meaningful to me. I also gained even more appreciation for the work that some of my friends such as Yolanda, Elizabeth, Olga and many others do to help my Hispanic Friends in their lives here in Lincoln. I look forward to next year’s Fiesta.

June 20, 2011 Posted by internationalmatt | Cutural Celebrations, El Salvador, Experiences of international friends, Hispanic friends, international fashion and crafts, Mexico | Leave a Comment