Xmas in Akure: A promise of figurines, fun, games & laughter at Mexicana-Nigeria party

Every December the Mexicana-Nigeria Christmas party holds in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and it is an event which appeals to children and teenagers between the ages of 2 -18. This year it will span two days-the 25/26 of December. Known as the Posada the party unites the Mexican tradition of Christmas with that of […]

Every December the Mexicana-Nigeria Christmas party holds in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and it is an event which appeals to children and teenagers between the ages of 2 -18. This year it will span two days-the 25/26 of December. Known as the Posada the party unites the Mexican tradition of Christmas with that of Nigeria, to produce a very original event which unfolds in charming colours and role play within quiet Akure.

 

Posada, being a Mexican word is “a recreation of the difficult journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, with heavily pregnant Mary on a donkey and Joseph walking the donkey searching for a warm place to sleep,” indicates a publication focusing on Posada 2016. This is largely acted out by children, and they make a good job of it each December when Dr and Mrs Goke Adegoroye open their doors and allow all the children in the community to come in to have a few hours of fun, in the context of reliving the message of Christmas. It is a free event and the party thrills both young and old, who are not only from Akure, but also travel to the town from other parts of Nigeria.

 

The event this year promises to be an even more exciting version of the party which will enter its 10th version in 2017. What are these new elements which the young ones will see and delight in?: There is going to be a new much taller Christmas tree that would be installed at the venue and it will easily be the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Dr. Adegoroye tells Daily Trust ‘the tree has been increased by an additional 10 to 12 feet.’ The sheer size of the tree would seem to hint at the towering message of Christ’s birth and the overall significance of the Christmas festival. Its earlier form dominated the part of Akure where the party regularly holds,but this one will do more than that, and a radiant star will be seen by all at very top of the tree. The other new element say the Adegoroye’s, the initiators and sponsors of the project which began in 2008, is the use of a laser to light up or illuminate the tree, and this was brought into the country from Mexico by the parents of Mrs. Adegoroye and they too are fully involved in the celebration. The laser would also create the effect of luminous or heavenly light falling upon the great human events in the settlement. This can have a profound impact on the impressionable mind of a child which is trying to understand the many concepts, both spiritual and material, which confront it every day. Then there are the numerous figurines for the manger, which are necessary in this especially Mexican version of the christmas celebration. The figurines depict the Angels, shepherds, and the three wise men. A new set of figurines have been brought to bring colour to this years celebration. The three wise men or Magi kings are an important part of the Posada “This year we are going to create a grotto, and in the grotto there will be seen the three Magi kings. My parents brought costumes for the Magi kings from Mexico, and the children will enter and take photos with three kings,” adds Maria Adegoroye.

 

Another new element is the fact that on Boxing Day there will be a community fun fair at the same venue. In the past this was merged with the general celebration. The publication on the Posada indicates that the fun fair would be an impromptu and free flowing programme. Then there the other items which are equally charming, and which the children have gushed over each Christmas: These include the Balloon ride race, the Dough-nut eating contest, Musical chairs, the trampoline jump as well as the egg transfer race, among others. Popular attractions include the Pepeye dance, the release of the balloons, and the great procession with candles which features Joseph, with Mary on a donkey, and this is the climax of the celebration. Posada 2016 which will also feature a narrator for the first time, promises to be a great fun filled event for the many children as well as the adults of Akure.