Christmas was quiet. Very quiet. We didn't hear even the usual shuffling and breakfast making noises from our neighbors until after 1:00 pm. Not a soul walked down our street, not a car drove by. The previous evening's celebrations didn't wind down until about 5:00 am, so I guess everyone was sleeping in.

Christmas Eve in Mazatlan is a spectacular event celebrated with joy and gusto and quite a bit of noise. If you like a quiet, spiritual Christmas Eve, or if you want to sleep, don't come here. If you want to be a part of an epic celebration with people who know how to have a good time, Mazatlan is the place to be.

Winter rolled into Mazatlan early this year and weather conditions deteriorated under a steady north wind that had daytime temperatures struggling to reach 19 degrees centigrade. For many, my self included, this was a serious cold snap that drove us into extra garb, with multiple layers for mornings and evenings. I have had on long pants for four days now and willingly seek comfort in the warmth of an evening barbecue. However, the newly arrived Canadians are finding the temperatures down right balmy and are cruising the Zone in shorts and tee shirts.

Every day in Mazatlan brings some sort of pleasant surprise. Today it was a peppy serenade from a wandering group with a big drum and a saxophone. I was sitting at my desk working when the lively music started directly below my window. I went to look and saw a small band of Mestizos standing out in the street.

Dia de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) is celebrated on November 20 and commemorates the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910 which ended the rule of dictatorial President Porfirio Díaz Mori. The war, which gave rise to folk heroes like Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, lasted seven years and killed 7% of the population. The end came in 1917 with the ratification of the current Constitution of Mexico. Revolution Day is often confused with Dia de la Indepencia (Independence Day), September 16, which celebrates Mexican independence from Spain.