In Comitancillo, birthdays are not a particularly big celebratory occasion as it has become in the Western world; lavish parties with an assortment of decorations, finger foods, and a much-too-expensive birthday cake that contains over-processed cream that doesn't really taste like cream, but more like the container it actually came from.
In the association I have been assigned to, we celebrate a birthday every month or two. The last two birthdays celebrated were those of my site mate, Charlie's 24th, his counterpart, Erwin's 28th, and the accountant, Heidi's 25th.
Just like any other meeting in Guatemala, a detailed agenda is made.
- Objectives (Just in case someone forgot why they were attending the birthday party.)
- Mañanitas (Happy Birthday song)
- Space for Expression (This is where everyone goes around the table and basically says something nice about the person whose birthday is being celebrated. Afterwards, the person whose birthday is being celebrated says a general thanks to everyone and why they feel special.)
- Gift Giving (Everyone pools in Q10 to buy a birthday gift for each person, and then one person is selected to present the gift, usually requiring another short speech that includes "es muy sencillo, pero viene con todo el cariño de todo nosotros" it's a very small gift, but it comes with all the love from all of us"
- Hugs (Guatemala has an unfortunate tradition of giving very awkward hugs- usually a one-arm, pat on the back that lacks a good, tight squeeze of a real, meaningful, two-armed hearty hug.)
- Snack (A small sandwich with potato chips and hot chocolate with marshmallows.)
- Words of Thanks (Thanking everyone for coming to celebrate the birthdays and wishing the celebrated one more time.)
Rubén, the director, giving Heidi a one-armed hug.
Isa giving Carlitos his sencillo regalito.
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1 comment:
hahaha i love the agenda.
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