After two consecutive weeks of blaring cumbia music, public debauchery, and scary clowns, yesterday culminated the 472nd anniversary of my town. Que viva Camaná! Yeah, anniversaries are kind of a big deal down here. Not just “important” ones either, like 100 or 200 years. The 28th and/or 72nd year is equally significant and will be celebrated just the same---with a parade, some random explosives, a commemorative Mass, and lots of street drinking.
Initially I was a little skeptical about all this joyful noise and merry making. It seemed overly sentimental, almost trivial, to celebrate the 54th anniversary of your school or to have a birthday party for your dog. But then, after a few shots of Pisco, I got over myself. I began to realize how awesome it is to go through life either preparing for a fiesta or going to one. In fact, we could probably use some more holidays in the United States. I suggest that, at the very least, we add “Dia del Amigo,” “Dia de la Juventud,” and “Dia de los Santos” into the celebration rotation. Porque no?
Perhaps my initial reaction of jaded cynicism, my reluctance to party hardy, was due to the overzealous capitalism that often accompanies holidays in the U.S. How many stupid Secret Santa gifts have we purchased in our collective lifetime? Seriously. And the Easter Bunny is just damn creepy.
Celebrations down here appear to be more organic, more about enjoying good times with friends and family, eating, dancing, and excessive drinking. I could be down with that. This probably explains why my favorite American holiday is the Fourth of July. Picnics, parades, people setting things on fire-- all the elements needed for a good time. I am not expected to BUY you anything, other than a cheap 6-pack of domestic beer.
Furthermore, the essence of Fiestas is to embrace the present moment in real time, rather than two months prior. Case in point: today is November 11th and I have yet to see any evidence of an impending Navidad. Absent are the obnoxious plastic decorations, the mall madness, or the ingratiating refrain of “Dominic, the Christmas Donkey.”
Perhaps the great philosopher, Madonna, best captures the essence of ideal, joyful celebration:
If we took a holiday
took some time to celebrate
just one day out of life
it would be, it would be so nice.
Holiday, Celebration
Come together in every nation.
Amen, sister.
