Central Mexican city all lit up for Christmas
Puebla, Mexico, Dec 4 (EFE).- Every night in December the city of Atlixco, in Mexico’s central state of Puebla, is being illuminated with thousands of many-colored lights and gigantic holiday figures to make the Christmas season a magical experience for visitors for the Villa Illuminada 2022.
The walking route stretches for 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) and along it visitors can see an assortment of holiday decorations, including a Christmas tree more than 15 meters (49 feet) tall lit up with interactive lights along with the traditional creche scenes showing the Baby Jesus in the manger accompanied by the Three Kings, along with a horse, a camel and an elephant.
The images are to be found and enjoyed on the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city.
At the park located in the same area is a huge colorful piñata, a symbol of Christmas in Mexico, along with assorted fun events and traditions such as a “trompo,” a traditional wooden top, and a gigantic bear wearing a red sweater, which has become a favorite of the tourists.
Near these figures is a train car in which Santa Claus is riding. The most Mexican image, however, is the enormous doll Lele, or Maria, illuminated and festooned with multicolored lights.
Some 50 meters (yards) away is Avenida Hidalgo, along which visitors can stroll to view the thousands of holiday lights, torches and other colorful attractions that remind people that the Christmas season should be colorful and happy, and where one can view a traditional “posada” or inn and a scene of a child hitting a piñata while other children wait to scramble for the spilled candies and treats.
Walking along that street, visitors can find cutouts of angel’s wings and horns and a pitchfork where people can pose for photos.
Eventually, one arrives at the Convention Center, where one can find any number of Mexican snacks, like chalupas, popcorn, corn on the cob, kebabs, as well as candies and pastries.
There, too, are kiosks where one can by handicrafts and assorted other items, as well as watch various shows and performances and play arcade games like pinball.
Nearby, gingerbread cookies are for sale, along with “Nutcrackers” and candy canes.
Patricia, a visitor from Veracruz, told EFE that she was amazed to see so many lights, adding that they made her feel very emotional and reminded her that Christmas is the best season of the year. She also said that everyone she had encountered on her visit had been very friendly and attentive to her and her fellow tourists.
EFE –/bp
