Merry Christmas from a CDMX Grinch Organ Grinder

Nothing says Christmas in Mexico City like a Grinch organillero.

If you’ve ever visited Mexico, I’m sure you have noticed the ubiquitous organ grinders (known as organilleros,) that tend to gather around main plazas or outside churches to provide entertainment –and one of the most characteristic sounds of my country.

Nowadays, most of Mexico’s organilleros belong to a union (formed in the late 1970s) and wear their characteristic brown uniform and hats. But there are exceptions, of course, as this dude found by a friend in CDMX, who roams about the streets of the capital city dressed up as none other but The Grinch.

And this, my friends, is the most charming thing I’ve seen lately in this annus horribilis.

WATCH HIM IN ACTION:

To all Followers — and Detractors — of this Venerable Blog:

ForLeaseNavidad

Before you go all crazy on me, let me clarify one thing: I did not invent the above awesomeness — of course. I have been busy taking siestas, eating tacos and sipping tequila (I’m Mexican, remember?) to be working on such an elaborate work of art.

Thank God I have the entire World Wide Web working for me to serve you people better.

So, without further ado: ¡Feliz Navidad, Happy New Year and all that. I hope to see y’all here in 2017 and beyond*

*Hay que darle duro al Trumpo

‘Tis the Season… to Battle Coke’s Mexican Christmas Spirit

A Diabetes tree has risen in the middle of Mexico City
A Diabetes tree has risen in the middle of Mexico City

Here we go again.

Barely one year after Coca-Cola unleashed the fury of this blogger — and many, many more people — with a ridiculous holiday commercial set in Oaxaca, the beverage giant is on the hot seat again.

The reason? Mexico City officials have allowed the company to put up a gigantic Coca-Cola-themed Christmas tree right in the middle of the city’s main square.

The offending, plasticky huge thing is now being labelled by activists as the Diabetes Tree, which is just a perfect way to “celebrate” the deathly toll the disease has taken on my people.

So, as the suits over at Coca-Cola would say: Feliz Navidad, suckers!

Via: Aristegui Noticias

5 Mexican-Themed Gifts to Spice up Your Christmas

santasmaracas
This maraca-wielding Santa will ‘only’ cost you $154 on Amazon.com

 

Have you run out of Christmas gift ideas? Are you looking for something that will show  your love for other cultures and stuff without breaking the bank? Amazon has you covered.

Amazon.com has a wealth of “multicultural Christmas stuff,” including tons of Mexican-themed Christmas ornaments, music and more. So here are my 5 FAVES, most of which go for under $25 and are most likely Made in China, with the exception of the maraca-wielding Santa, which for some strange reason will cost you a whopping $154.

1. The Westland Aye Chihuahua Guillermo Mexican Sombrero Tealight Candle Holder

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2. The Sombrero-Wearing International Snowman

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3. The Benelux Aluminum Mexican Flag Christmas Ornament

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4. The Feliz Navidad Bossa Nova Latin CD thing

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5. And – of course – The $153 maraca-wielding Santa

santasmaracas