by Susannah Kenley
Rezo Del Niņo
As a foreigner watching the "Rezo del Niņo", I was surprised that here, in Costa Rica, people carry on the festivities of Christmas, well on into the New Year. Where I am from, even having Christmas lights up after the New Year is strange and sometimes even crosses over in to being a faux pas. So it was a surprise to me when I saw a children's choir dressed in green and red gowns, enter the school and sing Christmas carols in front of the still standing nativity scene in the school on January 15th!! Even stranger I thought, were the booming "bombetas" and fireworks that exploded in the garden while many of the Christmas carols being sung and prayers were being given. In typical Costa Rican fashion, my cultural ideas of the importance of silence during group activities, was challenged. Fireworks, Christmas carols and the rosary, for me, one of the three was out of place.
The whole experience was not completely foreign, the "Rezo" was followed by refreshments and I must say that I prefer "picadillo de papa", "queque seco", cookies and juice to the classic Christmas fruitcake! All in all the experience was fun and I think taught me that its OK to be less than serious at traditional, religious event. And after a little reflection I thought... I am pretty sure God appreciates fireworks and laughter too.
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