Call it little Mexico st of its kind in Africa
beautiful Christmas tree at christmas” Goke Adegoroye adds “In the city centre in Mexico they usually build the biggest Christmas tree which is as tall as a 20 floor storey building.”
The symbolic use of reindeers in the performance is also a motif drawn from Mexican culture. Maria Adegoroye comments “In Mexico and in other parts of the world, the people believe in father Christmas and reindeers that bring presents along with Santa. In this party we made the children to represent the reindeers by wearing imitation antlers on their heads. This is new and very amusing for every one.”
Another source of fun from Mexico is the dough nut eating contest. A few dough nuts are tied to a rope, and children are supposed to eat the doughnut using their teeth. Their hands are to be held by their sides. This teaches the child to be dedicated and careful, while also trying not to choke as he eats.
But there are some challenges facing the Posada. Maria Adegoroye explains “One challenge we face every year is the fact that more people are coming for the party, and the budget increases a lot. But we wish to introduce new elements each year,so finance is a bit of a problem.”
She adds that N200,000-N250,000 is spent each year to purchase costumes from Mexico,adding that 50% of the costumes are bought from that country, and the balance is sewn locally. Goke Adegoroye also shares his wife’s view “One big challenge that we face is the funding, but we have committed ourselves to it. One other big challenge is the fact that we live in Abuja, and we do the party in Akure. It needs a lot of haulage to move things to this place. Last year we had an accident on the way here, and I spent over N1.5m to repair my car.”
But there are many pluses. Goke Adegoroye adds “The spirit of enjoying christmas is growing among all the classes. The lady that just left here is a senior member of the judiciary in Ondo State. Everybody looks forward to the party in Akure and they see it as something they don’t want to miss. If someone is now in Akure, he has to think twice before travelling out during this period. You will prefer that you are here, and if you are outside akure, it makes it easy for you to think about returning.”
He also speaks on the economic significance of the party “Those who have small businesses also gain during this period. The person who kills cows gains too.From just one caterer, we now have three for the event,” he says.
Already, costumes for the next Posada have been bought in Mexico and the children are looking forward to December. But as to the possibility of the area being named ‘little Mexico’ by the people, given their widespread joy and enthusiasm for the rare Christmas party, only time will tell.