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Cities of Mexico, although each City or town celebrates Christmas in its own typical and particular manner. The Posadas begin on the 16th of December and continue every night, until the 24th. These unique festivals, characteristic of this Country, may be observed in different points of the Republic, although they are celebrated more in accordance with the ancient customs and traditions in the provincial cities. There the "Posadas" have sufferred very little changes, preserving today their former charm and simplicity; a very curious and peculiar custom is that which may be seen only in Oaxaca on the 23rd. of December.
On that day, beginning in the afternoon, the delicious "buñuelos" (flour pastry served with molases),specialty of the Christmas season, are sold in the stands which are set up in the Main Plaza. Every one has their taste of this delicious dish, sold together with the plate on which they are served, without extra charge and the buyer may keep it if if so desired, but as it is on the ground so that it breaks and in this way one satisfies the desire to break dishes, which if often experienced. This is the peculiar, which if often experienced. This is the peculiar Christmas custom of Oaxaca.
The compliance of the people in breaking the dishes is easily explained, for Oaxaca is a great ceramic manufacturing center. There are several famous shops, their products being known all over Mexico. As many of the pieces are imperfect either because they are not completely baked or due to faulty decoration or form, instead of destroying them, the potter separates and sells them to the "buñuelos"
vendors at very low prices so that they in turn may give the merrymakers the satisfaction or breaking them.