Cohetes

@David, I guess the teachers in Ajijic back in the 60's did not know what they were doing. I actually learned Spanish back in the 60's in Ajijic public schools. We always called them cuetes. And I will continue to call them cuetes.

You Sir, can call them anything you want.

Whatever. My daughter-in-law grew up in Morelia. She said she'd never heard the term or seen the spelling. She referred to it as "some form of local slang." Call 'em as you see 'em.

RoofBob wrote:O.k, does anyone know why the church shoots off so many cohetes? I've heard rumors, opinions and speculation but nothing definitive. Anyone got the goods?

They're celebrating their Santo Patrono, every church has one and the early morning cohetes are part of the "mañanitas" part of the festival.
There are many Mexicans who aren't that thrilled with them either,but realize that there's nothing that can be done about it.

David wrote:Whatever.  My daughter-in-law grew up in Morelia.  She said she'd never heard the term or seen the spelling.  She referred to it as "some form of local slang."  Call 'em as you see 'em.

Sounds like someone is indifferent to learning.

I always liked this video of "Idiot Abroad" where Karl Pilkington is in Mexico City at Semana Santa. The cohete maker is missing an eye - I can guess it was in the line of duty! As usual, Karl thinks his life is in danger.

viajero wrote:

RoofBob wrote:O.k, does anyone know why the church shoots off so many cohetes? I've heard rumors, opinions and speculation but nothing definitive. Anyone got the goods?

They're celebrating their Santo Patrono, every church has one and the early morning cohetes are part of the "mañanitas" part of the festival.
There are many Mexicans who aren't that thrilled with them either,but realize that there's nothing that can be done about it.

Thanks viajero, I just had a chat with our housekeeper and she said the same thing. She said it had nothing to do with warding off evil spirits or anything to do with religion, just celebrating the yearly festival as was the tradition.

The celebrations of patron saints traditionally includes pilgrimages through the villages on the way to celebrate mass. The cohetes were used (in the way church bells are used) as a call to the faithful in the outlying areas to join the celebration.

smint wrote:The celebrations of patron saints traditionally includes pilgrimages through the villages on the way to celebrate mass. The cohetes were used (in the way church bells are used) as a call to the faithful in the outlying areas to join the celebration.

That make's a lot of sense in explaining  how the tradition started,thanks.

CanuckBob wrote:Cohetes are one of those things that aren't so much fun when someone else is doing it but the absolute bomb when you are firing them yourself. Kind of like someone else's noisy kids aren't entertaining but your own are OK.

For myself, I could fire em off all day long......jajaja.

Me too,next time you buy fireworks ask for some (busca pies),they're a lot of fun.

CanuckBob wrote:Cohetes are one of those things that aren't so much fun when someone else is doing it but the absolute bomb when you are firing them yourself. Kind of like someone else's noisy kids aren't entertaining but your own are OK.

For myself, I could fire em off all day long......jajaja.

You couldn't have said it better. I totally agree.

At first I hated these very loud fireworks set off by others throughout the night and during the early mornings. But somehow, and it took quite a few years, but I'm used to the loud noise of these fireworks when fired up into the sky by others and can sleep through all or for most of it, should it be very late at night, or early in the morning. 

Being a snowbird I am lucky enough to live very near the US/Canadian border in early July. Up north we get great fireworks on both July 1st and on the 4th. I love it, especially as I get older and my hearing is not as good as it was " :) "

Give it a while and no matter what the noise, you get used to it. In 2006, I bought a condo in Seattle, across the street from a large hospital near the emergency ambulance entrance. For the first few months, it was hell, and I was sure I would have to move. Every time an ambulance came by with its siren blaring I would wake up. Not any more. I got used it, just like you will get used to the loud fireworks here.

Give it a little while. Soon, you wont hear a thing while sleeping.

probably still celebrating RIDER VICTORY!!!!

RoofBob wrote:

CanuckBob wrote:Probably need to ask the priest himself, for a definitive answer........

I agree, and since my Spanish speaking skills are woefully lacking I'm wondering if any of our Spanish speaking members might take the time to ask a priest.  I really do want to know and would appreciate it.  Tx

I asked Padre Leo what the "real reason" for the cohetes were as some people weren't buying that it's just a celebration thing, as I had always believed. He said attend mass and I will tell you....that ended that.