Fireworks and other items

Do you hear/see fireworks on Christmas Day? I am told there will be many, many firecrackers and other fireworks in Guatemala tomorrow.

If the typical night is any guide, then I think I am in for a show tomorrow (or tonight at midnight).

I have seen more fireworks in 2 months here than in a few years in the states. People set off firecrackers (at 6 a.m. or so to celebrate birthdays). People set off personal firework displays to celebrate special events or just because it is a sunday night.

I am not sure if the big displays i see have been organized by the city or by an organization or just some people in the neighborhood.

The other night, in a very crowded central park. A many with a uniform-type shirt and official looking hat, set down a firework thing (what do you call something that is as big as a pail and contains 25 or so individual firework displays?). And without notice or warning, he lit it. People saw what he was doing so they moved a few meters awat but that´s about it. It would not work like that in the States.

Many things work a little differently here in Guate. You have the butcher who shakes or hands and then goes back to touvhing the meat - without washing his hands. You have the guys working on the electric lines climbing poles with the use of a rope. You have 20+ people crammed into a minivan for a ride to the other part of town. But i love it.


bjm 12/24