I went to my second birthday party today, this time for 4-year-old Elizabeth, the daughter of Antolino and Marie. It also happened to be her baptism day. The celebrations began in the church with birthday blessings and baptisms of about 20 children all at once, and from what I gathered this happens monthly within the parish. (The baptism ceremonies are shorter here - under two minutes - and it appears they are never performed during masses). Afterward, everyone related to the newly baptized lights a candle and carries it to the picture of a decorated saint.
The party after the church ceremony went something like this:
1) Congregate in a big circle of chairs around the living room with about 35 other people.
2) Take a shot of red wine from a Dixie cup (ages 2 and up).
3) Take another shot of red wine (ages 2 and up).
4) Consume a LARGE heaping plate of food (usually rice, yuca/potatoes and some kind of meat). Successfully refuse seconds (if you’re lucky).
5) A custom begins- I’ve affectionately named it the “Peruvian Power Hour.” (One glass per 5-10 people. Fill up the glass with beer, shove it in front of someone, watch them chug, then it’s their turn to fill the glass for the next person. Repeat… for one hour, and pray that no-one has mono).
6) Dancing – powered by very loud sound system.
7) Peruvian Power Hour #2.
8) More dancing.
9) Simultaneous Dancing + Peruvian Power Hours. (Slippery- watch your step!)
10) Speaking loudly for the two hours that follow until your hearing returns to normal.
The cake custom of the US is hit and miss here- depends on the family. The gifts custom appears less common. But I must say, they know how to party here! It didn’t matter if you’re 90 or 9- everyone seemed to be having a great time!
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