MEXICO.- The "holidays" are a term usually reserved for the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve in the United States. Mexico doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving (Canada does) so, what's their "holiday" season all about?

Well, it just so happens that today is the first day of the Mexican holiday season, also known as "Guadalupe-Reyes."

Or as Ron Burgondy would say, "the longest holiday in the world...three weeks of steadfast drinking."

We'll call it the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon here, a "festive" marathon full of office Christmas parties, street processions in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, New Year's parties and just any excuse for a "posada" holiday party with friends. It's a Mexican concept born from the fact that December 12 is a traditional holiday in honor of 'Our lady of Guadalupe', a Virgin Mary unique to Mexico with special meaning in the Latino community also, marking the beginning of the traditional holiday season in the country, ending on January 6th, the day of the Three Wise Men, or "Reyes Magos", and hence the "Guadalupe-Reyes" period.

During this three week period, one can get invited to a "posada" almost every week, which is just a Spanish name for a Latin Christmas season tradition that nowadays just means holiday parties. Pinatas everywhere, kids running around, with families, friends, neighbors and coworkers coming together. And of course, like Burgundy says in the above video, full of alcohol, Mexican rompope (type of eggnog) and food.

Want to celebrate it Baja style?

Plaza Fiesta (Tijuana)

There are more than eight bars here, conceptually original and offering everything from craft-beer, unique cocktails and drink preparations, delicious food and even pulque . Great way to start this holiday marathon.

Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada)

Home to more than 60 winemakers. The ideal place to spend a couple of days resting and tasting the best wines Baja has to offer. Without mentioning the fact it has some of the best restaurants in Latin América.

La Sexta (Tijuana)

Sixth street in Downtown Tijuana, known as 'La Sexta' by locals in Spanish, has more than 20 bars and places for dancing. This is where the city's night life was reborn after Tijuana's dark period of drug violence and economic crisis. Some places are opened 24/7 and the party just wont stop. Did we mention that prices are very accessible?

Papas & Beer (Rosarito)

The classic springbreaker club and bar is getting ready for the holiday season, with special Christmas events and a great end-of-the-year party. If what you're into is to dance all night and party hard, well then, you have to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity. You can cure your hangover with Rosarito's fabulous local food.

House parties

There's no place like home, especially for partying. There's a wide array of local Baja products you can get for your festive endeavors, like great craft-beers available at The Beer Box and La Tasquita, Baja-Med food products at (,Hogaza or Dolce Salato). It's about making your parties and with the people you care about the most during the Holiday's.

Now you know, and now: Let the Marathon, begin!

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jorge.guevara@sandiegored.com

jose.sanchez@sandiegored.com