Christmas in San Felipe

Ah, Christmas in San Felipe – there’s simply nothing like it. When you’ve lived in a little port town on the Sea of Cortez for as long as I have, the season takes on a certain charm, a little different from the snowy scenes people often picture. But that’s what makes it magical. Here, the holidays are more about warmth – both from the sun and from the people.

In San Felipe, Christmas is marked by a lively mix of old traditions and local flavor. You’ll see lights strung along the malecón, twinkling against the deep blue of the sea. They’re modest, sure – not the glitzy displays you might see up north – but the way they blend with the waves and the laughter of families strolling past them, it’s lovely in its own way. The smell of fish tacos mingles with the rare scent of cinnamon and spices as local vendors try their hand at Christmas treats. You can even find a few tamales here and there, though they tend to sell out before I can get my hands on them.

What’s most special, I think, is the community. Many families in town have lived here for generations, and there’s a sense of togetherness you can’t help but notice. People gather at the plaza for Christmas events – everything from traditional posadas to live music and even a little dancing if we’re lucky. And no one is left out. Everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest abuela, finds a spot under the starlit sky to share the evening.

And let’s not forget the beach. Christmas Day might be warm enough for a dip in the water, believe it or not. Even if you don’t go in, there’s something delightful about sitting on the sand in December, watching the sunset paint the sky in colors that seem brighter here than anywhere else.

So yes, Christmas in San Felipe may not look like the postcards, but it’s full of warmth, laughter, and the joy of a tight-knit town. And to me, that’s what Christmas is all about.