Harvested strawberries
Approximately 142 workers from the state of Tlaxcala will begin working in the fields of Jocotepec and Tapalpa to help with strawberry and raspberry picking, according to the State System for the Promotion of Employment and Community Development.
On December 14, the last group of day laborers from Tlaxcala left for Jalisco, after being requested by BerryMex, a company that produces and exports berries.
The hiring period will be nine months, during which the workers will be given free housing, although they will have to pay the rest of their living expenses for their stay.
BerryMex’s collective bargaining agreement provides for a salary of between six and 10 thousand pesos per month, free transportation to and from work, social security, a voucher for 350 pesos for the purchase of groceries upon arrival of the workers, as well as blankets and pillows.
The individual day worker’s salary will depend on their skills and experience, with the possibility of overtime pay.
Translated by Colleen Beery
Nativity scene set up in Ajijic’s central plaza, in 2020.
Sofia Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.) – The Christmas festivities in Ajijic have not always been as they are now. According to the words of Ajijic historian, Eduardo Ramos Cordero (also known as Lalo) family dynamics have changed, as well as many of the long-standing traditions.
«Many years ago, the celebrations of Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day were different. On the 24th, the celebration was more religious. There was no big family dinner, families would go to mass (usually at midnight). After mass ended, they would go to the square, where a child (representing an angel) would place the figure of Jesus in the Nativity Scene. The creche was located in front of the Chapel of the Rosary. After that procession, there was a pastorela; everyone would enjoy themselves, and from there they would go to their homes,» commented Lalo.
He recalled that on Christmas Day people would gather in vacant lots and open spaces to get together and share a meal. Older women would get together to prepare «tamales de piedra,» also called mezcal tamales. These special tamales are made with beans (without salt). He added that the women used to meet at the houses of those who had an oven to cook, and make an exchange, for example, they would say to the one who had an oven, “let me cook in your oven and I will give you half of the tamales.”.
Also popular is red corn pinole,also called pinol or pinolillo, is roasted ground maize, mixed with a combination of cocoa, agave, cinnamon, chia seeds, vanilla, and/or other spices. The resulting powder is then used as a nutrient-dense ingredient to make different foods (cereals, baked goods, tortillas, and beverages). The name comes from the Nahuatl word pinolli, meaning cornmeal. Today, pinole is still made by hand using wood-burning adobe ovens, and a mortar and pestle.
In addition, Lalo shared one of the lost traditions of Ajijic, taking the Niño Dios (patron saint of the Tecoluta neighborhood), and making a procession from Río Zula to Six Corners. He commented that the procession included dancers from Ajijic, as well as from San Juan Cosalá. «In this procession, it was very nice to see the shepherds with their very tall canes (sometimes as tall as three or four stories), very beautiful, very well decorated, with bells, with colorful paper, and whatever else they had available. Also, it was one of the few times of the year when the children were allowed to eat candy. They were given a necklace with sweet tamales (called tuales), made with pinole.
The statue of the Child was then guarded for the rest of the year by a “godmother,” who was in charge of dressing him, and taking care of him until he was passed on to another family. He concluded by saying that sadly the Niño Dios de Tecolutla has been lost, and that the celebration was gradually discontinued. He said that he has hope that all these lost and emblematic traditions of Ajijic can be revived.
Translated by Amy Esperanto
During the 44th Session of the Institute’s Plenary on December 15, the municipalities were required to hand over the information.
Editor. – The municipalities of Chapala, Tizapán el Alto, Ocotlán and Degollado are being required by the Institute of Public Information and Data Protection of the State of Jalisco (ITEI) to turn over information that has not been satisfactorily provided.
In the case of Chapala, the Municipality must deliver information on the comings and goings of public servants from October 1 to 25 of this year. In addition, the Municipal System of Potable Water and Sewage (SIMAPA) must provide data on appointments, payroll and personnel of areas and headquarters that were dismissed.
In Tizapán, the agency asked for information regarding the agreements made in the first town council session, as well as the names of those who operate the municipality’s machinery. In Ocotlán, a copy of severance checks issued from October 2 to 16 was requested, and Degollado must complete the information of an injunction.
During the 44th Plenary Session of the Institute on December 15, four guides were approved: the Guide for the Protection of Privacy on the Internet, the Guide for exercising the Right of Opposition on the Internet (De-indexing), the Specialized Guide for the projection of resolutions aimed at the due integration in matters of Open Justice and the approach of inclusive language toward the population of Sexual Diversity, and the Guide for holders of personal data.
Also, corrective measures were imposed on the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) because of a complaint.
Translated by Mike Rogers
Overconsumption of certain foods and beverages can cause colitis, gastritis and even pancreatitis.
Editor. As we gather with family and friends during the Christmas holidays our typical dishes are usually high in fat, salt and sugar. Nutritionist Alejandra Matias Serrano highlighted the need to be aware of the amount and frequency of food consumed during the holidays because overindulgence can affect health.
“During the holidays we tend to eat meats with high fat content, covered in rich sauces or gravies. We indulge in desserts, snacks and sweets. Our drinks are loaded with large amounts of sugar and fruit. We drink more alcohol. These excess calories can lead to a range of digestive problems ranging from gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach lining) and colitis (an inflammation of the colon. Overeating can result in higher glucose levels which can trigger diabetes as well as increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels which can affect the heart. The most common problem is weight gain,» said the nutritionist.
The expert shared research showing it is common to gain three to five kilograms during the Christmas holidays, adversely affecting those who already suffer from obesity and other chronic diseases.
Matias Serrano recommended modifying recipes, even of traditional dishes. We can make healthy versions without sacrificing flavor by reducing fats, selecting leaner meats, and increasing the quantity and variety of vegetables. Adding whole grains to our diet and reducing the sugar in our drinks are also ways to avoid those weight gains.
Be prepared for the temptations of the holiday season by eating fruits and raw vegetables before going to the festivities. Do not skip meals because you will be more tempted to overeat at that special dinner. Choose options with less visible fat, less cream or butter. A better choice is roasted, baked or grilled dish instead of fried, battered or breaded specialities. Control portion size. Stay hydrated by consuming six to eight glasses of plain water daily. Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day to offset the overindulgence.
«It is important that we enjoy the food we are going to eat. By taking time to savor the aroma, taste the food and eating slowly we will be more satiated. We are able to identify the moment when our stomach is full. Try to eat without distractions, without television, without the cell phone. Enjoy the moment,» said the official.
As a last piece of advice, Matías Serrano stressed the importance of serving moderate portions and using smaller plates.
Translate by Nita Rudy
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