Don Emilio Pinto Escobar works in the ceramic workshop facilities of the National Craft and Design Training (CENCADAR) Nogueras Cultural Center in Colima, Colima, Mexico. One of ten children, his work was recently recognized by the National Ceramics Award Competition in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco with a First Place Award in the Christmas Ceramic category.

He works diligently to establish the ceramics of Colima in the Mexican art world and has been interested in art since he was a small boy. He graduated at the age of 15 from the university with an art degree. Don Emilio's style, which is called rangeliano, is very unique easily identifiable, using regional details such as fruit headdresses, musicians with traditional instruments such as the flute and drum, children in costume, etc.

Don Emilio was a pupil of Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, who is considered one of the most important teachers of the School of Crafts Comala. The style of work called "rangeliano" was named after Sr. Rangel. He says he has always sought to master new techniques and claims that his inspiration comes from nature, the survival of humanity and improving life.

Before NAFTA and the Americanization of Christmas becoming prevalent in Mexico, families celebrated Christmas longer than almost all other countries. The celebrations, known as “Posadas,” started nine days before “Noche Buena,” or Christmas Eve.

The Posadas were a reenactment of Mary and Joseph looking for lodging before Christ's birth. This tradition was a neighborhood event where each night, starting on December 16, each family decorated their home one night with a Nativity scene minus the Baby Jesus. The owners were the innkeepers, while others in the neighborhood had to request lodging by singing a short chant. They carried candles in their hands and as statues of Joseph leading the donkey Mary rode on.

After visiting two homes, the procession reached the home designated for that night. Everyone entered and circled the Nativity, praying the Rosary and singing Christmas songs and hymns. Once everything was completed, the children celebrated with a piñata and the adults drank “ponche con piquete,” a punch made out of fruits, cinnamon sticks and alcohol.

On Christmas Eve, Mexican families attended Mass and then returned home to have dinner together, joined by any friends who celebrated Christmas alone. The most important part of the evening was placing the Baby Jesus in his manger in the Nativity scene.

Mexican children did not receive presents on Christmas but waited instead until January 6, known as Wise Men Day. The families believed that since the Magi brought gifts to Jesus, they were the designated ones to bring gifts to the children. The Magi normally put the present(s) in the shoes the children leave out, but on many occasion, the gift was a new pair of shoes.

On February 2, the nacimiento was put away during what is known as the Day of Purification. The person who was named the Godparent of Jesus was responsible for making a christening gown for Him, and then the entire family had a meal of tamales.

Contact Information:
(312) 315-5832
Colima, Mexico