A few hours after arriving into Oaxaca, Rickardo and his friend Alberto, whisked me and Marta (Spanish traveller, whom Rickardo had just met the day before) to a village called San Martin de los Cansecos, located about 1.5hr outside of Oaxaca city.
We were there because Rickardo’s close friend (Yolanda) was getting engaged, and according to Oaxaca traditions, this is a very important day and involved a great celebration. Apparently, this practice is not done in any other parts of Mexico!
We arrived at the house of Yolanda, a “kampong style” accommodation dotted with a few goats and chickens around the house.
There was already a huge crowd, all seated down around a patio, listening to a group of elderlies speaking on a microphone. It seemed like the entire village had gathered in one place for this important occasion.
Not knowing much of what was being said, I subsequently understood that the elderlies are key figures in the village, as well as family members offering advice to the young couple on how to stay together and be happy, many emphasising that it isn’t always going to be smooth sailing and the need to learn to overcome challenges together. One of the elderly even told the boy that he should forget about all his other little girlfriends now 
After the elderlies had spoken, the young couple put on their engagement rings, and everyone offered a toast with a small cup of fortified wine that had been distributed while the speech was happening. Even young kids drank the wine!
We then moved out to the outer area of the house where the fiesta was to begin. Round tables were quickly set up and everyone took a seat and waited for dinner to be served ,while a band started playing music in the background.
At one point, Rickardo requested for some song dedications to the young couple, and also told the band that there were 2 guests in the crowd who had travelled a very long way to attend the celebrations.
Subsequently throughout the night, the band kept telling everyone that they were honoured to have 2 special guests in the crowd from Spain and Singapore
Dinner started at about 10pm. We were first served a cup of hot chocolate, a speciality in Oaxaca, with 2 pieces of bread. The bread were HUGE! We were also distributed doggy bags, and many packed 1 of the bread in the bags to take home with them.
This was followed by the main dish, stewed pork (with lots of fats!) with some pasta and mashed beans.
Wine, beer and even Mescal (a famous liquor in Mexico) was served. Had my first taste of Mescal, which is a really strong spirit, of about 40+% alcohol content.
People subsequently danced to the band’s music, including us!
By about midnight, we decided to call it a night and head back home, particularly since it was going to be a long drive back.
It had been extremely interesting and a great honour to be part of the celebrations and to get a peek into the local customs and the way of life!
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