How does mexico celebrate christmas?
Updated: August 7, 2024Introduction to Christmas Celebrations in Mexico
Mexico's Christmas celebrations are a rich tapestry of cultural and religious traditions, blending indigenous customs with Spanish influences. The holiday season, known as "Navidad," is a time for family, faith, and festivity, starting on December 12th and extending to January 6th. This period is filled with a variety of events, rituals, and culinary delights that make Mexican Christmas unique.
Las Posadas
One of the most distinctive traditions in Mexico is "Las Posadas," which occurs from December 16th to December 24th. "Posada" means "inn" or "shelter," and these nine evenings commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay. Each night, a procession of people, often dressed as Mary and Joseph, move from house to house, reenacting this search. Participants sing traditional songs and carry candles, asking for lodging, until they are finally welcomed into a home. The evening concludes with prayers, songs, and a festive gathering that includes food, drink, and piñatas.
Nochebuena and La Misa de Gallo
Christmas Eve, known as "Nochebuena," is the most important night of the Christmas season in Mexico. Families typically attend "La Misa de Gallo" or "The Rooster’s Mass," a midnight mass that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The name is derived from the belief that a rooster crowed the night Jesus was born. After the mass, families return home to enjoy a grand feast.
Traditional Christmas Foods
Mexican Christmas cuisine is a feast for the senses, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect the country’s diverse culinary traditions. Some of the most popular foods include:
- Tamales: Corn dough filled with meats, cheese, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed.
- Bacalao: A salted cod stew often prepared with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
- Romeritos: A dish made with sprigs of a wild plant, potatoes, and shrimp, usually cooked in a mole sauce.
- Buñuelos: Sweet, crispy fritters sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with syrup.
- Pozole: A hearty soup made from hominy corn, pork or chicken, and seasoned with chilies and spices.
Pastorelas
"Pastorelas" are traditional Mexican Christmas plays that reenact the story of the shepherds' journey to see the baby Jesus. These plays are often comedic and include a battle between good and evil, with the shepherds overcoming various obstacles set by the devil. Pastorelas are performed in churches, community centers, and even on the streets, bringing a lively and entertaining aspect to the holiday season.
Poinsettias: La Flor de Nochebuena
The poinsettia, known in Mexico as "La Flor de Nochebuena" (The Christmas Eve Flower), plays a significant role in Mexican Christmas decor. This vibrant red plant is native to Mexico and has become a symbol of the holiday season. According to legend, a poor girl named Pepita, having no gift to offer the Christ Child, picked a bouquet of weeds. As she placed them at the nativity scene, they miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers.
El Día de los Santos Inocentes
On December 28th, Mexicans observe "El Día de los Santos Inocentes" (The Day of the Holy Innocents), which is similar to April Fool's Day. This day commemorates the biblical account of King Herod’s massacre of innocent children in his attempt to kill the baby Jesus. People play pranks and practical jokes on each other, and it's customary to borrow something from a friend, which must then be returned with a small gift.
New Year's Eve and Año Nuevo
New Year's Eve, or "Nochevieja," is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and a series of traditions believed to bring good luck for the coming year. One such tradition is eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, making a wish with each grape. People also wear red or yellow underwear, symbolizing love and prosperity, respectively.
Three Kings Day: El Día de Reyes
The Christmas season in Mexico extends to January 6th with the celebration of "El Día de Reyes" (Three Kings Day). This day commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Children leave their shoes out on the night of January 5th, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning. Families also enjoy a special pastry called "Rosca de Reyes," a sweet bread shaped like a wreath and decorated with dried fruits. Hidden inside the bread is a small figurine of baby Jesus. The person who finds the figurine must host a party on February 2nd, known as "Día de la Candelaria" (Candlemas Day).
Unique Regional Celebrations
Mexico's diverse regions bring their own unique flair to Christmas celebrations. In Oaxaca, for example, "La Noche de Rábanos" (The Night of the Radishes) is held on December 23rd. This event features intricate sculptures carved from radishes, depicting nativity scenes and other festive motifs. In the Yucatán Peninsula, the "Fiesta de Santo Tomás" includes traditional Mayan rituals alongside Christian celebrations.
Candlemas Day: Día de la Candelaria
The Christmas season officially concludes on February 2nd with "Día de la Candelaria." This day marks the presentation of Jesus at the temple and is celebrated with a special mass and the blessing of candles. Families who found the baby Jesus figurine in the Rosca de Reyes host a party, serving tamales and atole (a traditional hot corn-based beverage).
From the vibrant processions of Las Posadas to the joyful gatherings of Día de la Candelaria, Mexico's Christmas celebrations are a rich blend of faith, culture, and community. These traditions, deeply rooted in history and family, create a festive and meaningful holiday season that is uniquely Mexican.
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