Christmas is still celebrated on the 25 th; however, December 12 th and January 6 th are also important days for traditions of Christmas in Mexico
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is celebrated during a season that begins near December 12 to January 6, candlemas on February 2. During this entire time, one can see nativity scenes, poinsettias and Christmas shoes. The season begins with celebrations related to the Virgin for life, the patr…
What are the customs for Christmas in Mexico?
Christmas is still celebrated on the 25 th; however, December 12 th and January 6 th are also important days for traditions of Christmas in Mexico. Traditions followed during a Christmas in Mexico include breaking a piñata, setting up a nativity scene, and baking a plastic baby in a cake to honor baby Jesus.
What are traditional celebrations in Mexico?
6 Notable Mexican Customs
- Dia De Los Muertos. Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday held in Mexico. ...
- Las Posadas. Los Posadas is a celebration held in December and meant to commemorate the experiences of Mary and Joseph as they made their way to Bethlehem.
- Bull Fighting. ...
- Siestas. ...
- Cinco de Mayo. ...
- Piñatas. ...
What are some Mexican birthday traditions?
Typical Hispanic Birthday Party Traditions
- Food. Hispanics may serve traditional food at a birthday party. ...
- Activities. Hispanic families perform a number of American and Latin traditional activities and games. ...
- Decoration. ...
- Quinceaneras. ...
Do they celebrate Christmas in Mexico?
Christmas is celebrated on December 24th in Mexico rather than on the 25th, when Mexican families will come together for the last ‘posada’, which are traditional Christmas gatherings that reenact the arrival of the pregnant virgin Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
What are the Christmas traditions in Mexico?
The first thing you need to understand about Christmas traditions in Mexico is the tradition of posadas. This translates to mean “inn” in English, and the celebration begins on December 16th. Each night from the 16th until the 24th, children go from door to door singing and asking if there’s an open room at the “inn.” This is meant to represent the story of Mary and Joseph, but modern-day traditions feature a posada party at the end of each night.
When does Mexico celebrate Christmas?
The Mexican celebration of Christmas begins each year on December 16th, too, so their holiday season starts long before the standard Christmas Eve. Whether you’re travelling to Mexico for Christmas or simply want to familiarise yourself ...
What is the Mexican holiday of February 2nd?
February 2nd might be the day of the coveted tamale party. But, it also marks the end of the Mexican Christmas season. The day itself is called La Candelaria, or Candlemas, and it’s marked by lots of crazy parties and festivities to end the wonderful holiday season.
Why are nativity scenes important in Mexico?
If you thought the offerings at the Day of the Dead festivals were impressive, then just wait until you the some of the more elaborate nativity scenes in Mexico. Because the culture is still quite religious, the Christmas season is rooted in the Christian story of the birth of Baby Jesus. Therefore, Christmas nativity scenes are important.
What is the most popular holiday in Mexico?
Because the Three Kings Day is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Mexico, you better bet that there’s a cake to accompany the festivities. On this special day, families gather around to enjoy something called a Rosca de Reyes.
What is Mexico known for?
Mexico might be famous for its wonderful Day of the Dead celebrations, but they also put their own unique spin on Christmas. Traditional Christmas celebrations in Mexico are a mixture of religious traditions and modern festivities.
What is the Mexican equivalent of mulled wine?
Ponche is pretty much the Mexican equivalent of the kind of mulled wine you’ll find at European Christmas markets. The warm Christmas punch is made with fruit. And, Rompope is the equivalent of egg nog. You’ll pretty much always find it spiced to perfection and full of really strong rum. So, it’s creamy, filling, and quite alcoholic, usually.
What are the most popular Christmas traditions in Mexico?
The Mexican celebration of Christmas is called las posadas and is celebrated the nine days before Christmas.
When does Christmas start in Mexico?
Christmas celebration in Mexico starts in early December up to January 6. Another related event is considered an extension of the Christmas celebration on February 2. The Christmas season starts with bid celebrations associated with Mexico’s patroness, the Virgin Guadalupe, and then followed by the pastorelas and Las Posadas traditions.
What is the ninth evening of Las Posadas?
The ninth evening of las posadas is Buena Noche, Christmas Eve. The children lead a procession to the church and place a figure of the Christ child nativity scene there. Then everyone attends midnight mass.
What do Mexican children bring to the nativity?
The children help to set up the nativity scenes in the best room in the house. The scene includes a little hillside, the stable, and painted clay figures of the holy family, shepherds, the three kings, and animals. The children bring moss, rocks, and flowers to complete the scene.
When is the Fiesta de la Candelaria?
On February 2, the Fiesta de la Candelaria (“ Candlemas Festival “) is celebrated and it is customary in Mexico for the same people to gather together on Three Kings Day. Where? Well, in the house of the person who was surprised (a porcelain or plastic figure) in the traditional roscón de Reyes.
When is the tamale party?
Whoever gets the slice of cake containing a tiny figure of a baby will give a tamale party on February 2, Candlemas Day.
When is the Fiesta Negrohispana?
In Alvarado and Tlacotalpan, there is the Fiesta Negrohispana, which is a celebration of African identity in Mexico which runs from December 16 to the 24th.
1. Posadas
A gathering between friends and family that only happens between the 16th and 24th of December. This event commemorates the arrival of the future Virgin Mary with her husband Joseph to Bethlehem in search of a place to give birth to Jesus. Shepherds, animals, and the three wise men surround baby Jesus in a manger.
2. Pastorelas
Pastorelas are plays that adults or kids can make. It is common to watch the kids act at their school’s Pastorela. Consequently, this takes place in December, right before the end of classes.
3. Nativity of Jesus
The “Nativity” is a scale representation of the birth of Christ in the manger and is one of the most beloved Mexican Christmas traditions. You will find one in every Mexican home, office, or school. From simple re-enactments to vast and elaborate Christmas settings, including mountains, lakes, animals, wells, houses, and even small towns.
4. Christmas carols
There are Mexican Christmas carols such as “Silent Night” that were translated versions of English Christmas carols . However, some unique Christmas carols were inherited from Spain during the years of conquest and colonization of Mexico. These Christmas carols sing mainly about the birth of baby Jesus.
5. Christmas Mexican food
Food is an important aspect. A lot of time is spent cooking for family and friends. Classic Mexican Christmas food traditions you’ll find in every home and most restaurants:
6. Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon
Do you remember we said Mexico likes partying? Well, this is the perfect example. This period begins from December 12th (the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) to January 6th (Epiphany Day or Three Kings Day). Posadas are held on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year, and the traditional Rosca de Reyes for almost a month.
7. Night of Radishes
This is a weird Mexican Christmas tradition in Oaxaca. The Night of Radishes is the longest tradition in the region. It takes place on December 23rd, the day before Christmas Eve, and consists of creating and exhibiting unique designs made from radish and other plants.
What is the day of Christmas in Mexico?
In the US, it's Santa who brings children gifts on Christmas Eve. In Mexico, however, the big day of gift-giving is January 6th , called "Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos" (Three King's Day). This is the date that wise men brought gifts to the Christ child.
What is the Mexican Christmas song?
Some are religious carols such as Noche de Paz (the Spanish language version of Silent Night), or Los Peces en el Rio (a traditional Mexican Christmas carol) and others are fun songs like Feliz Navidad.
What is the Mexican tradition of Nochebuena?
On Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), it is traditional for Mexican families to attend midnight mass before returning home to a late-night feast that includes foods like bacalao, ham, turkey, and mole, with ponche to drink. Gifts are not usually given at this time, but this is changing with increasing cultural influence from the USA. Santa has started coming to Mexico!
What is the food of Mexico?
Many people know foods like guacamole, burritos, pico de gallo (hot salsa), and quesadillas, but what kind of dishes are enjoyed at Christmas time?
What is the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe?
December 12th, the end of the novena, is the feast day of the Virgin. The feast celebrates the fourth time that the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, a devout Indian man born in 1474. On this day, many people of Mexican heritage (both in Mexico and abroad), celebrate with processions, special masses, serenades, dancing, and singing of the traditional song "Las Mañanitas" to honor the Lady of Guadalupe.
Why do boys dress up as Juan Diego?
In some places, young boys dress up as Juan Diego and go to church to be blessed, in remembrance of how the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 on the hill of Tepeyac (which is now within Mexico City). Piñatas are often a common activity at posadas.
When is New Year's Eve in Mexico?
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: Dec 31st and Jan 1st. New Year's Eve is celebrated in Mexico much like it is in other parts of the world—including parties and fireworks. One special tradition is eating twelve grapes quickly right at midnight—each grape is supposed to bring good luck for each month of the New Year.
POSADAS
Although in Mexico that is a name for almost any Christmas party, “Posadas” have a very special meaning for Catholics. This tradition began with the arrival of the Spanish in Aztec lands, who imposed religious traditions and catholicism.
PIÑATAS
Piñatas are an essential element for Christmas in Mexico. They are usually made of clay or cardboard and are shaped like a star with 7 peaks, symbolizing a capital sin. Inside you can find sweets, fruits, and other prizes. Briefly, the point is hitting the piñata with a stick and with your eyes covered, representing blind faith.
TRADITIONAL FOOD
Christmas in Mexico is filled with delicious foods, snacks, and main dishes. There are dishes that cannot be absent on Mexican tables such as romeritos, apple salad, bacalao, and tamales. Although turkey is one of the traditional preparations around the world, in Mexico the plate is usually served with other creations such as marinated pork leg.
PASTORELA
A “pastorale” is one of the traditions in Mexico for Christmas where religion, faith, fun, and theater come together. These plays narrate the adventures of a group of shepherds heading to Bethlehem to worship the child Jesus on Christmas Day.
REYES MAGOS
The “Three Kings Day” in Mexico is a religious celebration, which symbolizes the arrival of the Magi, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar to the manger where the baby Jesus was born. This tradition for Christmas in Mexico is every January 6th.
Día de la Candelaría
Last but not least, one of the most unique traditions in Mexico for Christmas is dressing and decorating baby Jesus. On February 2nd the cycle of Christmas in Mexico ends, therefore, it is customary to “lift” the Child God and dress him in the best, bright, beautiful traditional clothes.
What are the Mexican Christmas traditions?
Popular cultural traditions in Mexico, called “posadas”, have also given rise to several traditions observed here during Christmas. Mexican Christmas celebrations begin on December 12, with the birthday of “La Guadalupana” (Virgin of Guadalupe), and end on January 6, with the Epiphany. Children usually do not attend school on January 6.
What are the traditions of Mexico?
Traditions followed during a Christmas in Mexico include breaking a piñata, setting up a nativity scene, and baking a plastic baby in a cake to honor baby Jesus. The following article from The Holiday Spot explains how to traditionally celebrate Christmas in Mexico. Christmas in Mexico.
What is the significance of Christmas in Mexico?
Christmas in Mexico is a festive time, honoring religion. To show the importance of Christmas in Mexico, it’s celebrated over a month’s span. Christmas is still celebrated on the 25 th; however, December 12 th and January 6 th are also important days for traditions of Christmas in Mexico. Traditions followed during a Christmas in Mexico include breaking a piñata, setting up a nativity scene, and baking a plastic baby in a cake to honor baby Jesus. The following article from The Holiday Spot explains how to traditionally celebrate Christmas in Mexico.
Why is Jesus in the nacimientos?
At midnight on Christmas, a figure of baby Jesus is placed in the nacimientos to commemorate the birth of the Lord. This is a symbolic representation of Christmas in Mexico as a whole. On Christmas Eve another verse is added to the Ave Marias, telling the Virgin Mary that the desired night has come.
Why is Christmas important in Mexico?
Christmas is important in Mexico because of the Mexican people’s closeness to religion — a way of life for most in Mexico. Christmas in Mexico demonstrates its importance with extravagant traditions. In Massachusetts, to enjoy the sounds and foods of Christmas in Mexico, one need not look very far! Mexicali Grill in Spencer ...
What is the holiday of December?
December is a time for families and friends to rejoice and celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Across the globe countries celebrate the holiday in their own way. Did you know that a Christmas in Mexico is more than just one day?
When is Christmas in Mexico?
Christmas in Mexico. Christmas in Mexico is celebrated annually on the 25th of December, as in many other parts of the world. Mexican Christmas traditions are not influenced by the American way. Rather they are homegrown and based mainly on Mexico’s form of Roman Catholicism.
How do Mexicans celebrate Christmas?
Different regions of Mexico have slightly different Christmas traditions - but wherever in Mexico you find yourself over the festive season, you’ll find a joyous celebration of the season with hints to the religious significance.
When does the Christmas season start in Mexico?
Christmas is a long season in Mexico, running from the 12th of December through to Epiphany with yet another celebration to mark Candlemas on February 2nd.
What is included in the Christmas montage?
You might find birds and animals or women cooking dinner included in the montage, for example. The characters are added as the month goes on, with Jesus added on Christmas Eve and the three kings on the 6th of January. Christmas starts in earnest on December 16th with the Posada (Inn) processions.
What do people eat on Christmas Eve?
All throughout the Christmas season you’ll see tamales - stuffed dough, steamed in a corn husk - being eaten. These can be filled with meat, vegetables or cheese, and are one of the most traditional celebratory foods in Mexico.
What is the biggest party in Mexico?
It’s pretty well known that Mexico knows how to party. And Christmas is the biggest party of them all - a time for sharing traditional activities with family and friends, and naturally great food and drinks too.
What is the most popular food in Mexico?
These can be filled with meat, vegetables or cheese, and are one of the most traditional celebratory foods in Mexico. Another special dish of the season is the Rosca de Reyes (King’s Ring) cake, which is decorated with dried or candied fruits.
What is the name of the parade that goes off before midnight mass?
On Christmas Eve, the procession is held before everyone goes off to Midnight mass. That’s known as La Misa Del Gallo (mass of the rooster). You can expect lots more fireworks over the course of Christmas Eve ...
What is the Mexican tradition of Christmas?
While celebrations are generally the same format across the country, there are still some regional traditions worth mentioning, most notably Oaxaca’s Noche de Rábanos (Radish Night) which is held annually on December 23rd, and celebrates all things created from radishes. In Yucatan, there’s a Mexican take on Christmas carolling over the festive period, whereas the State of Mexico’s Tepoztlán, in contrast, is known for its pastorelas, or Nativity plays.
When does Mexico celebrate Christmas?
While countries like the US and the UK celebrate Christmas over perhaps a three-day period at best, from December 24th to 26th, Mexico goes one better – almost one month better actually! Festivities across the country begin on December 12th and extend right through to January 6th the following year. So just how exactly is this holiday period ...
What is Christmas Eve in Mexico?
Speaking of which, in Mexico, unlike the US and the UK, Christmas Eve bears the brunt of the festivities rather than December 25th proper. Otherwise known as nochebuena, Mexicans will typically take part in the final posada celebrations before enjoying a large and extravagant family meal and heading to mass to ring in Christmas Day.
Where is the Christmas tree traditionally decorated?
As in most of the Western world, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree has also taken off in Mexico. Again, in town centres right over the festive period, you’re likely to come across enormous examples in the central plaza, decked out with lights and decorations to mark the occasion.
What is a posada party?
Traditionally, each night from December 16th through to Christmas Eve, various houses are decorated and children pass from door to door to sing a song and ask if there’s a figurative ‘room at the inn’. This recreation of the Christmas tale which sees Mary and Joseph doing much the same thing, only ends on Christmas Eve when they are finally invited in to celebrate and enjoy the party. In practice though, a posada most commonly refers to a generic Christmas party enjoyed in the run up to the festive season, with an abundance of food, drink and, of course, piñatas.
