Facts About Mexican Christmas Traditions

Christmas is a festive holiday that is celebrated all over the world. Each culture has its own unique way of celebrating the holiday, and Mexico is no exception. Mexican Christmas traditions are influenced by both Catholicism and indigenous culture. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the interesting facts about Mexican Christmas traditions.

Nativity Scenes

One of the most popular Mexican Christmas traditions is the creation of nativity scenes, which are known as “nacimientos.” These nativity scenes depict the birth of Jesus Christ, and they often include not only the usual characters like Mary, Joseph, and the wise men but also many other characters such as farmers, shepherds, and even animals. The nativity scenes are often very elaborate and can be displayed in homes, businesses, and even in public squares.

Las Posadas

Another important Mexican Christmas tradition is the celebration of Las Posadas. This is a nine-day celebration that begins on December 16th and ends on December 24th. During this time, people reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph as they look for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Each evening, people gather in different homes and participate in a procession, carrying candles and singing Christmas carols. At the end of the procession, they enjoy traditional Mexican food and drinks.

Piñatas

Piñatas are a staple of Mexican Christmas celebrations. They are usually made of paper-mache and are filled with candy, fruit, and other goodies. The piñata is hung from a rope, and blindfolded children take turns hitting it with a stick until it breaks open and spills its contents. This is usually done on Christmas Eve or during Las Posadas.

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that is often eaten during Christmas. Tamales are made of masa (corn dough) that is filled with meat or other ingredients and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. They are served with a variety of sauces and are a staple of Mexican Christmas feasts.

Nochebuena

Nochebuena is the Mexican word for Christmas Eve, and it is an important time for families to gather together and celebrate. Many families attend midnight Mass, followed by a big feast that includes traditional Mexican foods like tamales, pozole, and bacalao (dried salted cod). Nochebuena is also a time for gift-giving, and many families exchange presents at this time.

Conclusion

Mexican Christmas traditions are rich and diverse, and they reflect the country’s unique cultural heritage. From the creation of nativity scenes and Las Posadas to the breaking of piñatas and the eating of tamales, there are many ways that Mexicans celebrate the holiday season. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be an important part of Mexican culture today.

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