What are Some Mexican Traditions for Christmas?
Mexico is a country with a diverse culture, and as Christmas approaches, the people start preparing for the big festival. Christmas in Mexico is a time of joy, family, and traditions. Mexicans celebrate this holiday with lots of festivities, food, and music. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular Mexican Christmas traditions.
Las Posadas
The Las Posadas is a nine-day long traditional event that starts on December 16th and ends on December 24th. The event is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for accommodation in Bethlehem. During this time, the people celebrate with processions, fireworks, and parties. One of the most important events is the breaking of the piñata. The piñata is shaped like a star and is filled with candies, fruits, and nuts. The participants are blindfolded, and they take turns trying to break the piñata with a stick while singing traditional songs.
Noche Buena
Noche Buena or “Good Night” is the night of the 24th of December when the Mexicans celebrate Christmas Eve with their families. The celebration includes lots of food, drinks, and music. One of the most important dishes during the Noche Buena is the traditional Mexican dish called “tamales.” Tamales is a dish made of corn-based dough, filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, and wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. The meal is usually served with rice and beans, and for dessert, Mexicans enjoy a sweet cinnamon-flavored rice drink called “Horchata.”
Nativity Scenes
Mexicans believe that it is important to embrace the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus. That is why many families set up a Nativity scene or a “Nacimiento.” The scene is usually made with clay figurines of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, as well as the three wise men, shepherds, and farm animals. The Nativity scene is placed at the center of the living room, and Mexicans decorate it with lights, flowers, and candles.
Los Reyes Magos
Los Reyes Magos or “The Three Wise Men” is a Mexican holiday that takes place on the 6th of January. During this holiday, Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Children leave their shoes outside their homes, hoping that the wise men will leave them gifts during the night. Mexicans celebrate the holiday with a special cake called “Rosca de Reyes,” which is a round-shaped pastry decorated with fruits and nuts. Inside the pastry, a small plastic baby Jesus is hidden, and whoever finds the baby Jesus in their slice of cake is responsible for hosting a party on February 2nd.
In conclusion, Christmas in Mexico is a time of joy, family, and traditions. Mexicans have unique ways of celebrating the holiday with Las Posadas, Noche Buena, Nativity Scenes, and Los Reyes Magos. The festivities are accompanied by delicious food, songs, fireworks, and happiness. These traditions not only remind the Mexicans of the true meaning of Christmas but also bring families and communities closer together.