What does Mexico do for Christmas? The festive season in Mexico is a vibrant and colorful celebration that combines indigenous traditions with Spanish influences, creating a unique and lively atmosphere. From the streets to the homes, Christmas in Mexico is a time of joy, family, and cultural richness.
Mexican Christmas celebrations begin with the posadas, a series of nine processions that reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. These processions take place from December 16th to December 24th, with each night representing a different stop along the way. Participants carry candles, sing carols, and often stop at different homes to ask for shelter, just as Mary and Joseph did.
On December 24th, families gather for the Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, feast. This meal is a grand affair, typically including a variety of dishes that symbolize prosperity and happiness. Some traditional dishes include tamales, which are corn-based, filled with meat or cheese, and accompanied by a variety of salsas. Pozole, a hominy stew, is also a staple, as well as menudo, a tripe soup. The meal is often followed by a sweet dessert, such as buñuelos, fried dough balls that are typically coated in sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Another highlight of the Mexican Christmas celebration is the piñata, a colorful container filled with candy, toys, and small gifts. During the feast, children take turns hitting the piñata with a stick, trying to break it open and release the treats inside. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the family.
On Christmas Day, families continue the celebration with a smaller meal and may visit the graves of loved ones to honor their memory. The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is another important holiday in Mexico that coincides with the Christian celebrations. During this time, families build altars at home and in cemeteries to honor the deceased with offerings of food, drinks, and marigolds.
Throughout the holiday season, Mexico is adorned with vibrant decorations, including paper chains, piñatas, and nativity scenes. The streets are filled with the sounds of traditional Mexican music, such as mariachi bands, and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked pan de muerto, a sweet bread that is often given as a gift.
In conclusion, Mexican Christmas is a blend of tradition and celebration that highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the posadas to the Noche Buena, the festive season in Mexico is a time of joy, family, and the sharing of love and good fortune.
