What you should know about Christmas season in México
Christmas is one of the most lively and colorful seasons in Mexico. It is a series of festivities characterized by many celebrations, with a history going back to the Spanish Viceroyalty era. Mexico is a country filled with traditions, and in no moment is this more evident than during December. The whole country celebrates with presents, dinners, gatherings and religious festivities from December 12th till January 6th (the so-called Guadalupe-Reyes season). Here is a brief guide to understand December celebrations in Mexico.
Día de la Guadalupana December 12th is the most important day for Catholics in Mexico. Each December, millions of people make pilgrimage to the Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City to honor the virgin of the same name. The date celebrates the virgin’s appearance to indigenous Saint Juan Diego in the Tepeyac Mount; the place where the actual Basilica stands. The Guadalupe Virgin is the Patron Saint of Mexico City, Mexico, all the Americas and the Philippines; according to the catholic tradition.
The Posadas They go from December 16th till 24th. These are neighborly representations of Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem. The hosts act as inn-keepers, whilst guests, with a candle in hand, ask for vacancy at the hosts’ doors through Christmas Carols. Afterwards, there is a party with seasonal food and beverages.
Piñatas There are no posadas without piñatas. The most traditional one is a seven-sided star; allegory of the seven capital sins. It is filled with seasonal fruits and treats like tangerines, peanuts and sugar canes; symbolizing good wishes. Don’t forget to sing along when someone tries to break it!
El nacimiento A basic element in Mexican homes during December is the Nacimiento or Nativity Scene; basically, a plastic representation of Jesus’ birth. They are formed with ceramic figurines from the Sacred Family and other biblical characters like the Three Wise Men.
Pastorelas These are theatrical representations from Christmas, having as a central argument the problems Mary, Joseph and a group of shepherds had in their voyage to Bethlehem; with appearances from the Devil included. Even though they had a missionary purpose on its beginnings, now they have become a Christmas tradition in Mexican towns and theaters everywhere.
Christmas dinner The staple dishes for the X-mas dinner in Mexico include romeritos (Small romsemary leaves with shrimp cakes and potatoes in mole sauce), Biscayan codfish, turkey, apple salad, tamales, fruit punch and egg nog.
New Year’s Eve On December 31st, dinner consists usually of pork chops in adobo sauce, pozole and cider; although many people usually go to restaurants to spend the night as well. Mexicans this day usually eat twelve grapes during the countdown towards the New Year; each representing a wish for the coming one. Going for a walk outside the house with luggage (in order to travel more), or using colored underwear (red for love, yellow for money), are some fun traditions Mexicans do as well.
Rosca de Reyes January 6th is Día de Reyes. During the morning, children open presents underneath the Christmas tree as well; while the family gathers to eat this traditional pastry. In every one of them there is a small plastic figures of baby Jesus; and people who get them on their slices have to buy tamales for everyone on February 2nd, or Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas). The fact that the figure comes hidden is a representation of how Joseph and Mary had to conceal Jesus from the Romans. With this festivity the famous period of holidays known as Guadalupe-Reyes comes to an end.