La Navidad en México

The Christmas season in Mexico begins with the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Virgin of Guadalupe is

considered the patron saint of the Americas.

The Virgin of Guadalupe

Many believe that she appeared to the Native Mexicans in 1531 and was the inspiration for 6 million non-catholic, Native Mexicans to convert to Catholicism.

Juan Diego, the man that Our lady of Guadalupe visited.

Roses are symbols of this feast day.

After the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe ends, the first of the nine Posadas is held on December 16th.

Posadas are celebrations which represent Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

There are nine posadas from the 16th -24th of December because nine symbolizes the nine months Mary was pregnant.

The entire community becomes organized for the Posadas. They decide how many houses will not offer shelter and where they will finally find shelter.

The posada begins with the procession of Joseph and Mary. Mary rides a donkey and Joseph walks beside her.

Neighbors follow Joseph and Mary singing songs and holding candles. Mary and Joseph ask for posada which is a place to stay.

When they finally reach the house that will offer them shelter, a piñata is broken to celebrate. Then, the party begins.

While breaking the piñata, people sing: “Strike it, strike it, strike it! Don’t lose your aim. Because, if you lose it, you won’t find your way! One, two, three!”

En español: “Dale, dale, dale, no pierdas el tino, porque si lo pierdes, pierdes el camino. Esta piñata es de muchas mañas, sólo contiene naranjas y cañas.”

Foods eaten during las Posadas

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made of hominy, pork and chile.

Tamales are filled with meat, cheese or vegetables are are wrapped in masa which is a corn-based dough.

Buñuelos are sweet fritters and can be filled with sweet fillings. Churros and

chocolate is another dessert served.

After las Posadas…

Las Pastorelas are light-hearted plays in which professional or amateur actors portray shepherds as they follow the star to adore the baby Jesus and devils who try to stop them.

The first ever Pastorela dates back to the 16th century in a town south of Guadalajara, Mexico. An early mask worn by

actors participating in Las Pastorelas

The plot of the Pastorelas centers around shepherds facing obstacles (devils and evil spirits) as they make their way to visit the baby Jesus. The diablos or devils, taunt and attack the shepherds, making their path toward the star a challenge.

Shepherds

Los diablos

This is an example of a portrayal of “evil” forces attempting to stop the shepherds. Masks are often worn to symbolize that the devil, el diablo, has many faces.

Of course, the happy ending always comes as the shepherds triumphantly reach the baby Jesus.

La Nochebuena or Christmas Eve

La nochebuena is considered a family day. Families gather after attending a posada to eat a large dinner. At midnight, many families attend the misa de gallo or midnight mass.

La Navidad or Christmas

Since the 1950s, many Mexican families have begun having their children open presents from Papá Noel (Santa Claus) on Christmas morning. Traditionally, Mexican children received their gifts on January 6th.

Some families attend church once more and more family gatherings take place.

El Día de los Santos Inocentes

This December 28th holiday stems from King Herod’s ordered killing of all male infants in his kingdom, in the hopes of killing the baby Jesus.

The infants were innocent, and so this holiday in Mexico has become one in which “innocent” or “gullible” people are the victims of silly pranks. It is similar to our April Fool’s Day.

La Nochevieja y El Año Nuevo

Most Mexicans celebrate New Year’s Eve or La Nochevieja, with a late night family dinner and then with fireworks in the town square.

Some common Mexican superstitions about the New Year:

At midnight, Mexicans eat twelve grapes, one for each month to bring success.

Mexicans hoping to find love wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve. Mexicans hoping to find money wear yellow underwear.

New Years Day or El Año Nuevo

Just like in the United States, banks, schools, and government buildings are closed to allow people to rest after a night of celebration.

January 6th: El Día de los Reyes Magos

This holiday is celebrated with parades, church attendance, and family dinners.

Parades featuring the Three Kings occur in streets and in town squares. Processions take place in churches.

Mexicans eat Rosca de Reyes which is a sweet bread dessert. A plastic figurine of the baby Jesus is baked inside of the dessert.

Whoever receives the figurine of the baby Jesus inside of their piece must host a party on February 2nd or Candelaria Day.

Candelaria Day is a celebration which marks the halfway point between the start of winter and the beginning of Spring. And Candelaria Day is the official conclusion of the Mexican Christmas season!

FIN