Mexico In December: Christmas and Beyond

christmas gifts, 12th day after christmas, midnight mass, christmas eve, public holiday, january holidays in mexico, christmas party, on christmas day, mexican culture and traditions, mexico in december

Mexico is a country steeped in culture and tradition, and at no time of year is it more apparent than in December. Celebrations take place from December 12 through January, during which gifts are given, feasts are consumed with family and friends and religious holidays are observed. Here is a brief overview of the December and January holidays in Mexico.

Day of The Virgin of Guadalupe – Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe

Each year on December 12, public celebrations are held to honor Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe. This is not a public holiday but a religious one. It is based on the belief that on December 9 & 12, 1531 Juan Diego encountered the Virgin Mary at the Hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City.

Day of the Holy Innocents – Día de los Santos Inocentes

This day, December 28, is in remembrance of the story in the bible in which King Herod orders the execution of male babies in Bethlehem in order to kill baby Jesus. Like on April Fool’s Day, Mexicans play tricks on their family and friends. This is not a public holiday.

Posadas

Las Posadas originated in Spain, but for the most part are now celebrated only in Mexico and parts of South America. From December 16 – 24, Mexicans go from house to house and reenact Joseph and Mary searching for a place for Jesus to be born. Posada is also the word Mexicans use for “Christmas party”.

Nochebuena/Navidad – Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

In Mexico, Christmas Eve is spent with family and friends. In general, dinner is eaten very late, around 11 pm or 12 am and turkey, romeritos, bacalao, apple salad, ponche and sidra are served. Like in many other countries, many families attend midnight mass. On Christmas Day the celebration continues with leftovers and the exchanging of gifts. Christmas Day is a public holiday in
Mexico.

Año Nuevo – New Year’s Eve

For the most part Mexicans have a late dinner with family and friends on New Year’s Eve and then go out after midnight. Along with fireworks and firecrackers, there are many traditions one must follow in order to have a great new year, like eating 12 grapes at midnight (one for each month) and wearing red (for love) or yellow (for money) underwear.

Reyes Magos – Kings Day

This day, the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates Magi bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Mexican children receive gifts on this day, brought by the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. In general, Mexican children also receive Christmas gifts.

Rosca De Reyes

The Rosca de Reyes is a pastry, something like bread, decorated with dried and candied fruit, that is generally eaten on January 6. Small baby Jesus figurines are hidden in the bread and the person who receives one in their slice must buy the tamales for El Dia de la Candelaria (February 2).

If you are interested in Mexican culture and traditions, December is a great month to visit!