Understanding the Traditions of a Mexican Christmas Celebration

What makes a Christmas celebration feel truly magical: the gifts, the mix of faith, the festivities that connect us to our roots, or the warmth of the family gatherings?

In Mexico, the holiday season begins with the vibrant celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12, a profoundly spiritual event that honors the cocountry'satron saint. The devotion and joy from this celebration seamlessly flow into the "p"sadas," "hich start on December 16. For nine consecutive nights, families reenact Mary and JoseJoseph'srch for shelter, visiting homes, singing carols, and sharing in the spirit of togetherness. These nightly gatherings create a profound sense of community, culminating on Christmas Eve with a festive feast that includes tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and ponche (fruit punch). As midnight strikes, fireworks light up the sky, signaling the arrival of Christmas Day, and families share in joyous music, laughter, and heartfelt moments. In Mexico, Christmas is not just a holiday—it’sit'sime to celebrate faith, culture, and the bonds that unite us all.

The Spirit of Mexican Christmas

Mexican Christmas is not just a single-day event, but a season that in Mexico begins on December 12, the day of the Virgin of Gualupe and lasts until January 6, known as Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Religious devotion, family gatherings, and joyful festivities mark the celebrations.

One of the most important aspects of Mexican Christmas is the emphasis on community and family. Homes are decorated with poinsettias, known locally as Flor de Nochebuena, and colorful lights. Nativity scenes, or nacimientos, are a central decoration in many households, often elaborately crafted and displayed prominently.

Food plays a vital role in the celebrations. Traditional dishes such as tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and ponche navideño (a warm fruit punch) are enjoyed by families and friends. These meals are often prepared together, reinforcing the sense of togetherness.

Mexican nativity scene with colorful figurines

Mexican Christmas and Its Unique Festivities

One of the most distinctive features of Mexican Christmas is the series of celebrations leading up to Christmas Day. These include the Las Posadas, a nine-day event that reenacts Mary and Joseph’sJoseph'sfor shelter in Bethlehem.

During this time, communities come together to sing carols, pray, and participate in processions. Each night, a different home hosts the event, welcoming neighbors and friends. The festivities often end with breaking a piñata filled with candies and small toys, especially for children.

Another highlight is the Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass, which many attend on Christmas Eve. Misa de Gallo takes place at midnight. This mass is a spiritual climax of the season, followed by a late-night feast and fireworks.

Colorful Mexican Christmas piñata in Oaxaca

What do you do during a posada?

A posada is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration that takes place over nine nights, from December 16 to 24th. The word posada means "inn" or ""hel"er,""and the "vent commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking lodging before the birth of Jesus.

During a posada, participants form two groups representing Mary and Joseph and the innkeepers. They go from house to house singing traditional songs, asking for shelter. The hosts respond with verses denying entry until the final house welcomes them in.

Once inside, the group prays together, shares food and drinks, and the children break a brightly decorated piñata. The piñata is usually star-shaped with seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins, and breaking it represents the triumph of good over evil.

To fully enjoy a posada, consider these tips:

• Join a local community event to experience the authentic atmosphere.

• Bring traditional foods like tamales or buñuelos to share.

• Learn the songs, called villancicos, beforehand to participate in the singing.

• Dress warmly, as many posadas are held outdoors in the evening.

  
  

For more detailed information on Mexican Christmas Posadas, you can visit this link.

A Christmas tree is displayed in front of the Cathedral of Oaxaca.

Traditional Foods and Drinks of Mexican Christmas

Food is a cornerstone of Mexican Christmas celebrations. The preparation and sharing of traditional dishes bring families together and keep cultural heritage alive.

In Mexico, families celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, the night of December 24. For dinner, traditional Mexican Christmas food is a blend of indigenous ingredients and European influences, offering a diverse array of flavors that make the holiday season truly special.

Some popular dishes include:

• Pavo y Lomo de Cerdo (Turkey and Pork Loin): While turkey is a classic, roasted pork loin is a very popular alternative. Both are often prepared with sweet and savory glazes or marinades, with options ranging from an adobo made with dried chiles to a rich prune sauce.

• Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meats, cheese, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.

• Bacalao a la Vizcaína (Salted Cod): A traditional dish that arrived with Spanish colonization but has been completely adopted and adapted. Salted cod is stewed with tomatoes, onions, olives, capers, and often güero chilies. Many consider it even better the next day, for the recalentado, when the flavors have melded together.

• Romeritos: A dish made with a wild herb called romerito, mixed with mole sauce and shrimp cakes.

• Ponche Navideño: A warm fruit punch made with tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn), guavas, apples, and cinnamon.

  
  

Desserts like buñuelos (fried dough sprinkled with sugar) and cajeta (goat milk caramel) are also enjoyed during the season.

Drinks such as atole (a warm corn-based beverage) and champurrado (a chocolate version of atole) are perfect for cold December nights.

To make your Mexican Christmas feast authentic, try preparing some of these dishes at home or seek out local Mexican markets for ingredients.

The Role of Music and Dance in Mexican Christmas

Music and dance are integral to the festive atmosphere of Mexican Christmas. Traditional carols, known as villancicos, are sung during posadas and family gatherings. These songs often tell the story of the nativity and the journey of Mary and Joseph.

Mariachi bands and folk dancers may perform at public celebrations, adding to the lively spirit. The rhythms and melodies reflect the diverse cultural influences of Mexico, from indigenous sounds to Spanish colonial music.

Participating in or watching these performances is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Many towns and cities host public events where you can enjoy live music and traditional dances.

Embracing the Mexican Christmas Experience

Celebrating Christmas in Mexico is a rich and immersive experience that goes beyond the usual holiday customs. It is a time for community, faith, and joy, marked by unique traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Whether you join a posada, enjoy traditional foods, or decorate your home with poinsettias and nativity scenes, embracing these customs can bring a new depth to your holiday celebrations. For those looking to truly immerse themselves, participating in the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca's Christmas Program can help you improve your Spanish language skills by providing a hands-on, authentic cultural experience in Oaxaca.

By understanding and participating in these traditions, you connect with a culture that values family, faith, and festivity in a truly special way. This season, consider exploring Mexican Christmas traditions to add warmth and meaning to your holiday celebrations.

Learn more about the program at https://www.icomexico.com/christmas-program.