Christmas Traditions from Mexico

By Jim Marshall

Christmas traditions from Mexico are very popular in the Southwestern part of the United States. No culture celebrates the Christmas holiday with more beauty and joy than Mexico. Many customs are religion-based from when Catholicism arrived in Mexico during the Spanish colonization in the sixteenth century.

Christian Holidays

The Spanish, including their priests, brought with them the many Christian holidays celebrated by Spain, including Christmas. Their traditions influenced and mixed with those of the Native Mexican culture to create something that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Many of these traditions have influenced those living in the southwestern states—of Mexican descent or not—especially in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Christmas in Mexico

Christmas traditions from Mexico have become very popular with traditional celebrations from December 12, the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, through January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, “Little Christmas”—also known as the Twelfth Day of Christmas. It is one of Mexico’s most important time of year and is highlighted by traditions, colors, displays, family gatherings, and festivities that help make it a joy-filled time of the year.

Luminarias

One of the most dramatic components of the Southwestern Christmas tradition is luminarias. Many residents put out luminarias around their front yard on Christmas Eve, which makes driving through regular neighborhoods an even more vibrant, yet solemn, experience. Luminaries are traditionally paper sacks illuminated by votive candles lit on Christmas Eve night. The bags are placed at the edges of pathways or along fences as a symbolic lighting of the way for Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place for the birth baby Jesus. (Bags are filled partway with sand to weigh them down and keep them from blowing over or away with the wind.)

Following this tradition, many cities throughout the Southwest put on luminaria daily or weekly walks at public buildings, old Cathedrals, etc. Even neighborhoods get together to light their homes and sidewalks. People walk around thousands of luminarias as a way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Nativity Scenes

While the many traditions include candlelit processions, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing, and fireworks, the most traditional and significant decoration is the nativity scene. Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus in a stable and the visit from the three wise men, from simple to very elaborate, are generally set up in homes and churches by December 12, with some left on display until February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, which by religious tradition happened 40 days after His birth (celebrated, of course, on Christmas).

Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition that lasts from December 16 to 24. It includes nine nights of prayer and Christmas carols that recall the story of Jesus’ birth in a manger. Processions commemorating the story of Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay for the birth of Jesus are held. It is always accompanied by traditional food, beverages, and music.

Christmas Eve and La Cena de Navidad

No matter the country one thing is a must every Christmas Eve, la Cena de Navidad. Families gather with a feast of traditional dishes, sweets, and desserts from each region. Many have their own familial traditional menus. There is steak cooked on a barbecue, stuffed turkey, tamales, hallacas (steamed meat wrapped in leaves). Even more items might include enchiladas, empanadas, picana, chicken salad, fritters. What’s important is the time spent with family and friends cooking and celebrating.

Los Tamales

Christmas Carols

No holiday celebration is complete without music, and Christmas in Mexico and the United States is no different. The history of caroling at Christmas has been going strong across Mexico and the United States forever. Groups of people go from house to house singing Christmas carols. They will then get invited in for food and drink as well. After that, they then proceed to the next house with the group getting bigger and bigger as their procession continues.

Three Kings’ Day Closes it Down

While some hold out until February 2, Día de la Candelaria (the Feast of the Presentation), the season usually comes to an end on January 6, Three Kings’ Day or Día de los Reyes (the Feast of the Epiphany). It celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—and the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Baby Jesus. It is also called “Little Christmas” and can involve a small gifts. As with other feast days, there are parties—many featuring a cake with hidden objects inside (usually a small baby Jesus and wise man statues). Getting either is considered lucky.

Unique Region

As with so many facets of Christmas in the United States, the holidays are a special time filled with traditions and decorations, many being unique to Hispanic families. The traditions from Mexico make the Southwestern United States an incredibly unique region for Christmas. That is why celebrating during this time of the year makes for a special treat for those who live here. Whether or not you are of the Mexican culture or religion, these traditions offer something you can appreciate. You can even incorporate into your familial celebrations, light some luminarias, feast on tamales, bring the old traditions in and create new ones this holiday season.