[Updated 10/26/2022] From Cinco de Mayo and Día de Los Muertos (a.k.a. Day of the Dead Festival) to tacos, tequila, and piñatas, traditional Mexican culture has become increasingly embedded in American popular culture.
The incorporation of European and African cultural influences has transformed the country radically since the time of the ancient Aztecs and Maya.
But the indigenous influences (especially Mayan art and agriculture) have left an indelible imprint on what we recognize as the culture of Mexico today.
Because around 80% of Mexicans identify as Catholic, Christmas in Mexico is an immensely popular holiday.
And while Christmas symbols such as Santa Claus and Christmas trees do have their place, Mexican Christmas traditions such as candle-lit processions, elaborate nativity scenes, and dancing are deeply rooted in the country’s Spanish history.
So here’s a look at 40 fascinating Christmas traditions in Mexico, from the Posadas and Pastorelas to Los Santos Inocentes, the Mass of the Rooster, and more!
READ MORE: 90 Christmas Traditions Around the World
Christmas Traditions in Mexico Guide
- Facts about Christmas in Mexico
- Christmas Food in Mexico
- Mexican Christmas Decorations
- Mexican Christmas Trees
- Santa in Mexico
- Christmas Music/Songs in Mexico
FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO
ORIGINS AND DATES OF CHRISTMAS
1. When the Spanish explored the New World, they brought Catholicism with them. With that came Christmas, which evolved over centuries into the unique traditions of Christmas in Mexico today.
2. In Mexico, people celebrate Christmas from December 12 to January 6, with an extra holiday on February 2.
3. From December 16 to December 24, Las Posadas in Mexico find children carrying candles as they walk around to houses, singing and asking for shelter.
Posada means inn or lodging, so this tradition represents Mary and Joseph searching for shelter in the Biblical Christmas story.
On each night of the Posadas, a different family holds a party, where there is food, drinks, music, piñatas, and fireworks.
4. Another classic Mexican Christmas custom is Las Pastorelas. These Christmas plays depict the Shepherds’ journey following the Star of Bethlehem to find the Biblical Nativity.
Some of these plays can be funny, while others are more serious, showing the trials and tribulations the Devil put the Shepherds through en route to finding the Baby Jesus.
When they do find him, it represents the…
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