Christmas is probably the most popular holiday in the world. Every year, family and friends gather all over the world to celebrate this special time of the year together. What this celebration ultimately looks like, however, depends very much on where you are on earth. Because in traditions and customs there are strong differences here. While it is very well known in Germany that Santa Claus brings the presents, he does not exist in other countries.
One of these countries is Mexico, for example. Here, it is not Santa Claus who brings the Christmas presents, but the baby Jesus. But this is not the only difference between Christmas celebrations in Germany and Mexico. Are you now interested in how Christmas is celebrated in Mexico? Don't worry, we've done the research.
Christmas celebrations start as early on December 16.
From December 16 to December 24, the traditional Christmas custom Posadas (in German hostel) is celebrated. As part of the custom, processions are held through the streets, with participants taking on the roles of Mary, Joseph and other figures from the Bible. The processions stop at various homes, where participants knock on doors and ask to be let in to tell their story and ask for food and shelter. The homeowners then play the role of innkeepers and eventually invite the procession in to celebrate Christmas.
However, after being admitted to the house of the "innkeepers," the religious aspects are quickly forgotten and the festivities begin. The posada hosts serve buñuelos (sweet doughnuts) and pour ponche, a fruit punch for children, and ponche con piquete, that is, with a shot of tequila, for the adults.
The highlight for the children - the custom of piñatas.
For the children, the highlight of the posada is the custom of the piñatas. The piñata is a figure made of cardboard, usually in the shape of a star. The piñata is filled with all the goodies. The children then have to try to break the piñata open with a stick while their eyes are blindfolded to get to the candy. Once this is accomplished, the children charge at the candy streaming out, trying to get as many as they can. After this is over, there is extensive celebrating, singing and dancing with each other. The next day, the posada is hosted by another family. So there is always something going on until the actual Christmas party.
Noche buena - Christmas Eve in Mexico
On December 24, the actual festivities begin. By the way, Christmas Eve is called "Noche buena" in Mexico. Here the whole extended family gets together and it is celebrated extensively. Of course, a Christmas dinner is not to be missed. Stuffed turkey enjoys great popularity as a typical Christmas dish, with many families preparing their own traditional feast that has been passed down through the family for generations. Family plays a big role on Christmas Eve in Mexico. Therefore, it is not uncommon to visit the graves of the deceased together with the entire family.
Influenced by Western culture, you will also find a decorated Christmas tree and fairy lights on December 24 in Mexico. Much more important, however, is the Christmas crib, which is called "nacimiento" in Mexico. This is lovingly prepared in the run-up to Christmas, but it is not until Christmas Eve that the baby Jesus is placed with the other figures to symbolize that he has been born.
When are the presents in Mexico?
After midnight it's Feliz navidad! Merry Christmas! For the children, this is the highlight of Christmas, the unwrapping of presents. At least for most of them. Because depending on the region and family tradition, the gifts are also distributed only on January 6. This is because, according to historical traditions, the baby Jesus was not given his gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh by the holy three kings until Epiphany. Thus, some children in Mexico have to wait a little longer for their gifts than others.
This is how Christmas is celebrated in Mexico. If you now feel like bringing a piece of Mexico home for the Christmas season, then take a look here. Until then, we wish you a wonderful Christmas season.
