Interesting Facts About Christmas in Mexico

It is believed the first Christmas celebration in Mexico took place in 1538 when Frey Pedro de Gante invited native peoples to celebrate the holiday. Christmas in Mexico is a blend of Old World tradition, native customs, and elements added by missionaries to promote Christianity.

Noche Buena

Christmas begins at midnight Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) in Mexico. Revelers ring bells and blow whistles while fireworks light up the sky before the more serious Midnight Mass begins.

Posada

The Christmas season in Mexico gets underway on December 12, the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Festive posada processions are a daily affair in the streets until Christmas.

Pastorella

The pastorella (pastoral) plays are descendents of medieval morality plays. During the Christmas season they portray Christian beliefs and ideals.

Pinata

Piñatas were introduced by missionaries as a tool for converting natives. Originally they had seven points representing seven deadly sins. Breaking this symbol of sin was rewarded with the contents.

Cristmas Food

Mexican Christmas food includes Ensalada de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve salad), Galletas de Navidad (cookies), and Mexican versions of turkey and stuffing.

Exchanging Gifts

In Mexico giving gifts occurs on the feast of Epiphany (January 6), not Christmas. Tradition holds that it was then the three Magi brought gifts to the newborn Jesus.

Resources

Mexiconnect: Mexican Christmas Recipes

Article Written By W D Adkins

W D Adkins has been writing professionally for two years. His writing interests include education, business and finance. Adkins is a doctoral student with Masters Degrees in history and sociology from Georgia State University. He is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...