Christmas in Mexico

Feliz Navidad!

Christmas in Mexico is a big, colorful celebration filled with rich traditions focused on food, family and religion.

Mexicans begin their celebrations on December 12,  the birthday of "La Guadalupana" (Virgin of Guadalupe) and continue on until January 6, with the feast of the Epiphany, similar to the Italians.

On January 6, children wake up to find gifts from the Three Magic Kings or Wiseman. Children in Mexico believe it is they, similar to Santa Claus, that bring gifts to Baby Jesus and all of the children in Mexico. Mexican children write letters to the Three Magic Kings just as kids in the U.S. write to Santa Claus.

The "Nacimiento" or "El Nacimiento"(Nativity scene) is a popular custom here as well. Most families all have a Nativity set up and commemorate Jesus' birth by placing a baby figure in the cradle on Christmas eve at Midnight.

Midnight celebrations include fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles, followed by Midnight Mass.

Following mass, families enjoy a feast including popular dishes from their regions such as tamales, rellenos and menudo. Biscochitos are a delicious, traditional Mexican Christmas dessert.

Finally, any Mexican celebration couldn't be complete with a pinata and lots of poinsettias, which are a popular Christmas decoration in Mexico.