By: Irma Lovinit

It is the Christmas Season  –  Know the Mexican tradition

The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December - to party, spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends. So get any business you need done early in the month!

One of the biggest fiestas of the year - in small towns, big cities, the beach resorts, everywhere - Christmas in Mexico is celebrated in a variety of ways...

A common denominator is the posada, a recreation of Mary (on donkey) and Joseph searching for a "room at the inn." Accompanying them is a choir of small children who knock on doors asking for lodging for the weary couple. By previous arrangement, there are no takers; that is until the last one where it is pre arranged the answer is finally yes and everyone goes indoors for a party.

The story of the piñata in Mexico, while a fun and exciting way to celebrate, has a deeper meaning.  The traditional piñata represents Satan, who often wears an attractive mask to attract humanity. The most traditional style of Piñata has seven points, each with streamers. These cones represent the seven deadly sins, and the breaking of the Piñata with a shower of candies and fruits vividly shows the triumph of good over evil.  The blindfolded participant represents the leading force in defying evil: faith, which must be blind, is guided only by the voices of others. 

In many areas a  procession will take place during the 12 days before Christmas, it moves along, growing in numbers until it reaches the church, where mass is held. After the service, the children get to enjoy a festive piñata party. For the adults there is always Ponche, which is a hot beverage or "Punch" made out of seasonal fruits and cinnamon sticks, with a shot of alcoholic spirit. A must try.

On Noche Buena, December 24, many go to Misa de Noche Buena which is at midnight. After the Mass, everyone goes to their respective homes to have dinner with family and any friend who does not have a family is always welcome to be part of a family celebration, and most important of all to place the Baby Jesus in the manger in the Nativity scene. The presents are opened Christmas Eve after Mass.

On New Year's Eve, there is a Misa de Gallo, (Rooster's Mass) that takes place at midnight also. Some families go to church earlier to give thanks for all the blessings received during the year.

The children's celebration of receiving presents is not until January 6th, "el día de Reyes", the day of the Kings, or the Wise Men Day. It is the Magi who brought the presents to the Baby Jesus, thus, they bring the toys to the boys and girls who have been good.

El dia de Reyes is celebrated with a "Merienda" consisting of hot chocolate and "The Rosca de Reyes". The Rosca de Reyes is a big oval wreath made out of egg bread (like an egg bagel, but huge) with dry fruit decorations and sprinkled sugar on top, but inside, there is a little ceramic doll which represents the Baby Jesus. The person, who gets the piece of bread with the Baby, must be the Godparent of the Baby Jesus in the celebration of the Candelaria, on February 2nd.

"El dia de la Candelaria" is the day of the Candle or Light, known as the Day of Purification. That day, the Nativity scene is put away with a party given by the person who got the Baby Jesus in his/her piece of bread during the Rosca de Reyes celebration. He or she will be responsible for making a "Ropon" or christening gown for Baby Jesus. Generally, they have a Dinner with Tamales (corn bread filled with meats in a sauce or raisins wrapped in corn husks).

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