What is Christmas called in Mexico? Known as “Navidad,” Christmas in Mexico is a time of joy, family, and tradition. This festive season is celebrated with a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Catholic influences, making it a truly vibrant and colorful celebration. Navidad in Mexico is not just a religious holiday, but also a time to honor the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Christmas in Mexico is marked by a series of events and customs that start as early as December 12th, known as the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This day is considered one of the most important in the Mexican calendar and is celebrated with parades, masses, and the distribution of “rosaries” or “reconquistas” to the faithful. The celebrations continue with the “Posadas,” which are nine days of processions and parties that lead up to Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, families gather to celebrate “Noche Buena,” which translates to “Good Night.” This is the main feast of the season, where families come together to enjoy a sumptuous meal. The traditional Noche Buena menu includes dishes like “pavo en salsa verde” (green sauce turkey), “tamales,” “posole,” and “mole,” among others. The centerpiece of the meal is often a “nacimiento,” or nativity scene, which is meticulously decorated and placed in the home.
On Christmas Day, many Mexicans visit the “nacimiento” and the “capirote,” which is a statue of the baby Jesus that is dressed in a variety of costumes. This custom, known as “El Niño de Año Nuevo,” is believed to bring good luck and blessings for the coming year. Another popular tradition is the “pavo en salsa roja,” a red sauce turkey dish that is a festive twist on the Noche Buena turkey.
Christmas in Mexico is also a time for gift-giving, with children often receiving their presents on Christmas Eve. The gifts are wrapped in colorful paper and adorned with intricate designs. The most cherished gift of all is the “reconquista,” a small cross that symbolizes the protection of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
As the festive season comes to a close, Mexicans celebrate the “Día de los Reyes Magos” or “Three Kings Day” on January 6th. This day commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. Children leave out their shoes on the night before, and in the morning, they find gifts left by the Three Kings.
In conclusion, Christmas in Mexico, known as “Navidad,” is a time of celebration, family, and tradition. It is a blend of religious and cultural customs that make it a unique and vibrant holiday. From the “Posadas” to the “Día de los Reyes Magos,” Navidad in Mexico is a season filled with love, joy, and the spirit of giving.
