20 Mexican Christmas Traditions to Know

20 Mexican Christmas Traditions to Know

¡Feliz Navidad, amigos! Christmas is a special time of year all over the world, but in Mexico, it’s celebrated with a unique blend of traditional and religious customs. From piñatas to posadas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Mexican Christmas season. Mexican Christmas traditions are a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Catholic influences. The result is a festive and cultural journey that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

In addition to these popular traditions, there are many other unique and regional customs that are celebrated throughout Mexico during the Christmas season. For example, in the state of Oaxaca, there is a festival called the Night of the Radishes, where artisans carve elaborate sculptures out of radishes. In the state of Chihuahua, there is a Christmas parade called the Calenda Navidad, which features floats, dancers, and musicians.

No matter where you are in Mexico during the Christmas season, you are sure to experience a unique and unforgettable cultural celebration. So put on your sombrero, grab a churro, and ¡Feliz Navidad!

Religious Traditions

1. Las Posadas (December 16-24)

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Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration that re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in search of a place to stay. It takes place from December 16 to 24, and it is one of the most important Christmas traditions in Mexico. Each night, families and friends gather at a different home to pray, sing carols, and break open a piñata. The piñata is typically filled with candy, toys, and other treats, and it represents the temptations that people face in life.

The celebration begins with a procession of people carrying candles and images of Mary and Joseph. The procession walks to the different homes, and at each stop, the people ask for posada (lodging). The hosts of the home typically refuse at first, but they eventually let the people in.

Once inside, the people sing carols and pray. They also eat traditional Mexican food, such as tamales, pozole, and buñuelos. At the end of the night, the people break open the piñata. This is a fun and symbolic act that represents the victory of good over evil.

2. Nacimientos (Nativity scenes)

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Nacimientos, or nativity scenes, are a popular Christmas tradition in Mexico. They are displayed in homes and businesses throughout the country during the Christmas season. They typically depict the birth of Jesus Christ, but they can also include other figures from the Christmas story, such as the Three Wise Men, shepherds, and angels. 

Nacimientos are often made of clay, wood, or other natural materials. The figures are typically hand-painted and decorated with great care. Many families have their own nacimientos that they pass down from generation to generation. Nacimientos are more than just decorations. They are a way for Mexicans to remember the true meaning of Christmas. They are also a way to express their creativity and their love of their culture.

3. Pastorelas (Traditional Christmas plays)

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Pastorelas are traditional Christmas plays that are performed in churches and communities throughout Mexico. They tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the fight between good and evil. The plays are commonly performed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. They are often comical and feature a variety of characters, including shepherds, angels, the devil, and other animals.

The main characters in a pastorela are typically a group of shepherds who are on their way to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Along the way, they are tempted by the devil and his minions, but they eventually resist temptation and make it to Bethlehem. In the end, the shepherds meet the baby Jesus and worship him. The devil is defeated and good triumphs over evil.

Pastorelas are a popular Christmas tradition in Mexico because they are fun, educational, and inspiring. They teach people about the Christmas story and the importance of resisting temptation.

4. Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)

Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, is the most important day of the Christmas season in Mexico. It is a time for families to gather together for a large meal and attend midnight mass.

The Nochebuena meal is typically a lavish affair. Families spend hours preparing traditional Mexican dishes, such as turkey, tamales, pozole, and buñuelos. The meal is often accompanied by a variety of drinks, such as ponche navideño (Christmas punch) and rompope (eggnog).

After dinner, families attend midnight mass. Midnight mass is a special religious service that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Thereafter families return home to continue celebrating Nochebuena. They open presents, sing carols, and dance. 

5. Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

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Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6th in Mexico. It is a traditional day when children receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. Families typically eat a special Rosca de Reyes cake on this day.

The Rosca de Reyes is a ring-shaped cake that is decorated with dried fruits and nuts. A small plastic baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever finds the baby Jesus in their slice of cake is said to be good luck for the year.

On Día de los Reyes Magos, families gather together to eat Rosca de Reyes and to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. Children often leave their shoes out overnight on Día de los Reyes Magos, hoping that the Three Wise Men will fill them with gifts.

Food and Drink Traditions

6. Tamales

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Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of corn masa (dough) and fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. Tamales are a popular food in Mexico and throughout Latin America, and they are especially popular during the Christmas season.

To make tamales, the corn masa is first prepared by mixing it with water and salt. The masa is then spread out on a corn husk or banana leaf, and the filling is added to the center. The tamale is then folded up and wrapped tightly. The tamales are then steamed until they are cooked through.

Tamales can be filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Some popular fillings include chicken, beef, pork, cheese, beans, and potatoes. Tamales can also be made with sweet fillings, such as chocolate or fruit.

7. Romeritos con Mole

Romeritos con mole is a traditional Mexican dish made with romeritos (a type of edible fern), mole sauce, and shrimp or fish. It is another popular Christmas food in Mexico, and it is often served at Nochebuena dinner.

Romeritos con mole is a delicious and nutritious dish. Romeritos are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Mole sauce is a complex and flavorful sauce that is made with a variety of ingredients, including chocolate, chili peppers, and nuts. Shrimp and fish are good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

To make romeritos con mole, the romeritos are first cooked in water until they are tender. The mole sauce is then added to the romeritos, and the dish is simmered until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Shrimp or fish are often added to the dish for extra protein and flavor. Romeritos con mole is typically served with rice and tortillas. It can also be served with other traditional Mexican dishes, such as pozole and tamales.

8. Bacalao

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Bacalao, or salted cod, is a popular Christmas food in Mexico. It is cooked in a variety of ways, including with tomatoes, potatoes, and olives. Bacalao is often served at Nochebuena dinner, the most important meal of the Christmas season in Mexico.

Bacalao is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a relatively affordable food, which makes it a popular choice for families during the Christmas season. To make bacalao, the cod is first soaked in water to remove some of the salt. The cod is then cooked in a variety of ways, depending on the recipe.

9. Pozole

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, meat, and vegetables. It is a popular Christmas food in Mexico, and it is often served as a main course at Nochebuena dinner.

Pozole is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. The hominy gives the soup a thick and creamy texture, while the meat and vegetables add protein and flavor. Pozole is typically served with a variety of toppings, including cabbage, radishes, onions, and avocado.

10. Ponche Navideño

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Ponche Navideño, or Mexican Christmas punch, is a warm and flavorful drink that is popular at Christmas parties and celebrations in Mexico. It is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and rum.

To make ponche navideño, the water, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are first added to a large pot and brought to a boil. The fruits are then added to the pot, and the punch is simmered for 30-45 minutes, or until the fruits are tender. The jamaica is added to the punch last, and the punch is simmered for another 10-15 minutes.

The rum is added to the punch after it has been cooked and removed from the heat. Ponche navideño is typically served warm, but it can also be served cold.

11. Rompope 

Rompope is a traditional Mexican eggnog-like drink that is made with eggs, milk, sugar, and rum. It is a popular drink at Christmas parties and celebrations in Mexico, and it is often served as a dessert or as a nightcap.

To make rompope, the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract are first whisked together until well combined. The rum is then added, and the mixture is whisked until it is smooth. The cinnamon is added last, and the mixture is stirred to combine. Rompope can be served chilled or at room temperature. It is often garnished with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Rompope is important to Mexicans for a number of reasons. First, it is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by Mexicans for centuries. Second, it is a delicious and flavorful drink that is perfect for a winter day. Third, it is a versatile drink that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it appealing to a wide range of people.

Other Traditions

12. Decorating Christmas Tress

Photo by Cameron Stewart on Unsplash

Mexican Christmas trees are often decorated with additional items, such as piñatas, poinsettias, and papel picado (Mexican paper cutouts) and they look absolutely stunning. 

Papel picado is a type of Mexican paper cutout that is often used to decorate homes and businesses during the holiday season. Papel picado is made by cutting intricate designs into pieces of tissue paper. Papel picado can be hung from the ceiling, walls, or windows, and it adds a festive touch to any room.

Piñatas are a traditional Mexican party favor that is often filled with candy, toys, and other treats. They are often shaped like animals, fruits, or other objects, and they are suspended from the ceiling by a rope. At the end of the party, guests take turns trying to break the piñata with a stick. When the piñata breaks, all of the treats fall out and the guests can collect them.

13. Singing Carols

Mexicans love to sing carols during the Christmas season. Some popular carols include “Las Mañanitas” and “El Burrito Sabanero.” Caroling is often done in groups, and it is a popular way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Some popular carols include:

• Las Mañanitas: This is a traditional Mexican morning song that is sung on special occasions, such as birthdays and Christmas. It is also sung to wake people up on their wedding day.
• El Burrito Sabanero: This is a Venezuelan Christmas carol that is also popular in Mexico. It tells the story of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
• Arre Borriquito: This is a traditional Mexican Christmas carol that tells the story of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. It is a lively song that is often accompanied by dancing.
• Tutaina: This is a traditional Mexican Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful and moving song that is often sung at Christmas Eve mass.
• Los Peces en el Río: This is a traditional Mexican Christmas carol that tells the story of the three wise men following the star to Bethlehem. It is a joyful song that is often sung by children.

Caroling groups often go from house to house, singing carols and collecting donations for charity. It is a great way to spread the Christmas spirit and to enjoy the company of loved ones. It is also a way to learn and preserve traditional Mexican Christmas culture.

16. Night of the Radishes 

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The Night of the Radishes (Noche de los Rábanos) is a festival that takes place in Oaxaca City, Mexico, where artisans carve elaborate sculptures out of radishes. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a beautiful way to celebrate the Christmas season.

The festival takes place on December 23rd every year. It is a competition between artisans to see who can create the most beautiful and intricate radish sculpture. The sculptures are judged on a variety of factors, including creativity, originality, and technical skill.

The sculptures are typically carved from giant radishes that are grown specifically for the festival. The radishes can be up to 18 inches long and weigh up to 10 pounds. The artisans use a variety of tools to carve the radishes, including knives, chisels, and saws.

17. Calenda Navidad (December 24)

The Calenda Navidad is a Christmas parade that takes place in Chihuahua City, Mexico, on December 24th every year. It is a great way to experience the Mexican Christmas spirit. 

This parade features a variety of floats, dancers, and musicians. The floats are typically decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, and they often depict religious scenes or traditional Mexican motifs. The dancers and musicians perform a variety of traditional Mexican dances and songs.

The Calenda Navidad is a long parade, and it typically lasts for several hours. It begins in the downtown area of Chihuahua City, and it winds its way through the streets of the city. The parade ends at the Cathedral of Chihuahua, where there is a fireworks display and a midnight mass.

18. Fiesta del Niñopan in Xochimilco (February 2)

The Fiesta del Niñopa is a festival that takes place in Xochimilco, Mexico, on February 2nd every year. It is a celebration of the baby Jesus, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Xochimilco.

The Fiesta del Niñopa is a unique festival that combines traditional Mexican culture with Catholic religious traditions. The festival begins with a mass at the San Bernardino de Siena Cathedral in Xochimilco. After mass, people take their decorated boats out onto the canals of Xochimilco.

The boats are decorated with a variety of items, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and religious icons. Some people even dress up their boats to look like animals or other characters. The boats float through the canals of Xochimilco, and people on board sing songs and play music.

19. Piñatas

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Piñatas are a popular Mexican Christmas tradition. They are typically filled with candy, toys, and other treats, and they are often broken open with a stick at Christmas parties.

Piñatas are typically made of papier-mâché, and they are often shaped like animals, fruits, or other objects. They are suspended from the ceiling by a rope, and guests take turns trying to break them open with a stick. When the piñata breaks, all of the treats fall out and the guests can collect them.

Piñatas are a fun and festive way to celebrate the Christmas season. They are also a great way to get people involved in the festivities. Children especially love piñatas, and they are a great way to keep them entertained at Christmas parties.

20. Flor de Nochebuena (Poinsettia) 

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The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular Christmas flower in Mexico. It is known as Flor de Nochebuena in Spanish, which means “Christmas Eve flower.” Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America, and they have been cultivated there for centuries.

Poinsettias are known for their brightly colored bracts, which are often red, but can also be white, pink, or yellow. The bracts are not actually flowers, but rather modified leaves that attract pollinators. The true flowers of the poinsettia are small and inconspicuous, and they are located in the center of the bracts. Poinsettias are a popular Christmas flower because they bloom during the winter months, when other flowers are scarce. They are also easy to care for.

1. Giving Aguinaldos (Gifts)

Giving aguinaldos, or Christmas bonuses, is a tradition in Mexico. It is a legal requirement for employers to give their employees an aguinaldo of at least 15 days of pay. Some employers give their employees more than 15 days of pay, and some employers even give their employees a full month’s salary as an aguinaldo.

Aguinaldos are typically given to employees in December, before Christmas. They are a way for employers to thank their employees for their hard work throughout the year. Aguinaldos are also a way for employees to earn extra money to buy gifts for their families and friends during the Christmas season.

1. Luminarias (Paper Lanterns)

Luminarias are paper lanterns that are often used to light up streets and walkways during the Christmas season. They are a popular tradition in Mexico and the southwestern United States. 

Luminarias are typically made with brown paper bags and sand. The bags are filled with sand and then candles are placed inside. The bags are then arranged along streets and walkways to create a festive and inviting atmosphere.

Luminarias are often used to decorate for Christmas parties and other holiday events. They can also be used to light up pathways and entrances to homes and businesses. Luminarias are a simple and inexpensive way to add a touch of holiday cheer to any setting.

Mexican Christmas traditions are a vibrant and festive celebration of culture, faith, and family. From the delicious food and lively music to the elaborate decorations and heartfelt traditions, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year.

So if you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable Christmas experience, come to Mexico! We’ll welcome you with open arms and show you how to celebrate the holidays with true Mexican passion.

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!

(Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

¡Que viva la Navidad Mexicana!

(Long live Mexican Christmas!)