Christmas Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta

To say that Mexico is a country rich with tradition is clichéd nearly as much as some of the traditions themselves. Take, for example, Mexico’s many Christmas traditions. In other countries, the 12 Days of Christmas are recognized, but in Mexico, the holiday season begins on December 1 and joyously continues until February 2.

December 12 is El Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, in remembrance of when the Virgin Mary left her image imprinted upon a cloth as a way of revealing herself and her identity to a Mexican peasant back in 1531.

From December 16th until the 24th, Las Posadas, candlelight processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem, are held throughout the city. The ninth evening of Las Posadas is December 24, Buena Noche, or Christmas Eve. The children lead a procession to the church and place a figure of the Christ Child in the nacimiento (nativity scene) there.

December 25th, Navidad, or Christmas Day, is considered a time to rest, recover, and enjoy the leftovers!

On December 28th, Mexicans observes Día de Los Santos Inocentes, their version of April Fool’s Day. After New Year’s Eve, the parties continue until January 6th, known as El Dìa de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day.)

The Mexican Christmas season is joyously extended though February 2 when the nativity scene is put away, and another family dinner of delicious tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) is served with great love and happiness. This celebration is the last of the Christmas festivities, 40 days after the birth of Jesus.

Source: Banderas News

Last Updated on 16/12/2018 by Puerto Vallarta Net