When is Christmas celebrated?
The main celebration is Nochebuena, the family dinner on the evening of 24 December. The season runs from 12 December (Our Lady of Guadalupe) to 2 February (Candlemas).
Who brings the presents?
Traditionally the Three Kings (los Reyes Magos), who leave presents on the night of 5 to 6 January. Today many children also get presents on 25 December.
Traditions
- Las Posadas: on the nine evenings from 16 to 24 December, neighbours re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Each evening ends with a piñata and hot ponche.
- Nativity scenes (nacimientos) are set up at home; the figure of the Christ Child is added on Christmas Eve.
- The poinsettia is native to Mexico, where it is called flor de Nochebuena.
- On 6 January families share the Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread. Whoever finds the baby figurine in their slice hosts a tamale party on 2 February.
What's on the table
- Bacalao a la vizcaína, a salt cod stew
- Romeritos in mole sauce
- Roast turkey
- Tamales
- Ponche navideño, a hot fruit punch
- Buñuelos, fried dough with syrup