I was shocked the first Christmas season I spent in Mexico. My idea of Christmas had pictures of Christmas trees, snow, Santa Claus, and gifts under a tree. When I got to Mexico, Christmas had more to do with piñatas, fireworks, poinsettias, and confetti. There were still Christmas trees, but in our family, the tree was placed on a pile of sand! It took quite awhile to adjust, but once I began to understand some of the traditions I began to enjoy the Mexican Christmas season much more.
First of all, the holiday season in Mexico begins on December 12 and lasts until February 2. The celebrations usually include tamales, music, family, mass, and lots of fireworks. Of course, the typical United States celebration has a mixture of music, family, food, and sometimes even a religious meeting, but the fireworks and the kinds of food served are quite distinct.
December 12 is the Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe. This is the day that starts the celebration. La Virgen de Guadalupe is a religous figure in the Catholic church. She is the Virgin Mary that appeared to a poor indian, Juan Diego, in what is now Mexico City. She is the patron saint of Mexico. Prior to the 12th people from all over Mexico start pilgrimages to the Basilica in Mexico City. They walk, ride bikes, ride horses, drive cars, and sometimes even crawl from their homes to Mexico city. Some of the pilgrims start several weeks in advance. On December 12, there are usually special masses and family gatherings to honor the Virgin de Guadalupe.
Starting the 16th of December until the 24th, most Mexican families are involved in Posadas. Each night of the "Posada," groups (usually from each community) go from door to door asking for shelter. This is commemorative of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter. Each night, the group ends up at a different house where a sort of celebration is prepared. This celebration consists of several piñatas, aguinaldos (small baskets full of treats), and several prayers and songs.
On the final night, December 24th or Noche Buena, the posada usually ends up at the local church. Once at the church a larger celebration takes place. There are prayers, songs, piñatas, and aguinaldos just like the other nights, but the celebration lasts until midnight where the children sing lullabies to the Baby Jesus. At midnight, there is music, confetti, food, and fireworks that usually last until morning.
