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Christmas in Mexico is a religious holiday that is a special time. Although Mexican people have taken some of the traditions that the people of the United States and Canada enjoy, such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus, there are many traditions that are unique to Mexico. Christmas in Mexico is more overtly religious and family oriented than it is in other parts of the world and there is a host of wonderful traditions to experience.

Christmas in Mexico – What to Expect

Spending your Christmas in Mexico you will notice that there will be beautiful, decorated Christmas trees and lights all around the plaza and shops around town. Even the markets are decorated. One thing that is different in Mexico is that families celebrate the big event on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day the 25th. Families will get together for the last meal or in Mexico it’s called the last ‘posada’. The last meal is held at a family member’s home and traditional foods and beverages will be given. The party will continue into the early hours of Christmas day. Some gifts are exchanged at this time, but nothing like it is in the United States, UK, and Canada. This is the time that families get together just spend quality time together instead of giving gifts. Children get gifts on the Three Kings in January.

The Three Kings – Three Wise Men

The Three Kings day occurs on January 6th and is called ‘Dia de Reyes’ and it is also known as the Los Tres Magos. This is the day that ends the twelve days of Christmas, and the journey that the three wise men took to see the baby Jesus. Children really look forward to this day, because they will receive gifts. Children place their shoes outside by the front door, so the kings will leave them gifts. Many of the families in Mexico add the western tradition of Santa Claus as part of their Christmas, but the Dia de Reyes is the favorite holiday for children throughout Mexico.

Rosca de Reyes

The Rosca de Reyes is a delicious, sweet bread eaten at Christmas in Mexico on the day of the Three Kinds. The Rosca de Reyes is carefully sculpted and shaped to look like the king’s crowns, then a ceramic baby Jesus is placed inside to bake. Once the bread is baked, each member of the family must try to guess where the baby Jesus will be, and if your slice of bread has Jesus in it, then you are the family member that will host the special ‘Dia de Candelaria’ or the ‘Candlemas Day’ party on February 2nd. This party will feature delicious, traditional tamales.

There are plenty of things you can expect to see if you are spending Christmas in Mexico. You can embrace the Rosca de Reyes with your family, and even host your very own Christmas Eve party, but do it like they do in Mexico. This is a special time in Mexico that you and your family will enjoy.

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