Holiday Traditions of Mexico

"Feliz Navidad"

Holiday Traditions in Mexico

Christmas in Mexico is a season rich with vibrant traditions and joyful celebrations. The most remarkable and unique tradition is "Las Posadas," a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which begins on December 16th and continues for nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve. This event, filled with community and family participation, commemorates the search for shelter and the birth of Jesus.

Las Posadas Processions

Each night of the Posadas, after dark, a procession forms. Two children lead the way, carrying a pine-decorated platform with replicas of Mary and Joseph riding a burro. The rest of the procession, holding slender candles, follows while singing the “Litany of the Virgin.” The group goes to a designated house, where they knock on the door and sing a traditional song, requesting shelter for Mary and Joseph. At first, the homeowners refuse and send them away, but after hearing who the travelers are, they joyfully open the doors to welcome them in. Everyone then gathers around a nativity scene, or "Nacimiento," offering prayers and songs of welcome, including the "Ave Maria."

The Piñata and Festivities

Following the religious observances, it's time for celebration with a Piñata. This brightly decorated container, often made of pottery or paper and filled with candy and toys, is hung from the ceiling or a tree. Children take turns being blindfolded and trying to break the piñata with a stick. After several attempts, the piñata is broken, spilling out its treasures, and children rush to collect the goodies. The festivities continue with dancing, refreshments, and community fun.

Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)

On Christmas Eve, an additional verse is added to the "Ave Marias," celebrating that the long-awaited night has finally come. Small children, dressed as shepherds, stand on either side of the nativity scene as members of the community kneel and sing a litany. The Christ Child is then gently lulled to sleep with the traditional cradle song, "El Rorro" (Babe in Arms).

Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster)

At midnight on Christmas Eve, the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, ringing bells, and the sound of whistles. Devout worshippers fill the churches for the famous "Misa de Gallo" (Mass of the Rooster), a midnight mass celebrating the birth of Jesus. After mass, families return home to enjoy a large traditional Christmas Eve dinner. The menu varies by region, but commonly includes dishes such as tamales, rice, chiles rellenos, atole (a sweet traditional drink), and menudo, a soup often said to be more sobering than strong coffee.

Christmas Day and Modern Traditions

Christmas Day itself does not involve many special celebrations in Mexico, though some families have adopted American customs such as decorating Christmas trees and exchanging gifts from Santa Claus. However, the true highlight of the Mexican Christmas season is the celebration of Las Posadas and the events of Christmas Eve.

Of Special Note: The Piñata

Mexican children delight in the game of breaking the Piñata. The piñata, often shaped like a bull or donkey, is filled with candy and suspended from a rope. Blindfolded children take turns striking the piñata with a stick or bat, and the child who succeeds in breaking it becomes the hero of the festival. The candy is then shared among all the children, making this one of the most anticipated parts of the celebration.

Holiday Traditions in Mexico

Video by tvmisslidia

Traditional Mexican Holiday Recipes

Mexico’s holiday season is celebrated with delicious traditional dishes that bring families and communities together. From savory tamales to sweet atole, these recipes are an essential part of the festive gatherings during Christmas and Las Posadas. Here are a few authentic Mexican holiday recipes:

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1. Tamales

Tamales are a staple dish during Mexican holiday celebrations. Made from masa (corn dough) and filled with a variety of ingredients, tamales are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded chicken or pork (cooked)
• 1 cup red or green salsa
• 30 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the masa mixture to the lard, alternating with chicken broth, and beat until a soft dough forms.
3. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough onto the center of each soaked corn husk, leaving room at the edges.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded chicken or pork and a spoonful of salsa onto the masa.
5. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to seal the tamale.
6. Steam the tamales for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is firm and cooked through. Serve hot with extra salsa.

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2. Atole

Atole is a traditional Mexican hot drink made with masa harina and flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It’s a popular beverage during the holiday season, especially served alongside tamales.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup masa harina (corn flour)
• 4 cups water or milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or piloncillo (Mexican unrefined sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together masa harina and water (or milk) until smooth.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste.
5. Serve the atole warm, with or without a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

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3. Menudo

Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe (cow stomach) and hominy, flavored with red chili peppers. It’s a popular dish served during Christmas, often believed to be a cure for hangovers after holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef tripe, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 cups hominy (canned or cooked)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the beef tripe. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the tripe under cold water.
2. Return the tripe to the pot and cover with fresh water. Add the chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the soup for 2 to 3 hours, or until the tripe is tender.
4. Add the hominy to the pot and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Serve the menudo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

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4. Buñuelos

Buñuelos are crispy, sweet fried dough treats dusted with sugar and cinnamon. These delightful snacks are commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season in Mexico, often served with a drizzle of syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup warm water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Honey or syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the melted butter and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one out into thin circles.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry each dough circle until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Drain the buñuelos on paper towels. Mix sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the buñuelos while still warm.
6. Serve plain or with a drizzle of honey or syrup for extra sweetness.

These traditional Mexican holiday recipes add delicious flavor and warmth to Christmas and Las Posadas celebrations. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with loved ones!

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