DECEMBER TRADITIONS.

 ENJOY A VERY MEXICAN CHRISTMAS AND A TRAIDTIONAL MONTH

Mexicans celebrate practically every day during December. The famous “Guadalupe – Reyes” is a common way to refer to all the celebrations beginning December 12th, day of the “Virgen de Guadalupe” and ending January 6th day of the “Reyes Magos”.

DON’T MISS

Las Pastorelas: 
 Shepherds' plays are staged throughout the holiday season by both amateur and professional groups. The light, humor-filled Pastorelas tell of the shepherds' adoration of the Christ Child. As the shepherds attempt to follow the great star leading them to Bethlehem, they are plagued by a series of evils and misadventures provoked by the Devil, who doesn't want them to reach their destination.

Las Piñatas: Spanish conquerors used the “Piñata” for evangelization purposes. Although according to some historians an object very similar to “Piñatas” was used before the Colonial period as an offering to the Gods.  The 7 cones in a “Piñata” represent the 7 capital sins decorated in beautiful and “tempting” colors. Tradition demands “Piñatas” to be broken with blinded eyes (representing faith), while chanting “Dale, dale, dale, no pierdas el tino, por que si lo pierdes pierdes el camino”. (Hit it, hit it, hit it, don’t loose your aim, because if you do, you loose your way). Once it’s broken fruits and candy fall to floor, representing blessings and abundance. If you are in Mexico City we recommend a daytrip to “Acolman” located a few minutes away from the Teotihuacán pyramids in “Estado de México”. A great place for a journey to Heart of Mexican traditions famous for its piñatas. 

El Nacimiento:  In most Mexican homes´ the principal holiday decoration is el nacimiento (nativity scene). The focal point is a "stable" where clay or plaster figurines of the Holy Family are sheltered. The scene may be further populated by an angel, an ox and ass, shepherds and their flocks, and assorted other people and livestock. Sizes range from something which fits into a small corner, to major masterpieces which may occupy an entire room, often near the front of the house for convenient viewing by neighbors and passersby. The scene will not be completed until Christmas Eve when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger bed.

VIP DATES

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Dec 12^th)

The apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe represents a true touchstone in the history of Mexico. Every year, without exception, “Our Lady of Guadalupe” is celebrated in the most diverse forms, being one of the most famous the pilgrimage that thousands of Mexicans embark on, starting in their homes, scattered throughout the Republic, and ending in “La Villa” in Mexico City.

Many make the journey by foot with “estandartes” decorated with flowers, some food, water, all their sorrows and all their hope, and celebrate her appearance to Juan Diego.  (Saint Juan Diego since  2002). Pilgrims finish their journey on bleeding knees moved by faith alone, as an offering to the “Guadalupana”. Families gather to pray for the sick child or give thanks for the new born. Bursting in devotion offer a mariachi serenade to the virgin and then beg for a miracle.

Las Posadas (from Dec 16^th): Nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties. Throughout Mexico, young people gather in the afternoons to reenact the holy family's quest for a place to sleep in Bethlehem. The procession is headed by a diminutive Virgen María, often sitting atop a live burro, led by an equally tiny José.

Noche Buena (Dec 24^th): 
Holiday festivities on Christmas Eve include a visit to church for Midnight Mass. Afterwards, families head home for a traditional Christmas supper which may feature a simple fare of homemade tamales or a more exotic feast of bacalaoa la vizcaina (Biscayan cod), roast turkey, ham, or suckling pig. The evening is rounded out with the opening of gifts and, for the children, piñatas and sparklers. As these happy family gatherings generally last into the wee hours, December 25th is set aside as a day to rest and enjoy that universal holiday bonus -- leftovers. Santa Claus is not normally a part of the Mexican Navidad. A Mexican child's holiday wish list is directed to el Niño Dios (the Holy Child) for Christmas Eve, and for Three Kings Day on January 6th.

Santos Inocentes (Dec 28^th): 
Day of the Holy Innocents in Mexico it is celebrated as a day akin to April Fool's Day, an occasion for jokes and pranks. The usual tactic is to ask to borrow cash or some object of value. The trickster then has the right to keep said object for a year. So beware, or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!

Año Nuevo (Dec 31^st): The new year is welcomed in much the same way as in other parts of the world. family usually spends the evening together until midnight. After a family midnight dinner, the young people get together and celebrate with friends.