Christmas in Mexico is celebrated with devotion
and fun. Christmas is an occasion for family get together, visiting
old friends and Christmas parties and celebrating the birth of Lord
Jesus Christ. Christmas fiesta is one of the biggest holidays in
Mexico. The holiday fiesta in Mexico commences on 16th December and
culminates on the Christmas Eve. The nine night series of
processions includes Posada, a recreation of Joseph and Mary's
journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a shelter for the
baby to be born.
This procession is divided into two groups- the pilgrims, who go
from inn to inn to inquire about a shelter, until they find the
manger where the Midnight Mass is held. As the pilgrims in the
procession reach the manger, a holy prayer is enchanted. After the
Posada is over, people attend the Midnight Mass. This is followed by
the piñata party, which is eagerly looked forward to by the
children. The Mexicans welcome Christmas day with a euphoric medley
of bells, firecrackers, and whistles. The celebration continues
until December 6, the Three Kings Day.
The customs for celebrating Christmas in Mexico are undergoing
modifications over the years. In certain areas of Mexico, Christmas
is celebrated in American style. There is a wide variation in how
small towns, big cities, and beach resorts in Mexico celebrate
Christmas. However, Posada is a common and the most important custom
for Christmas celebrations in Mexico. The preparations for Christmas in Mexico start several weeks before Christmas. Market stalls are
lavishly decorated and puestos are set up in the squares of every
town and city in Mexico. The atmosphere of the entire country is
truly festive throughout the Christmas fiesta.
