Great Mexican Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Mexico is a great celebration characterized by rich cultural and religious traditions with touches of contemporary influences from the United States and Canada like Christmas trees and Santa Claus. Overall, a Mexican Christmas is less commercialized than other countries and full of fascinating customs that you can enjoy as both homeowners at Villa La Estancia Residences and visitors alike.

Great Mexican Christmas Traditions

If you decide to spend time in Mexico during the Christmas holidays, you’ll be amazed by the sights of large Christmas trees and sparkling lights adorning plazas, and the abundance of food and artisan stalls in public places. Likewise, you will see large nativity scenes and images of the Baby Jesus. On the beach next to Puerto Vallarta’s malecon boardwalk, sand artists usually exhibit great works of art in the run up to Christmas depicting various Christmas related scenes made from sand.

mexican christmas party

Noche Buena

Unlike the United States and Canada, a Mexican Christmas is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve on December 24th rather than December 25th. Mexican families gather together following the last mass of advent to feast on sumptuous delicacies such as cod, tamales, pozole and mole. The Mexican Christmas celebrations are likely to last into the wee hours of the morning. Gifts are given as a way to honor the spirit of giving and sharing, which is what Christmas is all about in Mexico.

The Day of the Three Kings/ Three Wise Men

Another Mexican Christmas tradition that differs from those of the United States and Canada is the Day of the Three Kings. El Dia de Reyes is celebrated yearly on January 6th commemorating the end of the long Christmas festivities. Just like the Three Kings in the Bible who gave the Baby Jesus gifts during their visit, Mexican children anticipate this day with the hope of receiving plenty of gifts as well. They’ll put their shoes on the doorstep of their homes thinking that when the kings pass by, they will leave gifts for them.

The Traditional Rosca de Reyes

The Day of the Three Kings is not just about children getting presents, this Mexican Christmas tradition has another charming feature: the Rosca de Reyes. The rosca is a garland-shaped sweet bread that is served on El Dia de Reyes which contains one or more ceramic Baby Jesus figure. Everyone at the gathering has to take a slice of the bread. If your slice contains the figure, you are blessed and will be expected to host the next party which is held on February 2nd for Candlemas, where tamales will be served.

Visitors to Mexico and Villa La Estancia Residences homeowners are invited to join in the Mexican Christmas traditions for a wonderfully rich festive experience.