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22 Dec

Mexican Christmas Traditions

Christmas is coming, and we are so excited to start celebrating! Today we want to talk about Mexico’s most popular Christmas traditions. 

December is a month of celebrations where families get together to enjoy amazing food and break lots of piñatas. People rejoice in spending time with family and friends in the “Posadas which is a religious celebration that starts 9 days before Christmas Day. During this time, there are candle-lit processions, all kinds of nativity scenes, Christmas carols, dancing, fireworks and food! These parties are fun and the tradition is to serve tamales, ponche and buñuelos. 

Ponche, Tamales y Bueñuelos

Tamales are a special Christmas food in Mexico, but they’re also eaten throughout the year. This dish is traditionally made by wrapping dumplings (with a variety of fillings) in corn husks or banana leaves. They're cooked by slowly steaming them to perfection. Ponche Navideño is a hot fruit punch commonly served during Christmas celebrations. It’s made from tejocotes which are an orange-like fruit, guavas, apples and flavoured with cinnamon and piloncillo which is unrefined cane sugar. Buñuelos are crispy fried fritters sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or slathered in syrup. They are usually served with a hot drink like Mexican hot chocolate. After finishing this treat, it’s tradition to make a wish and throw your plate on the ground!

Colorful Mexican Piñatas

Christmas in Mexico would not be a Christmas without “Piñatas''. They are colourful and beautifully made with seven different spikes representing the deadly sins. They come in a variety of forms like a star or an animal, children and adults alike take turns to break it using a stick. Piñatas are filled with candy but also small toys and occasionally even money! 

The celebrations end until January 6th with the Three Kings’ Day when children in Mexico receive gifts to symbolise those brought by the Three Wise Men. Families and friends will also eat a traditional Rosca de Reyes, a sweet and soft bread baked in the shape of a wreath. 

While traditions like Christmas trees and Santa Claus have definitely found a place in Mexican festivities, the holiday celebrations are still ingrained in Spanish and indigenous culture. Every family has their own traditions to celebrate but we hope you got inspired with a couple of new ideas for the festivities this season.


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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