Christmas in Mexico

Christmas in Mexico falls on December 25 (festivities run from December 16 to January 6). For many families the celebration stretches across several days, with quieter moments at home alongside the busier public events.

Las Posadas are nine nights of neighbourhood processions that re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Many homes set up a nativity scene called a nacimiento. On Christmas Eve, called Nochebuena, families gather for a late dinner and often attend Misa de Gallo, a midnight Mass. Children sometimes break a piñata during the posada celebrations.

Common Christmas dishes include tamales, bacalao a la vizcaína, roast turkey or pork, ensalada de Nochebuena and romeritos. Warm ponche navideño punch with seasonal fruits and cinnamon is served, along with buñuelos for dessert.

Some families exchange small gifts on Christmas Eve, but the main gift giving traditionally happens on January 6, when children receive presents from the Three Kings.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Mexico is El Niño Dios on Christmas, with Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings) on January 6. Names, costumes and gift giving dates can vary from family to family and from region to region.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico, where it is called Flor de Nochebuena, the flower of the Holy Night.