Christmas in Mexico

Christmas in Mexico falls on December 25, with Las Posadas from December 16 to 24 and Día de Reyes on January 6.

Las Posadas begin on December 16 and finish on December 24. The Secretaría de Cultura traces them to colonial Mexico and the Misas de Aguinaldo, and describes posadas, villancicos and pastorelas as cultural contributions of the country and a symbol of identity. The Nacimiento nativity scene, the Rosca de Reyes and piñatas are named as syncretic elements. On January 6, children traditionally write a letter to Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar saying what they would like to receive.

On December 24, surrounded by decorations and beside the Nacimiento and the Christmas tree, hosts offer pilgrims ponche, seasonal fruit, antojitos and other traditional foods. On Día de Reyes the Rosca de Reyes is served with a hot drink such as chocolate or atole.

The Three Kings bring presents that children find on the morning of January 6. Children commonly write them a letter setting out what they would like and how well they behaved during the year.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Mexico is Los Reyes Magos for January 6; Christmas gift traditions vary by family.

The flor de nochebuena, the poinsettia, is one of Mexico's biocultural inheritances. For the Mexica it symbolised purity and new life, and Franciscan missionaries adapted that ritual use by placing it in Nacimientos.

For the rituals, dishes and gift bringers in other countries, browse our Christmas around the world hub, compare customs side by side in the Christmas Traditions Explorer or plan your own December with the Christmas checklist.