In the United States, the Christmas season marks a time of gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, and celebrating large feasts with family and loved ones. But what about in Mexico? Do they celebrate Christmas and, if so, what are their traditions like? It’s true that Christians in Mexico celebrate the birth of Jesus, and some of their traditions are similar to ours here in the United States. For example, they hold feasts and some even decorate Christmas trees. However, there are also some significant ways in which Mexico celebrates Christmas uniquely.

Posadas

Perhaps the main difference between Christmas in Mexico and Christmas in the United States is that the celebration season lasts longer in Mexico. Specifically, the Christmas season in Mexico officially lasts from December 12th all the way through January 6th. From December 16th through Christmas Eve, “Posada” processions are performed nightly. Each posada takes place at a different family member’s house, but all include celebrations in the form of food, games, and other fun activities.

Nativity Scenes

Another huge Christmas tradition in Mexico is that of setting up nativity scenes around the neighborhoods. While it’s true that this is also somewhat of a tradition in the United States, it’s a much more common sight in Mexico. These scenes are set up around homes, businesses, and churches and are traditionally left up all the way until the beginning of February, rather than being taken down just after Christmas day.

Fireworks

Another way in which Mexico celebrates the Christmas season that’s unique compared to the United States is that they like to set off fireworks in celebration, usually as part of the nightly posadas. For smaller celebrations, sparklers may be lit to celebrate Christmas, whereas in more rural areas, it’s not uncommon to see large numbers of fireworks let off. This is especially true on Christmas day, where you can often enjoy fireworks as far as the eye can see. This is something you generally won’t see on Christmas day in the United States, save for some areas in the south.

Three Kings’ Day

In Mexico, an additional Christmas-related holiday known as Three Kings Day is also celebrated; the purpose of this day is to celebrate the Three Wise Men; in some parts of Mexico, this holiday is celebrated by having children leave a shoe at the entryway of their homes, signaling where the Three Kings are designated to enter.

Another tradition associated with Three Kings’ Day is that of enjoying a special cake known as Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings’ Cake). Customarily, a figure of Baby Jesus is hidden in this cake, and the person who finds it in their slice of cake is said to be the Godparent of Jesus for the entire year going forward.

These are just a few of the unique Christmas traditions in Mexico. It’s interesting to learn how different countries celebrate this special day. With Christmas quickly approaching, now is a great time to reflect on some of your favorite holiday traditions.

The Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de Muertos in Mexico, is an official holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on October 31 through November 2 of every year—the same day that most Americans celebrate the holiday known as Halloween. So, just what is the Day of the Dead, what are its origins, and how is it celebrated? We’ve got all the details in this blog!

The Origins of the Holiday

It is believed that the origins of the Day of the Dead date back to the 16th century. Interestingly enough, the rituals used to celebrate the Day of the Dead originally took place during the summer months (the celebration actually lasted the entire month of August). It wasn’t until the late 20th century that the celebration was moved to the end of October and beginning of November.

Specifically, the Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. November 1st is a day dedicated to remembering those who passed during childhood, whereas November 2nd is used to remember deceased adults. Today, the holiday is celebrated not only across Mexico (especially in central Mexico), but in some areas of the United States and beyond.

Traditions Associated With Dia de Muertos

There are many interesting traditions associated with this unique holiday. For example, as part of the Day of the Dead celebrations, families “invite” their deceased loved ones to a memorial dinner in their honor. This is usually done by placing photos of the loved ones on altars and elsewhere around the home, while also offering up food, drinks, colorful skulls, and even poems that have been written for them.

Some families will even meet a local cemeteries where loved ones are buried to hold a meal or other memorial ceremonies for their passed loved ones. The creation of colorful sugar skulls is also a huge part of Day of the Dead traditions. This was first introduced as part of the holiday back in the 17th century, and today, large sugar skulls are often placed on gravestones of loved ones as offerings on this holiday.

Great Dishes for Celebrating

For those planning on participating in the traditions of the Day of the Dead this year, an important part of the planning process is making sure to have meals figured out ahead of time. Generally, the best thing to do is to serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Many people celebrating the Day of the Dead like to prepare their deceased loved ones’ favorite dishes, whether they be appetizers, snacks, full-course meals, or desserts.

Some common dishes prepared for the Day of the Dead include pan de muerto, sugar skulls, tamales, and candied pumpkin.

As you can see, the Day of the Dead has a very rich history, dating back more than 500 years. For people in Mexico and beyond, this holiday is a great opportunity to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed on while also getting together with family to better appreciate life.

With the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, quickly approaching, you may find yourself looking to incorporate your own Day of the Dead celebration into your Halloween party or gathering. Or, maybe you’re even thinking about throwing your own Dia de Los Muertos celebration. Either way, the good news is that there are all kinds of simple yet impressive Day of the Dead decorations you can create on your own or with help from some friends.

Sugar Skull Masks

If you’ll have children attending your Day of the Dead gathering, consider printing out some pre-made sugar skull masks. You can simply cut them out and glue them to popsicle sticks. Then, arrange a decorating table for your guests to customize their own masks at your celebration. Set out colored pencils, markers, glitter, and the like. Children and adults alike will enjoy making their own masks, and they provide a great prop for photos as well.

Decorative Lanterns

In celebrating the Day of the Dead, many people like to set out paper lanterns with candles inside as an offering with the feast. However, these lanterns can be dangerous, especially when lit indoors with children present. Consider a safer and more fun alternative by taking some plastic or paper cups and decorating them with sugar skull drawings, using colorful permanent markers. Then, instead of candles, place flameless candles inside for the same effect without the hazard.

DIY Marigolds

Marigolds are a huge part of Day of the Dead decorations, but for those on a budget, it might not be feasible to run out and buy bouquets of real marigolds. No worries; you can easily make your own paper marigolds by simply cutting rectangles out of colored tissue paper, stacking them, folding them, and holding them together using a small piece of wire. You can find a full tutorial on making paper marigolds here.

Painted Sugar Skull Rocks

Another fun, easy, and inexpensive project for decorating for your Day of the Dead gathering is to find some various sized rocks and paint them with sugar skull decorations. These can then be placed around the home or even on an offering table as a decoration. We recommend using an acrylic paint for the best results. This is also a great project if you have children who want to participate.

Custom Skull Mugs

The next time you’re at your local dollar store, pick up a few coffee mug kits that you can decorate and bake in the oven for a lasting design. You can draw sugar skulls or other holiday-appropriate images on each mug and then use them to serve beverages out of during your celebration. You could even write each guest’s name on a mug and allow them to take them home as a favor.

As you can see, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on decorations for your Day of the Dead celebration for things to look great; all it takes is a little bit of creativity to come up with some simple yet fun decor items.