Feliz Navidad from Mexico- Mexico's Rich Culture Adds Flavor to Christmas Celebrations

Miami, Florida -- Enriching and enchanting best describe Christmas festivities in Mexico, where strong cultural fibers of heritage and tradition can be found throughout the holidays. For those looking for a uniquely cultural experience, Christmas is an ideal time to partake in several of Mexico's richest customs.

Las Posadas

One of the most common, yet impressive Mexican holiday traditions is Las Posadas, candlelit processions representing the biblical story of the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter on that divine evening long ago. Traditionally, small children accompany the procession singing songs and asking local residents for shelter. In accordance with the narrative, they are turned away time and time again. Finally, the procession reaches the final house where children are welcomed with open arms and festivities begin.

The children are given aguinaldos, small bags filled with candy and toys. Another Christmas treat is a piñata filled with sweets. Adults enjoy food and drink and celebrate the holiday with an evening of music and dancing.

Three Kings Day

In some regions of Mexico, gifts are not exchanged on Christmas Day. Instead of awaiting Santa Claus on December 25th, children in Mexico anticipate a visit from Los Reyes Magos or the Three Wise Men, on January 6th. Sleepy-eyed boys and girls awake to find small gifts in their shoes, rather than in their stockings.

On the eve of January 6th, families and friends gather to share a traditional "Rosca de Reyes": a ring-shaped cake with a small doll baked inside. The recipient of the doll must host a party on Candlemas Day, February 2. In more traditional communities, some cakes contain a ring and a thimble, the recipient of the former being assured of marriage within the year, while the receiver of the thimble foresees a year of single bliss.

Holiday Decorations

No Mexican holiday decor is complete without the traditional nacimiento or Nativity scene. Often made of clay, the nacimientos are commonly extremely ornate and elaborate and sometimes even require their own room. Many Mexican families pass the nacimientos from generation to generation. More elaborate nacimientos can also be found made of dried corn husks or decorated carved wood.

Sparklers are among the favorite party favors for children and adults. They represent Las Luces de Belen or the lights of Bethlehem. According to legend, the Three Wise Men were guided by a star (Venus) to baby Jesus.

The History of the Poinsettia

Long before becoming a traditional symbol of the Christmas holidays, the Aztec cultivated the red and green plants that they called cuetlaxochitl meaning ìmortal flower that perishes and withers like all that is pureî. Poinsettias were a favorite of King Moctezuma and King Netzahualcoyotl for many reasons. The red represented blood sacrifices and the plant was used to make red dye. The plant, which also had medicinal uses, was believed to stimulate circulation, help heal skin infections and cure high fevers.

In the seventeenth century, Franciscan priests noticed that the scarlet flowers bloomed during Christmas time and began using the flowers to decorate the church and altar during the Fiesta of Santo Pesebre or Holy Manger procession. Since the Poinsettia was a reminder of blood sacrifices to the Aztec, the Christian church adopted the plant to symbolize the death of Christ. Nowadays, these flowers are known in Spanish as "Nochebuena".

Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, saw the plant on a visit to Taxco in 1825. He sent several plants to his home state of South Carolina and later supplied them to a local nursery. Today the poinsettia is one of the most important crops in the U.S.

Fiestas

One of the most unusual celebrations takes place in Oaxaca on December 23rd, known as the Night of the Radishes or Fiesta de los Rabanos. Artisans set up booths around the Zocalo to display their elaborately carved radishes, which take on the most surprising shapes, including complete nativity scenes.

In a land of intense colors and traditions, the Christmas holidays in Mexico are no exception. Visitors to the region during this time of year will be exposed not only to the beauty and spirituality of the Mexican culture but also to customs dating back thousands of years.

For more information on visiting Mexico's many destinations call 1-800-44-MEXICO or go to http://www.visitmexico.com.