If you like margaritas, football, and white sand beaches, you’ll likely enjoy spending Christmas in Mexico.
Make your Christmas more memorable by celebrating it with someone special.
It’s a country situated in the southern part of North America and is known for its vibrant culture and riveting landscapes. If you love to hit the beach, Mexico doesn’t disappoint because its beaches are great spots for you to go scuba diving and snorkeling.
Remarkably, it ranks second in countries with the most number of Catholics, with at least 85% of its population being devout Christians.
Because of this, they have many religious celebrations and unique traditions widely practiced in all parts of the country.
Christmas in Mexico starts on the 12th of December and lasts until the 6th of January. It is a season full of family gatherings, parties, processions, dancing and singing, piñatas, and lastly, fireworks.
The brief history of Christmas in Mexico goes way back to the 16th century. During that time, Catholicism arrived in the country under Spanish colonial rule. Priests influenced Mexicans on different Christian holidays, including Christmas.
You must be looking forward to spending the happiest season of the year with your girlfriend and even her family. Indeed, celebrating Christmas as a couple is one of the greatest gifts you could ever ask for.
Not only is it a milestone for your relationship, but it is also an opportunity to be closer to the people who will soon become your family.
Put an end to your holiday blues by flying off a thousand miles to experience the Yuletide season in Mexico.
Religion plays a big role in how people in Mexico celebrate Christmas. With the Catholics making up most of the population, there’s no doubt that their traditions come from their beliefs.
There are a ton of things you can do to make your December feel as if it's the month of love!
Here are some of the Mexican Christmas traditions you should not miss out on:
It’s a religious feast held every 12th day of December. Pilgrims from different parts of the country visit the Basilica of Guadalupe (a church situated in the heart of Mexico City) to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary.
The feast concludes with a fireworks display, followed by a street parade and live musical performances for everyone to enjoy.
Buñuelos, a popular seasonal food, is made by families in their homes or sold by vendors in the streets on this day, so make sure you grab a bite of them.
During the procession, children carry candles and a board painted with figures of Mary and Joseph while singing a song about the couple’s search for shelter on the night Jesus was born.
They usually sing from one house to another, as Mary and Joseph did not find shelter on that night right away. When they are told that there’s room for them, they say prayers of thanks and share a feast altogether.
Aside from the singing of children, some processions showcase a reenactment of the same night.
Christmas Eve celebrates familial love.
On the morning of the 24th of December, people are busy with last-minute preparations for the holiday celebration, especially for the Nochebuena, a grand feast shared by families for dinner in their homes.
Traditionally, Mexican families attend the midnight mass (Misa de Gallo)* together and share the Nochebuena right before the clock strikes midnight.
It’s fascinating to know that Christmas Eve is the time when family members come home to get together and catch up with each other’s lives. In Mexico, other than reunions and family gatherings, this night also highlights the spirit of the holiday: giving.
The season of giving can also be the season of love.
The day of the Three Kings is when children receive gifts as a symbol of what the Three Wise Men brought for the baby Jesus. Oftentimes, children are the happiest on this day as they’re likely to receive what they have on their wish lists while being able to spend time with their parents, cousins, and other relatives.
Another interesting Mexican tradition is the sharing of Rosca de Reyes or the Three Kings’ Cake, a baked sweet bread formed into the shape of a wreath.
Hidden inside are figurines of baby Jesus, and whoever gets a piece with one is likely to host the Dia de la Candelaria party on the 2nd of February.
This day marks the end of the Christmas celebration in Mexico. People take their figurines of Christ to the church to receive a blessing. Afterward, family and friends head to the house of the person who got the piece with Jesus’ figurine on it and share a Mexican-style feast that includes tamales.
The Yuletide season in Mexico may be all about faith, family, and culture, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get to have a romantic one.
The day of hearts is not the only time to show your love and appreciation to Mexican women. Even though you’re surrounded by friends and family this Christmas season, you and your partner can still have a romantic holiday celebration.
Below are some activities you can do during the holidays as a couple:
Cut and decorate your Christmas tree.
Put stockings with each other’s names on them together.
Give each other a meaningful holiday item.
Make a Christmas bucket list.
Create your own margaritas mix.
Experiment with tequila and customize drinks.
Be in a cozy room and cuddle each other.
Go shop for gifts, enjoy bazaars, and visit night markets.
Organize a romantic holiday getaway for the two of you.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate together.
Do your own countdown by giving each other gifts or visiting spas during the 12 days of Christmas.
Light the Advent wreath together.
Kiss under the mistletoe.
This December, let her feel the warmth of your love amidst the happiest time of the year. No matter where you’re from, a Christmas with her and her family is one you shouldn’t miss.
