When you visit a Mexican restaurant, you’re experiencing a cultural heritage as well as enjoying great food. In Mexico, the celebration of Christmas takes up most of the winter and is a significant part of Mexican culture. There are special dishes made for various occasions and holidays throughout the season that have unique traditions. Christmas is a big deal in the United States, but it pales in comparison to celebrations in Mexico.
Celebrate the holidays with your favorite Mexican restaurant, California Burritos! Here’s a look at some unique Mexican holiday traditions to get you in a festive mood.
Las Posadas
In Mexico, the holiday season begins on December 12th. The tradition of Las Posadas kicks off the Christmas celebrations. Posada means “inn” or “lodging” in Spanish, so the name refers to the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Las Posadas reenacts their search. Children walk from house to house, singing and asking for shelter. At the end of their route, one house lets them in and serves traditional holiday food.
Misa de Gallo
Misa de Gallo is the name for Midnight Mass in Mexico. The name literally means “ Mass of the rooster,” referring to the late hour of the service. After the conclusion of Mass, Christmas celebrations start in earnest as everyone returns home to enjoy a lavish meal with their families. In some places, they even shoot off fireworks to mark the start of Christmas Day.
Día de Reyes
The Christmas season doesn’t end on Christmas Day. Celebrations continue as late as February 2nd! Another celebration takes place on January 6th, Día de Reyes. Día de Reyes is the Day of the Kings, also called Epiphany. This day commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings (or Three Wise Men) to Bethlehem. Most Mexican children receive the bulk of their gifts on Día de Reyes because that is the day the baby Jesus received his from the Three Kings. Some children even write letters to the Kings telling them how good they have been all year and asking for specific gifts, just like American children’s letters to Santa. A special cake, Rosca de Reyes, is also part of the celebration. This cake or sweet bread is baked in a ring shape and decorated with dried fruit and fruit paste to resemble a crown.
