Holiday Calendar
One of the many reasons to live in Mexico are the number of holidays and celebrations. Yes, they can cause some frustration when you are trying to pay your electricity bill and find the offices closed or drive through town only to find the way blocked by a huge parade. But if you like a place where fiestas are the rule and not the exception, you’re way ahead of the game.
Dec. 12: The Virgin of Guadalupe Day celebrates Mexico’s patron saint, with parades in which statues are carried around the church and town plaza, followed by celebrations with food.
Dec. 16-Jan. 6: Las Posadas, re-enactments of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem, feature candlelight processions visiting several homes. Participants sing a traditional song, are turned away at several stops, and then finally are welcomed inside, where they will find a nativity scenario and plenty of food.
Dec. 24: Noche Buena or Christmas Eve usually features a family gathering, and it is more popularly celebrated than Christmas Day. In southern Mexico, special tamales are eaten for the midnight feast. Dos Equis makes a special beer called Noche Buena, which is available only for Christmas.
Dec. 25: Dia de Navidad or Christmas Day is a time when just about everyone attends a religious service.
Dec. 31-Jan. 1: Año Nuevo or New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day starts with an evening feast that includes lots of toasts, and there are generally fireworks. At midnight, the church bells ring and everyone eats a grape. The food and libations continue throughout New Year’s Day.
Jan. 6: Dia de los Santos Reyes or Day of the Kings is symbolic of the arrival of the three wise men. This is the day when gifts are exchanged. Celebrants enjoy a special bread called Rusco de los Reyes, which contains a figurine of the baby Jesus.
Jan. 17: Fiesta de San Antonio de Abad is a day when pets and farm animals are blessed inside churches and in processions through the plaza.
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