A traditional Mexican Christmas

Posted: 9 December 2009

When you think of Christmas, do you automatically think of turkey and tinsel? If you want to do things a little differently this year, why not celebrate with a traditional Mexican Christmas...

Did you know that each family in an area traditionally takes it in turn to host a Posada at home, starting nine days before Holy Night on 24 December?

The Posadas re-enact Mary and Joseph looking for lodgings; the hosts are the innkeepers and the guests are Los Peregrinos who carry small candles and sing a simple chant before prayers are said and the party starts.

After prayers at the party there is a party for the children — and no Mexican party would be complete without a Piñata filled with nuts, oranges and sweets.

The traditional Christmas drink is Ponche con Piquete (literally ‘punch with a sting’) made from seasonal fruit and cinnamon sticks and with a good shot of alcohol.

Children receive presents on 6 January (‘The Day of the Kings’), placing their shoes — rather than stockings — by the window. Many are given a new pair of shoes for a present.

The Day of the Kings is celebrated with hot chocolate and a Rosca de Reyes — a big wreath made from egg bread and decorated with dried fruit and sugar. Inside is a ceramic doll representing the Baby Jesus and whoever gets the piece of bread with the doll must be the ‘Godparent’ of the Baby Jesus in the February celebration, the Day of Purification, when the nativity scene is put away.

On the Day of Purification, Mexicans enjoy a dinner with Tamales (corn bread filled with meats in sauce or raisins wrapped in corn husks).

Celebrate Christmas a little differently this year — check out our recipe section for some mouthwatering ideas and host your own Posada.