If you’ve considered spending the holiday season in Mexico, rich cultural traditions across the country will surely spark the perfect festive mood. Holiday traditions in Mexico include the cherished period known as the Lupe-Reyes marathon. The Navidad season in Mexico represents nearly a month of celebrations highlighting vibrant tradition, food, and community. From city plazas glistening under holiday lights to beach vibes for a coastal holiday twist, Mexico’s holiday spirit is captivating.
The prolonged holiday period in Mexico is a time to lace up your festive spirit for what is popularly known as the “Lupe-Reyes Marathon.” Stretching from Dec. 12th, Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe in honor of Mexico’s patron saint, through January 6th, known as Kings Day, this holiday marathon is brimming with moving tradition. From pilgrimages to piñatas, and posadas to ponche, Mexico’s holiday season is an inviting time for a festive getaway.
Lupe-Reyes Marathon
Mexico. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Cupolas of the old basilica and cityscape of Mexico City
While Mexico’s run through the holidays is considered to be from Dec. 12th thru Jan. 6th, many seasonal traditions get started just as December rolls in. Across Mexico, communities gather for nightly pilgrimages lasting through the night of Dec. 11th, the eve of Dia de Guadalupe. In Mexico City, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe becomes the heart of the celebration on December 12th, as millions of pilgrims gather to honor the country’s patron saint.
Holiday Traditions: Las Posadas
On the heels of el Día de Guadalupe, the period from Dec. 16th through Christmas Eve is filled with festive celebrations known as posadas. Traditionally, on these days leading up to Christmas, nightly processions in neighborhoods recreate the holy family’s search for shelter at an inn or lodging (the actual meaning of posada). Once the holy family is given posada at a home – with the doors opening up to welcome them – this is followed with traditional festivities, piñatas, food, and drink. Salud! Today, posadas are also synonymous in much of Mexico with holiday parties among friends, or coworkers. Cities such as Guadalajara, with its vast number of churches, frequently announce public posadas for neighboring communities.
Nochebuena
Christmas Eve “Nochebuena” is the main event for a Feliz Navidad in Mexico. Late night feasts and midnight mass are timely traditions, along with families gathered into the early hours. Christmas Day tends to be a day to relax and an ideal moment to stroll along historic cobblestone streets or along coastal shores to enjoy the Christmas calm.
Dia de Reyes
Shortly after ringing in the New Year, Mexico’s holiday marathon nears the finish line with Kings Day celebrations on Jan. 6th. This is known across the world as Epiphany, when the three kings visited the holy family. In Guadalajara, the traditional “Cabalgata de Reyes” (Kings Ride) rides into the city on Jan. 5th, while in plazas and playas across the country children gather for gifts and games.
Wherever you may be in Mexico on Jan. 6th, you’ll surely take part in sharing a “Rosca de Reyes.” The traditional sweet Kings Day Cake has a hidden figure inside, which if you get that in your piece you’ll be responsible for continuing the celebration on Feb. 2nd by bringing the tamales.
Put on your best holiday running outfit and get ready for the Lupe-Reyes Marathon in Mexico! Casago vacation rentals can provide the perfect holiday getaway at any of its premier Mexico destinations. Buen viaje y feliz navidad!
