Traditions

In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from

December 12 to January 6. From December
16 to Christmas Eve, the children usually
perform the processions of Posada. They
celebrate the part of the Christmas story
where Joseph and Mary searched for a place
to stay.

Christmas Eve is known as 'Noche Buena' and

it is a family day. People often attend the last
Posada and then evening have the main
Christmas meal. At midnight, many people go
to midnight mass, known as the "Mass of
Rooster" (meaning "Mass of the Rooster", as
people wake up early, like the Gauls!). There
are many fireworks to celebrate Christmas
Day.
The Posadas were a reconstitution of Mary
and Joseph looking for accommodation before
the birth of Christ. ... The most important part
of the night was placing the Baby Jesus in his
manger in the crib.

Curiosities:

In some states of Mexico, children expect

Father Christmas to arrive on December 24. In
southern Mexico, children await gifts on
January 6 at Epiphany, known as 'the Day of
the Kings'. On the day of the Kings the gifts
are left by the three kings (or magicians).
Traditional Games:

A game that is often played at Posada parties

is piñata. A piñata is a decorated clay or a jar
of paper mache filled with sweets and hanging
from the ceiling or tree branch. The piñata is
often decorated like a ball with seven peaks
around it. The peaks or points represent the
'seven deadly sins'. Piñata can also be in the
form of an animal or bird (like a donkey). To
play, the children are folded blindly and take
turns tapping the piñata with a stick until it
opens and the candy comes out. Then the
children run to get as many candy as possible!

Gastronomy:
The host family of the night offers traditional
Las Posadas food - an essential element for
the festivities. Sweet and savory tamales,
shampooed with cinnamon and chocolate and
hot donuts are some of the many delicacies
offered to guests.

It is traditional to eat a special cake called

"Rosca de Reyes" . A figure of the Child Jesus
is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the
baby Jesus on his piece of cake is Jesus'
'godfather' for that year.
Christmas trees are becoming more popular in
Mexico, but the main decoration / most
important still is the birth.