Navidad or Christmas in Mexico goes way back as 1538 when a local priest of Spanish origin Fray Pedro De Grante introduced the concept to the people. Initially it was the Spanish colonial settlers who celebrated the feast. The modern day celebrations are a combination of Mexican, Spanish, American and English customs. The month long celebrations begin on December 12th every year and end with New Year celebrations on January 6th.
Poinsettias play an important role in traditional Christmas offerings not just in Mexico but in other parts of the world as well. According to popular legend the tradition originated in Mexico, when two children Maria and Pablo were looking for flowers/gifts to offer Christ on Christmas. They could not buy any, they simply picked up weeds. The other children laughed and poked fun. Nevertheless they just placed the green leaves on the crib. Suddenly the flowers changed into red star like blossoms! Ever since poinsettias are a must when praying to baby Jesus!
In fact the local markets and special street Christmas markets begin to light up in early November. The celebrations begin with the Las Posadas – basically processions of groups carrying candles and statutes of the lord. These processions come out every night from December 12 to December 24th they are symbolic of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place where Mary could give birth to the child.
A Christmas manger scene called nacimiento is set up in every home and public place. As the pilgrims reach the manger a holy prayer is enchanted and the merrymaking begins. After the last posada is over people joins the Midnight mass. Finally they welcome Christmas day with a jubilant medley of bells, whistles and firecrackers. The festivity continues till December 6, The Three Kings Day.
Pastorelas are special plays with focus on the shepherds. These are enacted in different parts of Mexico throughout the holiday period.
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