Mexico

Image Source: Flags of the World. CIA: The World Factbook. Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html

= __MEXICO __ =

//Christmas Traditions //
The Christmas season is kicked off in Mexico on December 12 when Mexicans celebrate the Patron Saint of Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe. Las Posados begin on December 16 and last for nine days, culminating on Christmas Eve. People either attend church or other Christmas celebrations at midnight, and celebrate Christmas day at home with friends and family. More traditional homes leave Christmas Day to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, and wait to exchange gifts until the eve of January 5, celebrating the arrive of the Three Wise Men.

If you would to know more about Mexican traditions during the holidays take a look at [|Christmas in Mexico].

Las Posados
The Posados is a reenactment of the search for lodging of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary. During the nine days each family will schedule a night when the Posados is held in their home. Every home will have a nativity scene and a procession will be made of //peregrines// looking for lodging. They will knock on three doors, but only the third will allow them in. From there they will pray the rosary and sing traditional Christmas songs.

Image Source:Las Posadas: The Most Well-Known Holiday Celebrations in Mexico. (2007). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.the-c-factory.net/clients/mexico/diciembre/press/pressspr.html

Food
During Las Posados children will eat candy and adults will have spiced alcoholic drinks. On January 6, El Día de los Reyes, or Day of the Kings, is celebrated with hot chocolate and a Rosca de Reyes, a sweet egg bread wreath. The lucky person will find the small ceramic doll representing the Baby Jesus inside.

Image Source: Rosca de reyes. (2007). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.worldonaplate.org/world_on_a_plate/2007/01/rosca_de_reyes.html

References Christmas in Mexico. (1999). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://nacnet.org/assunta/nacimnto.htm

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