How does mexico celebrate christmas?
The religious aspect of Christmas traditionally is more important to the celebrations, although increasingly, as Mexico’s middle class has grown, more people are putting attention on buying and exchanging gifts. But when I first lived in Mexico in the mid-90s, I was impressed with how families and neighbors gathered in eachother’s homes in the weeks before and after Christmas. The traditional party is called a Posada. It is a series of parties held over several days. It is to remember the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter. Friends/relatives gather outside the door of a home and sing the Posada song (see link below), seeking shelter. They are refused – if I recall correctly, they’re refused nine times. Finally, on the last time, the door is opened and everyone is invited inside for a big party. This posada is done at night, with the procession members holding candles. Children usually are dressed as angels, or members of the Nativity scene, with a Mary and a Joseph portr
