To say that Mexico is a country rich with tradition is clichéd nearly as much as some of the traditions themselves. Years ago, upon visiting a Mexican home during the Christmas holidays, we were shown a room that had been completely devoted to the nacimiento, known to us as the nativity. Mind you, this was not a large home and the use of one single room was proof of the sacrifice being made. The Christmas tree stood in a corner and spread over the floor, which was strewn with hay, were clay sheep, cows, a donkey, shepherds, surrounding a stooped Joseph and a sleepy Mary, peering into an empty, roughhewn cradle. Missing was the baby Jesus, which would be placed there on Christmas Eve. To navigate in this room, one had to be very careful and step gingerly. Rare is the home in Mexico that does not display a treasured nacimiento and in some cases, several dioramas might be exhibited around the home. Traditionally, the Wise Men won’t even be added until the end of the celebrations, which occur on January 6, Three Kings Day; Epiphany.
In Puerto Vallarta, Christmas begins on December 1 and is observed until January 6. The Days of Our Lady of Guadalupe are honored for the first twelve days with daily parades that lead to the cathedral. The 12th is a day of special foods, fireworks, massive people in the streets and fiestas. The peregrinations that lead to the church go all through the night from the evening before and there is no end to the festivities. From the 16th until the 24th, the Posadas take place. In Puerto Vallarta, this will include businesses giving parties for their staff and in many cases inviting whole families. Traditionally this is a time for neighbors to get together; honoring the Holy Family is their search for an inn where the Christ child will be born. Piñatas are common at these parties and normally the shape of a seven-pointed star, representing the 7 Deadly Sins, to be bashed and mutilated, only to produce sweets and treats for the children. Christmas Eve, Noche Buena, the final posada, is a huge event, with dinner, mass at the church, more fireworks and gift giving.
On December 28, Mexicans observes their version of April Fool’s Day. It’s a day of silliness and pranks, symbolizing King Herod’s order to kill all the babies in his vengeance of the allegedly Savior child. Day of the Innocent Saints.
After New Year’s Eve, the parties continue until the Three Kings arrive, late and laden with more gifts, often a lot of candy and perhaps another piñata. Rosca de Reyes, a cake with a hidden plastic baby, is eaten on this day and whoever crunches into those little arms and legs will be
responsible for another party on February 2, Candelaria, for hosting the final party of the season. Then it’s time to get ready for Easter.
Que es cómo es.
Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!
Do You Want To Live The Ultimate Villa Experience? Thinking Of Renting a Puerto Vallarta Luxury Vacation Villa or Condo? Let Our Beston Properties Team Find You The Perfect Luxury Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Try Our ‘Perfect Villa Finder’ Tool Here.
For more information about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or a Villa for rent contact Beston Properties offers the finest Luxury Villa Vacation Rental Accommodations in the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area. Our private rental homes and Condos offer a full range of services from a full staff including chef and a concierge to organize any tours, spa services in the home or Car Rental. We have offices located in Puerto Vallarta and have all the local information from Vallarta weather and maps. All of their agents are personally familiar with each of the accommodations, amenities and staff to help you find the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. Our concierge services will be happy to give you information on the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta we can make reservations and give you directions. We have all the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.. WE can arrange activities with any tour company including Vallarta Adventures, one of the most popular companies in Banderas Bay. We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays. For more information check out our luxury accommodations.
