Christmas in Mexico Facts for Kids
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Christmas in Mexico is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is celebrated with lots of traditions, decorations, and festive activities that bring communities together.
Here are some interesting facts about Christmas in Mexico that kids should know:
1. Las Posadas: In Mexico, the Christmas celebration starts on December 12th and lasts until January 6th. However, The period from December 16th to 24th, is called Las Posadas, which means ‘the inns.’ It honors Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
2. Piñatas: During Las Posadas, children often play with piñatas. These are colorful clay or paper mache figures filled with candies, toys, and fruits. Children take turns hitting the piñata with a stick or bat until it breaks open, releasing the treats inside.
3. Nativity Scenes: Nativity scenes, or ‘nacimientos’, are popular Christmas decorations in Mexico. These scenes show the birth of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men. They often include animals, angels, and other characters.
4. Food: Christmas is a time for feasting in Mexico. Traditional dishes include tamales, pozole, and bacalao (dried salted cod). Sweet treats like buñuelos (deep-fried pastries) and churros (fried dough) are also popular.
5. Midnight Mass: On Christmas Eve, many Mexicans attend midnight Mass or ‘Misa de Gallo’. It is a time for prayer and reflection, and it marks the start of Christmas Day.
6. Three Kings Day: In Mexico, January 6th is known as ‘Three Kings Day’, or ‘Dia de los Reyes’. It celebrates the journey of the three wise men to visit Jesus. Children leave their shoes out on the night of January 5th and wake up to find them filled with toys and sweets.