Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Mexico, celebrated on December 25th, is a vibrant and deeply religious holiday that blends indigenous traditions with Catholic customs. The festivities often begin with *Las Posadas*, a nine-day series of processions and reenactments of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, leading up to Christmas Eve (*Nochebuena*). On Christmas Eve, families gather for a late-night feast featuring traditional dishes like *bacalao* (salted cod), *romeritos* (a shrimp and herb dish), and *ponche* (a warm fruit punch). At midnight, many attend *Misa de Gallo* (Rooster's Mass) to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day itself is more relaxed, with families enjoying leftovers, exchanging gifts, and spending time together. Nativity scenes (*nacimientos*) are central to decorations, often accompanied by festive lights and poinsettias (*flores de Nochebuena*). In some regions, children receive gifts from the Three Kings on January 6th rather than on Christmas Day. Overall, Christmas in Mexico is a time of faith, family, and cultural richness.