3 year old presentation mexican tradition

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Las Presentaciones: A Vibrant Hispanic Tradition

This principally Mexican tradition of the presenting of a child to God, and to the Church, stems from a strong desire by parents to ask for divine protection for their newborn, and thanksgiving for a safe childbirth, as infant mortality rates are extremely high in developing nations.

During most Spanish Masses that I celebrate on Sundays, there are always a great number of “ presentaciones ” of children, who can be either forty days old or three years old.  Towards the end of Mass after the final prayer, I call the names of the children who are to be presented that day.  Those who are forty-days old are carried into the sanctuary in the arms of their parents or their “ padrinos ” (“godparents”); while the children who are three years old, walk up to me accompanied by their parents and godparents.  Then, I invite the parents and godparents of each child to draw near to the altar, standing before the congregation.

La presentación” consists of three parts: the marking of a child with the sign of the cross, the anointing with the oil of catechumens, and the consecration of the newborn or toddler to Mary. 1   The rite begins by my saying a prayer over the child held in the arms of one of the godparents, or if three years old, next to the godparents and parents:

La vida es el mayor don que hemos recibido de Dios y la vida de los hijos es el signo mayor de la bendición divina para nuestra familia.  Hemos recibido estos dones y por eso presentamos a N________ al Señor.  Queremos que lo bendiga y acepte para que sea un buen cristiano en la vida. 2

Then, I turn to the parents and “ padrinos ” and pray as found in the baptismal rite:

N_____, la comunidad cristiana te recibe con mucha alegría.  En el nombre de Dios yo te marco con la señal de la cruz y, en seguida sus padres y padrinos les marcarán con la misma señal de Cristo, el Salvador.” 3

I then trace a cross on the forehead of the child, and direct the parents and godparents to do the same as directed in the baptism rite.

Next, I anoint the child on the chest with the oil of catechumens as described in the rite for the sacrament of baptism and pray:

Por la unción de este niño, le damos la bienvenida como miembro de la familia de Cristo e iniciamos nuestra jornada unidos a ellos hacia el bautismo.  N____, te ungimos con el aceite de salvación en el nombre de Cristo, nuestro Salvador; que El te fortalezca con su fuerza que vive y reina por los siglos de los siglos. Amen. 4

I conclude by consecrating the young child to Mary.  I hold the child up and pray:

Santísima Virgen María, Madre de Dios y Madre nuestra, te presentamos a este niño que Dios ha dado y confiado a tu cuidado y protección.  Te lo consagramos con todo nuestro corazón y te lo entregamos confiadamente a tu ternura y vigilancia materna.  Para sus padres ayúdales a cumplir fielmente sus obligaciones hacia ellos y el compromiso que han contraído delante de Dios.  Intercede por ellos ante tu Hijo, que vive y reina con el Padre y el Espíritu Santo por los siglos de los siglos.  Amen. 5

This long-established tradition of a presentation is principally Mexican in origin. However, with the intermingling of many Latin American cultures in the United States, more and more Hispanics are celebrating this extraordinary custom.  The presenting of a child to God, and to the Church, stems from a strong desire by parents to ask for divine protection for their newborn, and thanksgiving for a safe childbirth.  As documented in many studies, infant mortality rates are extremely high in many developing nations. Therefore, this custom began because parents wished to give thanks to God, and the Virgin Mary, for the survival, and ongoing good health, of their child.

In addition, this tradition has become an important pastoral opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of life, not only for a family, but also within a larger community, for example a church congregation.  With each “ presentación, ” a family formally announces the birth of a child to the faithful, their brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom they pray at Mass, and socialize with at church events.  This moment is also very significant since it marks the beginning of pre-baptismal formation for the parents.  The ritual first emphasizes the presentation of a newborn infant or child, but it also incorporates the marking of the cross, and the anointing of an infant or child, with the oil of catechumens, which occur during the baptism of a child.  The ultimate goal of all presentations is the baptism of the child.  Unfortunately, many families now wait to baptize their children. So, often children, who are even three years old, also need to be christened.  The rite of “ la presentación ” follows closely a pattern outlined in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), where the rites for adults occur in a progressive manner over time, and not in just one specific moment.  If the marking and anointing is done at “ la presentación ” of a child, then there is no need to repeat it again during the actual baptism of the child.  In effect, in the adult catechumenate, many rites are likewise performed separately on different Sundays before the actual Easter Vigil, when one receives the sacraments of initiation.

The source of this tradition of “ la presentación” is, without a doubt, the presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, forty days after Christmas, or on February 2 as noted on the Church calendar.  In Mexico, this special day is an annual holiday as the entire family attends Mass and carries .  These statues are of many different sizes, with the child Jesus lying down as in the manager, or sitting up in a chair.  In almost all cases, “ el ni ño Jes ús” is nicely dressed in elegant clothes, often sewn by the mother of the family.  The bringing of “ el ni ño Jes ús ” to church for a blessing has become a widespread tradition now in the Mexican, and Mexican American, communities in the United States.  However, in the United States this celebration has moved to the closest Sunday to the Feast of the Presentation since it is not celebrated as a national holiday in the United States, and many family members work long hours during the week.  On that Sunday, I often have hundreds of statues of “ el ni ño Jes ús ” in the sanctuary to show the deep love that Mexicans have for “ el ni ño Jes ús ” and the Virgin Mary.

On the Feast of the Presentation, we Catholics commemorate Jesus being carried to the Temple in the arms of Joseph and Mary.  In doing so, the parents of Jesus were merely following the Mosaic Law of that time by giving over their first-born male child to the Lord, as a testimony and remembrance of his Divinity.  As observant Jews, Mary and Joseph knew of this law from the Book of Exodus, when Moses informed his followers that, when the Lord brings you safely into the land of the Canaanites, everyone “must offer every first-born male to the Lord.”(Exodus 13:11).  Moses explains that, as a result of obtaining this freedom, everyone had to “buy back every first born male child” (Exodus 13:13; Numbers 18:15) by going to the Temple, and paying with a lamb, or if one is poor, “with two turtledoves or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24).  From that moment, the eldest son was fully consecrated to the service of God.

For the Blessed Virgin Mary, the offering of her Son in the temple was not merely a ritual gesture.  The significance of the presentation of her Son was that Mary was offering Jesus up for the redemption and salvation of the world.  In fact, by her very act, Mary was renouncing her maternal rights to Jesus, as she offered her Son fully to the will of the Father.  Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, in the eleventh century, expresses this very clearly in one of his prayers: “Offer your Son, Holy Virgin, and present him to God the Father as the fruit of your womb.  Offer him for our salvation, the sacred victim who is pleasing to God.”

By placing Jesus in the arms of Simeon and Anna, Mary also offers her Son to the world.  In this respect, she is acting as the Mother of the whole human race.  Pope Benedict XVI, in a homily for the liturgical feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and for the Day of Consecrated Life on February 2, 2006, explains the singular role of Mary in the temple:  “Carrying her Son to Jerusalem, the Virgin Mother offers him to God as the true Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world; she hands him to Simeon and Anna as an annunciation of redemption; she presents him to all as light for a secure journey on the path of truth and love.”

There is a strong connection between the presentation of Jesus to God, and the saving act of Jesus’ death on the cross. On this joyful occasion of the presentation of Jesus in the temple, we also hear of the impending sadness in the words of Simeon to Mary:

This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel.  He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts.  And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart” (Lk2:34-35).

The sword, mentioned by Simeon, represents Mary’s participation in Christ’s suffering, particularly in his passion and death.  In effect, the Mother of Jesus Christ suffers because of the rejection of Christ by men.  This suffering, prophesized by Simeon to Mary, is not limited to solely one particular moment, but assumes dimensions much greater that extend to her entire life.  Every rejection endured by Christ, throughout his life, will pierce his mother’s heart.  This suffering clearly finds its culmination onCalvary, when Christ is crucified and dies.  John Paul II has emphasized the character of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple as a “second annunciation.”  According to the Pope, the first annunciation focuses on the Incarnation and the role of Mary as Virgin Mother; however, the second one centers on Mary’s co-operation in redemption as she witnesses her Son’s passion and death.

The second custom of the presentation in Jewish law was the purification of the mother after giving birth to a son.  This law is spelled out in the first chapter of Leviticus that “if a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days … on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised … She shall bring to the door of the tent of the priest a lamb a year old for a burnt offering … and if she cannot afford a lamb, then two turtledoves or two pigeons … and the priest will perform this ritual to take away her impurity and she will be ritually clean”(Lev 1:8).  Thus, this feast day is also known as the “Purification of the Virgin Mary.”  However, in truth, Mary did not have to go through this ritual purification since she remained a virgin, even though she had given birth to a child.

Over time, the Mexican tradition of “ la presentación” has changed noticeably.  In the past, Mexican families would follow the custom known as “ sacamisa ,” (“take one to church”), which was a tradition to bring the already baptized child to church in order to hear Mass for the first time.  The parents did this precisely forty days after the birth of the child.  At the end of the Mass, then, the priest would give a special blessing to the child and the mother.  Why has this tradition changed so drastically?  Times have changed.  Catholics no longer baptize their children within the first week of birth.  Perhaps, also due to the lack of catechesis, parents do not feel obliged to baptize their children so quickly.  They often wait to baptize their children when they have enough money for a large gathering or celebration.  As a result, parents first plan to present their child during his first year, and delay the baptism for later.  Surprisingly, “ los padrinos ,” form an important part of “ la presentación” of a child.  They often are the ones who carry the child up to the altar, if he is forty days old, or if three years old, they hold the child’s hand and walk with them to the sanctuary.  In most cases, “ los padrinos” are chosen based on their ability to help pay for the child’s clothes and party, and not especially for their deep faith in God.  Interestingly, parents often ask me if the “ padrinos ” for “ la presentación” have to be married in the church if they are a couple, as required for godparents for the sacrament of baptism.  The Church does not provide any definite rules about “ padrinos” for a presentation, but I try to encourage the parents to choose carefully so as to have the same “ padrinos ” for “ la presentación ” as for baptism.

Even though “ la presentación ” is a wonderful and significant tradition in the Hispanic community, I often reiterate that the truest form of “ la presentación ” of a child is at the sacrament of baptism.  A presentation is no substitute for this sacrament.  In “ la presentación ,” a child is merely presented to God and the Church, and the parents are blessed.  It is not a sacrament instituted by Christ for grace, and entrusted to the Church. In addition, the efficacious sacrament of baptism is the basis for our whole Christian life.  By this sacrament a child is freed from original sin, becomes a member of the Church, and also a child of God.  So, true catechesis is required for the parents, and even the faithful, to learn about the role of “ la presentación ” which leads to baptism.

According to the Old Testament, only the first born son was presented to God for consecration.  However, tradition provides a basis for “ la presentación ” of young girls.  On November 21, the Church celebrates a feast known as the “Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary” in the temple.  This event is based on an ancient tradition of Judaism, which is not found in Sacred Scripture.  This presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is detailed in a work titled the “ Protoevangelium of James,” from the second century.  However, the true commemoration of this feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary did not truly begin until the solemn dedication of a church to the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem in 543 A.D.

According to the proto-Gospel and tradition, the Virgin Mary was carried to the temple at the age of three by her older parents, Saint Ann and Saint Joaquin.  The Blessed Mother was presented to God by her parents, who were also further instructed in the faith on that day.  Even though the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated to God on that eventful day, in reality this sanctification had begun much earlier during her infancy when the Holy Spirit bestowed graces on her from the time of her Immaculate Conception.  In the apocryphal gospel, we also learn that lighted torches were carried by the parents of the many girls, who were also to be presented that day.  At the temple, we are told that Mary broke away from the crowd of children, and climbed fifteen steps, in spite of her young years, drawing near to the most sacred place of Judaism, the Holy of Holies.  According to tradition, there she received a special gift of food from the angels above, who were singing psalms to her.  At that moment, Mary was being prepared, in both body and soul, for her unique role to become the Mother of God, and the Church.  Her presentation, of course, points to the similar event of the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple.  Due to the deep love and honor that Mexicans have for the Blessed Virgin Mary in the person of “ La Guadalupe ,” they also began to practice the custom of presenting little girls in the church in order to consecrate them, along with the boys, to the maternal care of Mary.

In the third phase of “ la presentación,” the child is consecrated to the care of “ la Virgen Mar ía.”  Honor is rendered to Mary in a unique way in Catholicism.  She is celebrated for being present in the salvific events in the life of Christ, for example, in the Presentation of Jesus Christ, which points directly to the death and resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ, and the salvation of all peoples.  All devotion to her is based on a Christological orientation because all of the various forms of piety towards the Mother of God ensure that, while the mother is honored, the Son is always glorified. On December 9, 2010, at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, John Paul II proclaimed the Virgin of Guadalupe as “ la Emperatriz de las Am éricas. ” (“Empress of the Americas”).  Extending from Canada to Patagonia, the Pope entrusted all Americans to the unconditional love and the care of the Blessed Mother.  In “ la presentación, ” the consecration of a child to the Blessed Mother highlights, in a public way, how all of us are children of Mary.

For priests, extra attention needs to be given to the explaining of the wonderful tradition of “ la presentación ” for each family and the faithful.  Many of our faithful are not catechized, and, therefore, they merely believe that the presentation of a child is an excuse to celebrate the birthday of a child with a huge party.  Many families even believe that the certificate given for “ la presentación ” of a child is an important document that they often frame and hang on the living room wall of the house, surrounded by pictures.  However, nowhere in sight is the baptismal certificate.

Therefore, the priest, during the “ presentaciones,” should emphasize the intrinsic value of “ la presentación” since it is a way to catechize the child, the family, and even the faithful.  I often utilize a beautiful stained glass window of the Presentation of Our Lord in the church to help teach about the history and value of a presentation.  This is a teachable moment for all.  Not surprisingly, if the celebrant shows genuine trust and warmth in presenting the child to the congregation, his credibility will be enhanced.  The same is also true if the priest looks for ways to involve all of those present in “ la presentación, ” both family and the faithful.  However, it should never be overlooked that the true objective of this vibrant tradition should always be the baptism of the child.

In fact, the priest should underscore that, from the moment of “ la presentación, ” the child and the family should walk along with Jesus to that special moment of the “ entrega ” (“giving over”) in the sacrament of baptism, when the parents entrust the child to the godparents for the pouring on of water, and the praying of the Trinitarian form by the priest, and, afterwards, the lighting of the candle.  Only then, can we understand how “ la presentación ” is a very special and sacred way for a family to begin to walk with God towards that great sacrament of baptism.

• Mark Francis and Arturo J. Pérez-Rodríguez, Primero Dios:  Hispanic Liturgical Resource (Eldrige, Iowa:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1997), 25. ↩
• Translated by author, “Life is God’s greatest gift to us.  The life of a newborn child is the family’s greatest sign of blessing.  Since we have received the gift of a new life, we come to present N_______ to the Lord our God.  We ask that God bless and welcome him so that he may become a good Christian in this life. ↩
• Translated by author, N____, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy.  In its name I claim you for Christ by the sign of the cross.  I now trace the cross on your forehead and invite your parents and godparents to do the same.” ↩
• Translated by author, “By anointing this child, we welcome him as a member of the family of Christ and we begin our journey with them toward baptism.  N____, we anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ, our savior, may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.” ↩
• Translated by author, “Most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we present to you this child that God has given us and place him in your care and protection.  We consecrate him with our whole heart and we give him over to your tenderness and maternal love.  Help his parents faithfully comply with the obligations they have committed themselves to this day in the presence of God.  Intercede for them before your Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.  Amen.” ↩

Reverend Gus Puleo, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, holds a Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He is presently the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and teaches Pastoral Spanish at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Dear Fr. Gus, I believe there is a typo on the fourth to the last paragraph. Was it not in 1999, the year that Blessed John Paul the Great, when he proclaimed. “La Virgen de Guadalupe”, the “The Emperatriz de las Americas”? I enjoyed this article, very much! I witnessed this “presentacion” of a 3 y.o. girl at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Orange, TX, some few years back. Yours in Christ, Sylvia JD, parishioner of St Paul Catholic Church, San Antonio, TX

[…] Las Presentaciones: A Vibrant Hispanic Tradition – Fr. Gus Puelo, Homiletic & Pstrl Rvw […]

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7 Unique Birthday Traditions Celebrated in Mexico

Wondering how Mexico celebrates birthdays? Look no further!

Mexico has a number of unique traditions that make birthday celebrations special. From morning serenades to colorful piñatas, Mexicans celebrate birthdays in a fun and festive way.

As a travel blogger that lives in Mexico , it’s been a lot of fun to experience birthday celebrations in Mexico!

In this post, I’m sharing some of the most common Mexico birthday traditions to help you understand how Mexicans typically celebrate this special day.

Read on to discover how birthdays are celebrated in Mexico!

How Are Birthdays Celebrated in Mexico?

Birthdays in Mexico typically begin with the traditional Las Mañanitas birthday song, followed by a day of celebration including tres leches cake, the “La Mordida” cake smashing, presents, piñatas, and festive birthday parties.

And aside from the typical Mexican birthday traditions every year, Mexican people also celebrate special hallmark birthdays:

• 3rd Birthday (Boys & Girls) = “Presentación de Tres Años”
• 15th birthday (Girls) = “La Quinceañera”

Mexico Birthday Traditions

Here are some of the most popular Mexican traditions for birthdays:

1. “Las Mañanitas” Birthday Serenade

“Las Mañanitas” (Little Mornings) is a morning serenade given to the birthday person at dawn and is probably the most common birthday tradition in Mexico.

This Spanish song describes the beauty of the morning and the singer comes to congratulate the birthday boy or girl.

Friends and family gather outside the birthday person’s house or bedroom to sing it. It can even be sung by a full mariachi band!

Nowadays, the Las Mañanitas Mexican birthday song is sung at any time of day and is usually done so when presenting the birthday cake and blowing out the candles.

Watch the video below to hear what it sounds like!

🗣 Mexicans typically sing the “Las Mañanitas” song instead of the traditional “Happy Birthday” song translated into Spanish.

Las Mañanitas Lyrics (Spanish)

Here are the Las Mañanitas lyrics in Spanish:

Estas son las mañanitas Que cantaba el rey David Hoy por ser día de tu santo Te las cantamos aquí

Despierta, mi bien, despierta Mira que ya amaneció Ya los pajaritos cantan La luna ya se metió

Qué linda está la mañana En que vengo a saludarte Venimos todos con gusto Y placer a felicitarte

El día en que tú naciste Nacieron todas las flores En la pila del bautismo Cantaron los ruiseñores

Ya viene amaneciendo Ya la luz del día nos dio Levántate de mañana, mira que ya amaneció

Las Mañanitas Lyrics (English)

Here are the Las Mañanitas lyrics in English:

This is the morning song that King David sang Because today is your saint’s day We’re singing it for you

Wake up, my dear, wake up, Look it is already dawn The birds are already singing and the moon has set

How lovely is the morning in which I come to greet you We all came here with joy and pleasure to congratulate you

The day you were born all the flowers were born On the baptismal font the nightingales sang

The morning is coming now, the sun is giving us its light Get up in the morning, look it is already dawn

2. Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches (three milks) cake is popular throughout Latin America and is typically made for birthday celebrations in Mexico.

This rich and delicious dessert is a sponge cake that is soaked in three different types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk.

Just like in the United States, the tres leches cake is presented to the birthday person with lit candles and “Las Mañanitas” is sung before blowing out the candles, making a wish, and serving slices of cake.

In Playa del Carmen and the Yucatan peninsula, cakes made with “queso de bola” (edam cheese) are also very popular for birthdays and are often elaborately decorated with icing or fondant.

Mexican birthday cakes are often decorated with themes unique to the birthday person such as sports teams or favorite characters.

3. “La Mordida” Cake in Face

Mexican birthday celebrations might also involve “La Mordida” (The Bite).

With this tradition, the birthday boy or girl has their hands tied behind their back and must take the first bite of the birthday cake without using their hands.

Friends and family members shout “Mor-di-da” and typically one person shoves their face into the cake for the first bite. This playful tradition is messy but all in good fun!

This tradition is popular in Mexico but may not always be celebrated by everyone, unless they are up for a good laugh.

Piñatas are another Mexican birthday tradition that can be found at many birthday parties.

Piñatas are paper mache sculptures made from cardboard that are decorated in bright colors and typically filled with candy and small toys.

Blindfolded partygoers take turns hitting the piñata with a stick until it breaks open, leading to a candy-filled frenzy.

Piñatas are commonly used at Mexico birthday parties for children and adults alike, adding an element of excitement and fun to the celebration.

Dating back to Asian origins, piñatas originally had points to symbolize the seven deadly sins with the stick representing the love that destroys the sins.

However, nowadays piñatas come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and often feature popular characters or designs.

🦃 Related Reading: Does Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving ?

5. Mexican Birthday Presents

Birthday presents are traditionally opened at Mexico birthday parties in front of guests.

Gift-giving is a common practice at Mexico birthdays, and it is customary for guests to bring wrapped gifts for the birthday boy or birthday girl.

Giving money as a birthday gift is less common in Mexico than in the US. Instead, traditional Mexican birthday gifts typically consist of items the birthday person may need or want such as clothing and accessories, electronics, or toys depending on the age.

6. Mexican Birthday Food Traditions

Mexico birthday parties often involve a feast of traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, tamales, enchiladas, mole, and frijoles–all accompanied by traditional Mexican salsas.

And aside from the birthday cake, typical birthday desserts might include Mexican rice pudding (arroz con leche) or flan.

It’s also common for friends and family to drink cold beers, tequila, and Coca-Cola. Mexico birthday parties are always a good time and typically involve lots of food, drink, and laughter with loved ones, often into the late night hours.

7. Mexican Birthday Music Traditions

Mexican birthday parties typically involve traditional Mexican music, such as mariachi, banda, and norteño. Guests often dance to the lively tunes as part of the celebration.

Mariachi bands may even be hired to sing the Las Mañanitas traditional song in the morning for the birthday person, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Age-Specific Mexico Birthday Traditions

In addition to the birthday traditions celebrated every year, Mexico also has some age-specific traditions for special hallmark birthdays:

Presentación de Tres Años

At 3 years old, Mexican families typically celebrate a child’s “Presentación de Tres Años,” or their presentation to the community to celebrate the good health of the child and ask for continued blessings.

This Mexican 3rd birthday tradition commemorates the presentation of the Virgin Mary at 3 years old and is typically celebrated with a mass where the priest will bless the child, who is dressed up in nice clothes.

After the mass, a large family gathering takes place and the child is given gifts from friends, family, and godparents.

La Quinceañera

In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday is celebrated with a grand party called “La Quinceañera.”

Also known as a “coming of age” celebration, these festivities involve the girl wearing a beautiful dress, usually pink or white, and being presented to society as a woman.

A Quinceañera usually begins with a mass, where the girl sits at the altar and pays homage to the Virgin Mary with a special bouquet. The mass is then followed by a large party with friends and the entire family.

Traditionally, the girl will also have a special dance with her father or another important male figure in her life. This Mexico birthday tradition is often compared to a sweet sixteen party or debutante ball in the United States.

🤔 Do boys have a Quinceañera? Boys traditionally do not celebrate a Quinceañera in Mexico, however in recent years, a Quinceañero (notice the “o” on the end) has become more popular for boys to mark their journey into adulthood.

Birthday Traditions in Mexico: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about birthdays in Mexico:

Mexico celebrates a child’s “Presentación de Tres Años” to commemorate the good health of the child and ask for continued blessings.

The Spanish word for birthday is “cumpleaños”.

“Feliz cumpleaños” is the way to say “Happy Birthday” in Spanish.

Smashing cake in someone’s face, also known as “La Mordida,” is a playful Mexico birthday tradition typically done just for fun.

In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday is celebrated with a grand party called “La Quinceañera,” marking her transition into womanhood. This special event is considered an important milestone in Mexican culture.

Conclusion: Mexico Birthday Traditions Guide

I hope this article has given you a glimpse into some of the unique and vibrant Mexican birthday party traditions.

From Las Mañanitas serenades to La Quinceañera parties, Mexico knows how to throw a memorable birthday celebration filled with food, music, and special age-specific traditions.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a traditional Mexican birthday party, be sure to bring a gift, an appetite, and your dancing shoes–it’s sure to be a special occasion you won’t forget!

• Does Mexico Celebrate Thanksgiving?
• Does Mexico Celebrate Halloween?
• How to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen

Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

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Surviving to Three – Lupita’s Presentación de Tres Años

Within the Mexican culture, which traditionally had a very high infant mortality rate, the Presentación de Tres Años is a celebration for the gift of life received by one’s child. Traditionally celebrated on the child’s third birthday, the presentación is a way for families to join together to give thanks for the life of the child and to ask for continued blessings on him or her. I was honored to be asked by Lupita’s family in Mexico to photograph her Tres Años celebration.

The events of the day included an afternoon mass and blessing at the Parroquia here in Pozos.  Then there was a large gathering of family and friends at the family’s el rancho.  The party included food supplied and prepared by family members — rice, yummy mole, and large steaming vats of beef and pork carnitas.  There was musical entertainment provided by a couple and a karaoke machine while everyone enjoyed their food.  Afterwards, there was a special procession and dance featuring  Lupita and her little escort as family watched and cheered. Then out came the piñatas filled with candies that were broken apart by stick wielding children (I admit it was a little strange to witness Thumbelina joyfully pummeled and torn apart). The night finished off with everyone sharing a rather large cake.

This was my first Tres Años and it gave me a nice glimpse into local culture.  Here’s some of my photographs and a video trailer that were presented to Lupita’s parents:

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As usual your children & people photos in general, are wonderful. You have a gift…… sniff……

Hi Carol. What a wonderful memory you have created for this family! I love how you intermixed still images within the video. Wonderful shots.

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Can I ask what music you used? I love the sound.

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Catholic Rite For 3-Year-Olds Popular in Mexico

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What happens when a child turns 3 years old?

In Mexico, tradition holds that when children achieve that age, their parents present him or her before a priest. The origin of this custom dates back to the Reformation , as, during that time, infant mortality rates were high. It was believed that 3-year-olds had passed that dangerous life stage.

Although the passage of time has obscured the exact origins of the practice, it is still an integral part of Mexican culture.

The tradition’s religious origin

One of the many versions of why people celebrate such presentations has roots with Ancient Rome’s first Christians. They believe that the rite   was a reference to the Virgin Mary’s presentation in the temple.

This story is part of the Protoevangelium of James , where Mary, accompanied by her parents (Saint Anne and Saint Joachim) went to the temple to initiate herself into its faith and service. She stayed there for several years, until Saint Joseph requested her hand in marriage. Although there is no historical record of this event, people wish to show their appreciation by imitating the Virgin Mary’s parents’ action.

A second version relates the tradition with the Candlemas , which originated from the presentation of Jesus in the temple. According to the Gospels, after Jesus’ birth, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph took their first-born to consecrate him in the temple and make offerings to purify his mother. Thus, the first Christians began to do the same as them. However, the presentation of Jesus happened 40 days after his birth, while modern-day ones happen three years after the child’s birth.

Yet another version comes from the biblical moment in which Jesus was “lost and found at the temple” during his first Passover.

According to the Gospel of Saint Luke , when Jesus was 12, he went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. However, after the Holy Family arrived in town, Jesus went missing. His parents sought him all around town, finally finding him in the temple, surrounded and speaking with priests and scribes.

Over time these social and religious meanings intermingled, giving shape to a deeply rooted and accepted tradition in Mexico. Today, the rite serves as a reminder of parents’ responsibilities for their children and godchildren, with Candlemas celebrated annually on Feb. 2.

“The presentation of children is not exactly for children,” said Orlando Segura, pastor of the Bautista Berea Church, in Veracruz, Mexico. “We always present the child unto God, so that He takes care of him. However, the child’s presentation is the responsibility of his parents and godparents to guide the child’s religious path under the Lord. When I present a child before God, I say, ‘Lord, here I present this child to you, but I take full responsibility for the rest of my life, to guide them on the correct path, to always be involved in the Lord’s word.’”

Although it can occur during a standard liturgy, many families opt for a planned Mass to present their children. At such services, it is held that God imprints His blessing upon the youngster and, besides his parents and godparents, will always take care and protect the child.

(Translated and edited by Mario Vázquez. Edited by Melanie Slone and Matthew B Hall)

The post Catholic Rite For 3-Year-Olds Popular in Mexico appeared first on Zenger News .

What is the Presentation of a Child?

• Registrations are only accepted in person only at the Shrine’s Office
• A copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate is required
• Must register at least two weeks in advance
• A donation of $ 25.00 is requested.

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3-year-old Presentation Church Ceremony

I'm hoping you ladies will be able to help me out with this.  Our DD is turning 3 in April and I forget all the things we need for the church presentation ceremony.  I know there is the dress (which her padrinos are getting for her) and a pillow, but what else goes into it?  Does she need a saint medallion?  We did our oldest DD's 3 year old mass with another girl and I can't remember everything that went into it.  What is the process entail - like what is the pillow for??? Thanks for your help!!!

12 comments

Are you Catholic?  What presentation are you talking about? Is this like an ethnic tradition? you don't mean Baptism, do you?

Yes, I'm Catholic.  No, not Baptism.  DH is Mexican. 

• c carmen8127 Last edited 03-13-11 I guess it depends on the padrinos. I treat it a little like a baptism. For my ODD her padrinos just got her the dress and a gold bracelet. We just threw the party. Advertisement | page continues below
• b BonitaGp Last edited 03-14-11 We go to Spanish Mass and there was 1 just last week. I've also been to a couple of parties for them. I don't know much about the items needed or the process, sorry I can't be of much help there.

here's a video i found on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5cfX9MK2U0&feature=related Opens a new window

I have a question.Do they only do this for girls?

In my family usually is just the white dress since all the priest is doing is basically presenting her to the church. You can get the medallion or the bracelet but is not as common as it is for the baptisms or any of the other like primera comunion,confirmation and 15.

That is just where I am from thou. I was not presented to the temple I was just baptized my husband was, he was presented to the temple, and did his confirmation at the same time. El dia de la candelaria, he was baptized after and much later did his first communion.

Yes this all happened in Mexico.

I was searching for how to do a presentation for a 3 year old girl. I am a Catholic Deacon (but not Latino, I speak some Spanish). Sometimes I get asked to do Baptisms in Spanish, and I was asked to do a Presentation. This forum was the only thing I found on the internet. I did not know how to do this!

I learned that there is a blessing rite in the Catholic Book of Blessings that is used by a Deacon or Priest. The Spanish version is called Bendicional (Ritual de Bendiciones) and the rituals are on pages 72 through 77. I hope this helps anybody looking to have this Presentation for their child!

So to my understanding this mainly takes place in Mexico and when done in the US its pretty much a mass that the child is taken too.

In Mexico the 3 yr presentation started out for boys now its also done for girls like the sweet 15 (quinceneras). In Mexico or traditionally its celebrated like a mini quincenera. A mass is held in their honor that is especially for them. What ever a quincenera has they have. The dress, pillow to kneel, kids that accompany them and so forth. Its a big event to say the least.

As far as the significants in the Catholic Church I have no idea. I am hispanic and was born and raised Catholic but never heard of this tradition until after I married my husband who's family is from Mexico.

In the US the tradition is far from what is in Mexico. From what I know they dress up the child in all white and simply present them (more like indroduce them) to everyone at mass that morning. Then the party afterward.

Hope that helps ...

Never heard of it...very interesting..

A Brief Guide To The Quinceañera Tradition

Northern England Writer

Quinceañeras, despite being celebrated throughout the Americas, are most heavily associated with Mexico . The tradition has been in the news in recent weeks with the internationally viral debacle that was the XV de Rubí ! While Western birthday girls are more familiar with the idea of a Sweet Sixteen birthday party, the quinceañera celebration celebrates the 15th birthday of the honouree and marks her transition to womanhood. Here’s a quick guide to quinceañeras.

While the quinceañera celebrations may have more in common with a wedding than a birthday party, they’re a traditional and enduringly popular rite of passage for many young Latinas; turning 15 is considered a momentous occasion, as it is the moment that they symbolically become young women.

For many, a quinceañera is seen simply as an excuse for a blow-out party with family and friends, but the actual significance of the tradition is tied into both Catholic and pre-Hispanic culture. Many years ago, this celebration was rather more literal than symbolic; in pre-Hispanic times, 15 was considered the appropriate age to begin childbearing, and in the 20th century the right time to be married. Luckily, this no longer tends to be the case, but even so the quinceañera tradition has endured!

Everyone is familiar with the extravagant aesthetics of many quinceañera celebrations – think over-the-top Disney Princess-esque dresses in outrageous colors (though tradition once dictated that only white dresses were the order of the day), tiaras towering atop painstakingly ringleted hairdos and precariously high heels. The party is also supposed to be the birthday girl’s first time wearing makeup. Both the tiara and the shoes are typically gifted to the quinceañera for the occasion, along with a cross, bible, rosary and sceptre. In fact, the father of the quinceañera will often symbolically change her shoes from flats to heels before the beginning of the ceremony, to signify her transition to womanhood. Another symbolic gift is the Last Doll, representative of the quinceañera’s final childhood concern.

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Aside from the gifts and attire, it’s also common to see dolled up quinceañeras in public parks and attractive locations having their professional pre-party photoshoot. Food-wise, expect plenty of traditional Mexican dishes and an extravagant cake, usually of the tres leches variety.

If a quinceañera is done traditionally, there are a whole variety of complex religious and symbolic elements that go into it. The first is that of attending mass prior to the reception (yes, the quinceañera celebration is very wedding-like), at which the quinceañera may receive a personalised pillow to kneel on.

After mass, everyone will head to the party venue, at which the quinceañera receives more gifts, listens to toasts during which family members impart wisdom and dances a traditional waltz with her father, which is often followed by a choreographed routine with her Court of Honour. Speaking of which, another popular tradition is the selection of a Court of Honour! These are usually made up of the quinceañera’s cousins and close friends – the girls are called damas and the boys are chambelanes. However, as well as including friends in the ceremony, godparents (chosen by the parents) are also typically named and involved heavily in the festivities. Oftentimes, it’s these very godparents who foot some of the bill!

Misconceptions

We’ve left out just one small detail about the quinceañera tradition, and that is the fact that using ‘quinceañera’ to refer to the party itself is a common misnomer (that we’ve employed throughout this piece!). In Spanish, quinceañera actually refers to the birthday girl, whereas the party is known as the fiesta de quince años . The more you know!

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A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras: Taking a Closer Look

The Quinceanera may seem like a modern celebration these days, but take a closer look with A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras . 

For some fifteen-year-old Latin American girls, many of its elements affirm what’s trendy and current.

However, this unforgettable rite of passage in the life of a female teenager dates all the way back to 500 B.C. and the Aztecs! It’s truly fascinating, so let’s take a closer look at the history of Quinceanera celebrations throughout the ages.

A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras: An Ancient Tradition

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During the Aztec and Toltec civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica, fifteen marked the age at which girls became women.  Afterward, they were appropriately viewed as future mothers. This was crucial during those times because the culture was dependent upon the rearing of future warriors in order to survive and flourish.

In 18 th Century Spain, there’s documentation that the Duchess of Alba threw a palace party and invited teenage girls to attend, dressing them up in formal clothing for the very first time. The following century, the Empress Carlotta of Mexico did the same for the teenage daughters in her court, presenting them to society as now eligible for marriage.

Throughout time, the primary goal of the Quinceanera shifted. It was no longer about becoming a future mother but instead became symbolic of a girl’s transition into womanhood. The celebration of the Quinceanera includes elements of the Aztec heritage along with Spanish and Catholic traditions, many of which are often present even in today’s times.

A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras:  Quinceaneras in Mexico

A traditional Mexican Quinceanera always included damas and chambelanes —pairs of boys and girls close to the celebrant’s age—who danced and held court with the Quinceanera.

Alongside the celebrant was an accompanying male holding the title man of honor . Potential suitors and their corresponding dowries were presented to the Quinceanera and her family.

But before she was given away in marriage, the Quinceanera engaged in festivities with women who gave her instructions about her future responsibilities and duties.

She was also provided with reminders about staying true to cultural tradition and holding to the correct spiritual path in life.

Quinceanera Celebrations, Large and Small

No matter what status a family may have held, a Quinceanera was celebrated because it was a landmark birthday.

Affluent families threw lavish parties and had the Quinceanera don fancy, princess-like dresses. In many Latin American countries, these parties were written about in the society pages of newspapers so that others could read of the elaborate celebrations.

When the Latin cultures migrated to America in the sixties, they brought the tradition of the Quinceanera with them. Immigrants held grand parties just as in their motherland. Some opted for simple celebrations with food, cake, and dancing, while others went the extra mile and made it as big a celebration as possible.

Some held a block parties in the neighborhood streets, while the richer families hosted their celebrations in country clubs or other exclusive venues.

Today, the expenses for these gatherings can range in the thousands of dollars, with $4,000 being an average cost for a modest party. Meanwhile, those who can afford a lavish celebration can expect to spend $15,000 or even more.

No matter the simplicity or extravagance, though, today’s Quinceanera celebrations still combine modern elements with old traditions.

A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras:  A Hat Tip to Religion

While the Quinceanera party is often celebrated differently, it’s significant to note that many cultures still include elements that pay tribute to the Catholic Church.

The most obvious indication is the inclusion of a Holy Mass preceding the revelry. This element of the celebration is also a way to thank God for the blessings that the family has received, including that of the girl reaching her fifteenth birthday.

Because of this, there are three elements, common to almost all cultures, that are given to the Quinceanera during her ceremony.

• First is a Bible , often adorned in fancy cloth, bestowed by the priest. This is a symbol of the importance of God’s word to her life.
• Second is a flower bouquet , usually in the same colors as the celebrant’s dress and that is left at the foot of the statue of the Virgin Mary.
• Finally, a tiara symbolizes that the Quinceanera is both a daughter of God and a princess in the eyes of those who love her.

Other items that are often included are a rosary and a prayer book. The rosary is significant because this will be her first adult rosary to replace the child-sized one she most likely received at her first communion.

The prayer book is a symbol of her initiation into a life of pious devotion, which is something expected of adults of her gender.

Tip : Here’s a grest resource for Quinceanera packaged sets. You can get everything in one place—last doll, pillows, a covered Bible, and they even have toasting sets!  Click HERE   or on the image below for one example of a Quinceanera Celebration Collection :

A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras:  Non-Religious Elements

Apart from the religious items that are part and parcel of a Quinceanera’s celebration, there are other symbols of the girl’s transition into womanhood.

• First is the dress that she wears to her party.

It’s usually reflective of her personal style and preferences but still maintains some elements of the traditional Quinceanera gown. It’s also her first adult dress—not unlike an evening gown—and denotes a change of status in society.

A traditional Quinceanera gown is similar to a wedding gown, another item of clothing that is also worn as a symbol of societal transition. A Quinceanera gown symbolizes the change in status from child to young woman while a wedding gown marks the transition from a single woman to the status of a wife.

• The ceremony of the Last Doll

This doll is typically dressed in clothing similar the Quinceanera’s gown, symbolizes the last doll she will ever play with and is usually passed on to her younger sister sometime during or after the party.

• The presentation of the high-heeled shoes

During this ceremony, she changes from the slippers or flats that she wore to the Mass and at the beginning of the party—as well as more formal jewelry are additional signs of the transition from a little girl.

In some families, other “womanly” indulgences are celebrated, such as the Quinceanera finally being allowed to tweeze her eyebrows, shave her legs, put on makeup, attend adult parties, and entertain young men.

A Guide to the History of Quinceaneras:  A Celebration that’s Here to Stay

The Quinceanera has a long and rich history. Couple that with the enthusiasm and fervor with which it’s still celebrated today, and it’s likely that this rite of passage will remain an essential part of the lives of most Latin American girls.

While Western nations and cultures have their Sweet 16 and Debutante Balls, the Quinceanera is the Latin culture’s take on those celebrations and honors the young females of their families.

It’s also a marker of hope that the Quinceanera girl’s future will be as bright and beautiful as she herself was on this most amazing day!

Click HERE  or on the image below to check out our blog,  Your Quinceanera: 11 Fun Facts and Thought-Provoking Traditions :

For more Quince traditions, planning & beautiful Quinceanera dresses , Click HERE or on the image below for Q by DaVinci’s blog:

Stunning & Unexpected Quinceanera Themes Part 3

Stunning & Unexpected Quinceanera Themes Part 2

Stunning & Unexpected Quince Themes Part 1

Top Tips for Quinceanera Centerpieces & Head Table

What to Do with Your Quince Dress: 15 Fun Ideas

Your Quinceanera Dances: All You Need to Know

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The Quinceañera, a Rite of Passage in Transition

By Marybel Gonzalez

• June 4, 2016

The Cedillo family was already running an hour late, so when the Range Rover stretch limo dropped them off at St. Agatha Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Lucero Cedillo and her court of nine chambelanes, the equivalent of groomsmen, dashed out of the car.

Lucero led the way, holding the hem of her strapless ball gown in one hand and a matching bouquet of silk garden roses in the other. Her parents, Alberta and Abundio Cedillo, followed. From a distance, the chambelanes could have easily been mistaken for cadets at a police academy graduation, walking in sync wearing black suits with gold aiguillettes around their right shoulders, eyes hidden under peaked hats with gold insignia.

The Rev. Silvio A. Ortiz began the quinceañera Roman Catholic Mass by congratulating Lucero, who knelt before him at the altar.

He blessed several items, including a porcelain doll, a symbol of Lucero’s childhood. Applause echoed through mostly empty pews. Then Lucero and her court scurried into the limo, heading for the party, a catered affair for 150 guests at a Greek Orthodox church hall in Bay Ridge.

Widely celebrated among Latinos, the quinceañera marks an important milestone in a girl’s life. Part birthday party, part rite of passage, it symbolizes a girl’s entrance into womanhood when turning 15, traditionally showcasing her purity and readiness for marriage.

But the quinceañera has also been Americanized. And the increasingly elaborate celebrations reflect the changing landscape of Latinos in the United States. In fact, Lucero’s quinceañera was not, strictly speaking, a quinceañera at all.

The celebration, held in February, had many of the traditional trappings: a Mass, a catered bash with live music, and a ceremony in which Lucero’s transition to womanhood was marked by trading her flats for heels. But Lucero turned 15 a year ago; this was an adapted Sweet 16.

“I wanted to switch it up,” Lucero said. “I wanted to keep some of my parents’ traditions but celebrate at a different age.”

“It’s how it’s done in the United States,” she added.

“The modern quinceañera has become the 21st-century manifestation of what it means to be visible in an American system on your own terms,” said Rachel V. González-Martin, a folklorist and professor in the Department of Mexican American & Latina/o Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. At the same time, she added, the celebrations create “a space that recalls your cultural heritage.”

Lucero initially felt reluctant to ask her parents for the party, calling it “a big waste of money on just one day.”

Contemporary quinceañeras do tend to have a hefty price tag. Event planners, bakers and caterers, hair stylists, makeup artists and D.J.s have all become part of what will soon be a multibillion-dollar industry, said María Bejarano, director of Quinceañera Magazine, a trade publication. “When you put the numbers together, it’s stratospheric,” Ms. Bejarano said. “The quinceañera business is a monster that keeps on growing.”

The celebration has spawned specialized retailers, fashion expos, even a reality show, “Quiero Mis Quinces,” promoting custom parties. Disney’s “Frozen” was among the most popular themes last year, according to quinceañera store owners.

Many girls are incorporating decidedly secular and non-Latino elements. They choreograph their traditional dance routines to mainstream pop music instead of waltzes. Lucero opened the dance floor to a Beyoncé mix.

In 2013, Disney introduced a line of princess-inspired quinceañera dresses, retailing for $300 to $900, and its theme parks offer catered events like the Belle of the Ball package, which starts at $20,000. For an additional $2,500, quinceañeras can make royal entrances in Cinderella-themed horse-drawn carriages.

In New York, a quinceañera celebration averages around $10,000, according to Alfonso Caviedes, who owns Fantasy, a special-events dress shop in Jackson Heights, Queens. He offers a layaway system on dresses, which on average cost $600. “Some families cannot afford to pay for the dresses up front,” Mr. Caviedes said.

Rosa Jimenez, who owns Bridal by Rosa’s in East Harlem, puts the typical cost even higher. “I would recommend that families set aside at least $15,000,” she said. “It’s like a wedding.”

The median household income for Latinos in the United States in 2014 was just over $42,000 , according to the Census Bureau, and in New York City the figure is lower. But the high prices don’t dissuade families from celebrating.

Villa Russo, an event hall in Queens, charges up to $18,700 a night for 275 guests. About 30 quinceañeras a year are held there.

Families book custom bakers, like Iva Velazquez in Brooklyn. Ms. Velazquez supplies cakes for 15 quinceañeras a year; her prices can quickly run into the thousands, depending on sugar flowers, ruffles and other intricate details.

Some have come to resent such extravagance.

“Nowadays, families are disrespectful to the church,” said Ana Morales, quinceañera coordinator at St. Paul’s Church in East Harlem. “They bring in these loud musicians, like mariachis, to the quinceañera. The parties in the pews are taking pictures; they are on their cellphones. They seem to have forgotten why they are in church.”

As a result, St. Paul’s has been less inclined to hold such Masses.

“The quinceañera is a symbol of status and recognition,” Ms. Bejarano, the magazine director, said. “Families want to celebrate big. But it’s these strong ties to tradition that distract parents from thinking about how they will pay for their daughters’ future education.”

Professor González-Martin, of the University of Texas, finds such criticism problematic. “People don’t tend to question lavish bat mitzvahs,” she said. “People make the assumptions that Jewish communities are more affluent, whereas Latino communities are stereotyped as impoverished.”

“It’s like talking to someone who is on a diet and saying, ‘You shouldn’t really eat that,’ and assuming that they don’t know what they are putting in their mouth,” she added.

Lucero’s parents, cooks by trade, had been saving for this day for two years. Now both 50 years old, they immigrated to the United States from Mexico in their early 20s.

“My parents grew up poor,” Lucero said. “They used to work in the fields. My mom, when she first got to the U.S., she used to work in factories. My mom never had a quince, so she told me, ‘I didn’t have a chance, but you do!’”

“Of course this is a sacrifice for us,” Mr. Cedillo acknowledged. “But we don’t see it that way. This is tradition. Lucero is a good daughter, and she deserves a party.”

The quinceañera appeals to both new immigrants and those established for several generations, Professor González-Martin said, but for different reasons. For newer arrivals, it’s about “creating a display of affluence,” she said. For second- or third-generation Latino Americans, the quinceañera has become a way to reclaim traditions with which they’ve lost touch.

Staging these elaborate celebrations requires a system of patronage, particularly in Mexican communities, in both Mexico and the United States. The girl’s parents reach out to relatives and friends to help pay for everything from the limo to the beer.

Lucero’s godparents — 12 relatives and friends had been selected — helped cover the celebration’s cost: around $13,000.

At the church hall in Bay Ridge, Lucero walked slowly between two columns of chambelanes as they held their costume swords. When she arrived at a white throne, two of her godparents handed her a long, bedazzled scepter and placed a crystal tiara atop her carefully curled hair.

Mr. Cedillo knelt before his daughter with a silk pillow holding sparkling silver shoes. Lucero lifted her ball gown just enough to let her feet emerge from the layers of fabric. He removed her flats, swapping them for the four-inch heels. The moment, a traditional part of the quinceañera, is supposed to be the first time a young girl wears high heels and dances with a man.

This was not quite the case with Lucero. “I’ve danced since I was 9,” she said after the party. “This is definitely not the first time I’ve put on heels.”

At nearly 1 a.m., the staff was clearing away empty plates. Lucero’s parents called up the godparents and handed each a basket of fruit and blankets as thanks for their sponsorship and attendance. The family huddled to say a prayer.

Then the lights dimmed and banda — traditional brass-based Mexican music — blasted through the speakers. Lucero’s father and uncle emerged from the kitchen, carrying a roasted pig on their shoulders.

The guests had formed a running circle around the dance floor, and Lucero joined them after changing into a free-flowing cream dress. Soon she was dancing barefoot to her own manic adolescent rhythm, her sparkling high heels clutched tightly at her side.

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Culture , Mexico City

20 Mexican Traditions and Customs You Should Know About

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2. Dia de Muertos – Day of the Dead

3. El Grito de Dolores – The Cry of Dolores

• The president gives a speech from a balcony.
• The crowd shouts, “¡Viva México!”
• There are fireworks and music.
• People eat traditional Mexican food.

4. Cinco de Mayo

AthenaGabo , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

5. Carnaval 

6. semana santa and pascua – easter week and easter.

Dennis Sylvester Hurd , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Fiestas Patrias – Independence Day

8. dia de la virgen de guadalupe – day of the virgin of guadalupe.

Photo by Edgar Henríquez, LC on Unsplash

9. Dia de los Reyes Magos – Day of the Three Kings

10. las posadas – night processions, 11. noche buena – christmas eve.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

12. Semana Santa

13. festival de la guelaguetza.

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

14. Tacos 

15. quesadillas.

Photo by Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash

• Use a good quality corn tortilla.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the quesadilla.
• Serve with your favorite toppings.

16. Burritos

• Meat: Beef, chicken, pork, or fish
• Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or quinoa
• Salsa: Mild, medium, or hot salsa

17. Sombreros 

18. Huipiles 

19. charro suits.

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

20. Mariachi music genre

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Diane C. has been captivated by the cultures and traditions of people across the globe ever since she went backpacking through East Africa for her 22nd birthday. The customs and cuisine she experienced in Zanzibar instilled in her a desire to travel more and explore. Diane loves writing about the traditions and cultures of different countries and analysing the various laws and customs. When she is not on the move or immersed in a good book, she enjoys savouring a cup of masala tea. Diane is currently a trainee lawyer.

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36 Wonderful Mexican Traditions & Holidays in Mexico to Know

If you have spent any amount of time in Mexico, you will recognize that this is a country steeped in culture, traditions, and unique holidays that are not celebrated anywhere else in the world. Many Mexican traditions have pre-Hispanic roots and date back hundreds/thousands of years. 

Since Mexico is such a vast country made up of so many different indigenous groups, some practices and traditions are unique to certain states or certain parts of the country. I have been living here in Mexico for several years now, and in this post, we will look at some of the most famous or distinctive Mexican traditions and holidays. 

Table of Contents

36 Amazing Mexican Traditions to Know

The Burning of the Old Year 

If you find yourself in the Yucatan state on New Year’s Eve, you will see countless street vendors selling little piñatas in the form of cute old men. These are bought to be burned at midnight to represent the end of the old year and the start of the new one. 

Sometimes, they are filled with fireworks and you will see a huge one made and set alight in the beachside town of Progreso. (My partner and I bought one in Merida last year with the plan to join in the traditions but we felt bad to burn him, named him Juan, and now we will probably have this strange old man piñata in storage for the next 7 years!)

Three King’s Day (Dia de Los Reyes) 

Three King’s Day falls on the 6th of January in Mexico and commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. (In Catholic communities around Europe and other parts of the world it is also known as “epiphany”).

In some parts of Mexico, children open their Christmas gifts on the 25th of December whereas in others, they exchange gifts on Dia de Los Reyes. Traditional food is enjoyed on this day, like black beans and rice, delicious soups, and slow-cooked chicken or pork. 

The star of the show though is the “Rosca de Reyes” cake which is a type of spiced sweet bread that tastes a little like fruit cake. The bread is a bit of an acquired taste that many Mexicans and foreigners love, but others (myself included) loathe, but it’s worth a try at least once! 

The bread is usually topped with icing, glace cherries, and “camote dulces” which are traditional Mexican candies made by adding flavorings to sweet potatoes. People will usually enjoy the bread by dipping it in a hot cup of “chocolate abuelita” hot chocolate or atole. 

Best of all, there is always a little white plastic figurine hidden inside that represents the baby Jesus. Whoever finds it, has to cook for everyone at the table at the next family gathering. 

According to my Mexican partner, people often just swallow the whole figure so that they don’t have to cook! 

Callejoneadas  

Callejoneadas are another Mexican tradition specific to Guanajuato, that are one of the most magical experiences you can have in the country. These “alley walks” are night tours through the backstreets, alleys, and passageways of Guanajuato City. 

As you explore you are led around by a group of men in traditional clothing known as “La Estudiantina” who take you through lesser-known parts of the city while singing Mexican folk music and telling stories. There are more than 10 different Callejoneada routes that you can do, and more than 3,500 alleys throughout the city. 

The tradition is hundreds of years old and the tours are inspired by the groups of Guanajuato University students who, during the 18th century, would entertain the miners en route to the mines by serenading them.

Dia de la Candelaria 

Dia de la Candelaria is a Catholic holiday that falls on the 2nd of February and marks exactly 40 days since Christmas. It is said that on this day, the Virgin Mary went to church, lit a candle, requested purification for giving birth outside of wedlock, and thanked God for giving her Jesus.

Whoever found the plastic figures in the rosca on Three Kings Day has to cook for everyone on this day. You are usually required to make tamales which are very, very labor intensive and can take literally dozens of hours. 

So, it is understandable as to why people are so averse to having to cook/willing to risk lodging a piece of plastic in their throats to avoid doing so!

Piñatas 

Even if you have never set foot in Mexico, you are probably very familiar with piñatas. These papier mache creations are made in all manner of weird and wonderful shapes, sizes, and figures. 

They are then filled with candy and other treats before being mounted high on the ceiling and beaten with a bat to release the candies. Any and every celebration in Mexico is an excuse to pull out a piñata – you will find them at birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, etc. 

Interestingly, the piñata was not invented here in Mexico, despite being the country most associated with them today. It is believed that the first iteration of piñatas were created in China and then the great explorer Marco Polo brought them to Italy in the 13th century. 

From there, the tradition spread to Spain and then finally to the “New World” of Mexico with the colonizers. 

The Quinceanera 

In the United States and other countries, many people celebrate a girl’s “sweet sixteenth” birthday. In Mexico, it is their fifteenth birthday or their “Quinceneara” which is seen to mark a girl becoming a woman. 

Since many Mexicans are Catholic, the festivities of the day usually start with attending mass at a local church. The girl might be given gifts like rosary beads and religious icons, clothes, makeup, and important family heirlooms/handed down gifts from her family. If the family has money, they may throw a grand party. 

Quinceneara dresses are essentially princess-style ballgowns – with poofy skirts, sequins, glitter, and brightly colored fabric. The dress is often paired with sparkly tiaras, jewelry, high heels, and lots of makeup. 

The Quinceanera may also have a date who is expected to dress to impress and wear a tuxedo.

The celebration often commences with a dance between the Quinceanera and her father, followed by a waltz with her suitor.

Mexican Street Performers 

Mexican street performers represent a rapidly declining tradition, but a beautiful one. These are singers, guitarists, and other musicians who wander through the streets of residential neighborhoods singing and serenading the residents. 

They accept requests if you have any Mexican songs that you love and want to hear, and you are typically supposed to throw a couple of coins from the window.

The Cervantino Festival 

The annual Cervantino festival takes place in Guanajuato City every October. It is now the largest art and culture festival in Latin America and sees musicians, artists, and creatives from across the world head to Guanajuato to perform or showcase their exhibitions in historic venues around the city. Each year, specific countries or states are chosen as guests of honor and in 2023, there was a focus on culture and artists from Sonora, Northern Mexico, and the United States.

October 2024 will mark the 52nd anniversary of the festival. It dates back to 1953 when Enrique Ruelas, a professor at Guanajuato University started an event called “Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Hors D´oeuvres” where groups of students would perform music and theatrical plays in the plazas around town. 

Manda pilgrimages

If you ever happen to see a small procession where a group of Mexicans are traveling through a certain area by moto-taxi, bicycle, or motorbike with flags of the Virgin Mary affixed to their vehicles, you might be witnessing a manda. 

These people have prayed to the Virgin Mary to ask for a particular favor (commonly to ask for a sick family member to recover). To show their dedication and gratitude to the Virgin, they will embark on a long journey, often across huge distances across a state/several states.  

Dia de los Santos Inocentes 

December 28th marks the “Dia De Los Santos Inocentes” in Mexico which is essentially the Mexican April Fool’s Day. 

People tend to make jokes and pull pranks on each other, and if anyone delivers any “serious” news to you on this day, it is always better to sense-check that it isn’t part of some kind of joke or trick!

Mariachi Bands 

Mariachi bands are no doubt one of the most famous and best-loved of all Mexican traditions. These groups of musicians typically contain at least four people but can also contain as many as 12. 

Mariachi are easily recognized by their attire, their colorful wide-brimmed hats, and their style of music. You will find encounter many opportunities to experience a traditional Mariachi performance during your time in Mexico – at plazas that they frequent like “El Parian” in Tlaquepaque, or Piazza Garibaldi in Mexico City, or by booking seats at a show to see live mariachi.  This style of music originated in the state of Jalisco in the 19th century. 19th century and are believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco. Nobody is quite sure what the word “mariachi” means and there are various theories about its linguistic roots.

The most common theory is that this was an indigenous word, likely part of a language used by the Cora Indians. “Mariachi” was the name of a tree that grew in Jalisco and it was the wood from this tree that was used to make the first mariachi instruments.

Dia De Los Muertos  

Dia De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is one of the most famous Mexican traditions and one that fascinates countless people internationally. The official dates of the holiday fall on the 1st and 2nd of November, although extended celebrations often go on for as long as 2-3 weeks.

Mexicans have a slightly different (and more refreshing) view of death and grief compared to people in other countries. This holiday is not morbid or macabre in any way and exists to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away. (It is not the Mexican version of Halloween).

History of the Day of the Dead

This tradition dates back over 3,000 years and it is believed that some form of Dia De Los Muertos celebrations has happened in the country evenbeforeo the Hispanic occupation. Indeed, the Aztecs and the Nahua people believed that upon dying, the deceased would travel to the land of the dead (Chicunamictlán). 

From here, they would have to complete nine levels of challenges to earn the right to reach Mictlán, the final resting place. The indigenous peoples would place the deceased’s favorite foods, water, and useful items on their graves to help them on their journey.  

This practice has been adapted to today’s Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. Locals will decorate the graves of their family members with offerings or they will place these offerings on a makeshift altar in their homes. 

Around the country, people attend all-day parties, dress up in Catrina makeup, decorate their homes, and attend parades. In the lead-up to Dia de Los Muertos, you will note many stores around the country selling sugar skulls, figurines, and other vibrant knick-knacks. These make great Mexico souvenirs from your trip . 

Where to Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Celebrations and festivities for Dia De Los Muertos differ from one part of the country to another. In the Yucatan peninsula, locals celebrate Hanal Pixán – a regional variation of the Day of the Dead, with roots in Ancient Mayan culture.

Some of the best places to experience Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico in 2024 are:

• Oaxaca City – the city hosts fun and impressive comparsas , carnival-style parades involving music, larger-than-life floats, dancing, and traditional costumes.
• San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Oaxaca – Home to a unique rug-making contest
• Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, Michoacan state – Contests are hosted to find the best-decorated grave and in Janitzio, fishermen perform dances from their boats. The movements are said to awaken the souls of the dead… 
• Mexico City – A huge parade takes place through the center of CDMX and the tradition only started after a similar parade was featured in the James Bond movie “Spectre”

The Mexican Charrería 

The charreria is considered the “national sport” of Mexico and is essentially the Mexican answer to the US rodeo (although there are some differences as well as similarities). Since 2016, it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.   

It is believed that the sport was created from the equestrian games that the Spanish colonizers would play in the states of Jalisco and Hidalgo during the 16th century. The Spanish were tasked with raising horses and managing farms in “New” Spain and to pass the time while living in rural Mexico, they invented equestrian games and contests. 

Competitions were hosted between different haciendas but when the haciendas started to lose their importance and close down after the Mexican Revolution, the 1921 Asociación Nacional de Charros was developed to protect Mexican traditions surrounding the Charreria. 

Charrerias are particularly popular in Jalisco but you will find them hosted throughout the country and many are free to attend. Many men attend wearing traditional charro or vaquero (cowboy) clothing while women wear gorgeous embroidered skirts that flow down to their ankles.

Papel Picado  

Creating and hanging papel picado is one of the most beautiful Mexican traditions that you will see all over the country. Papel Picado is colored pieces of tissue paper that are cut and crafted into different shapes and designs.

You will often find them hanging outside churches, but also in central squares, city streets, and outside of homes. They are used for decorations at celebrations such as christenings and weddings and the tradition is believed to have Aztec roots. 

Legend has it that thousands of years ago, the Aztecs would use mulberry and fig tree bark to make a paper called Amate. They would decorate the paper with scenes of daily life or historic events. 

Cinco de Mayo 

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is always seen as a great excuse to eat your bodyweight in tacos and drink copious amounts of beers and tequila so it may come as a surprise to hear that it isn’t celebrated much in Mexico at all. 

The holiday has mostly been commercialized by American beer companies. (Although we can still look at that positively as a day that celebrates Latin American heritage and culture!)

Officially, the date commemorates the anniversary of the Mexican army enjoying a victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. There are parades (desfiles) and parties in the Puebla capital of Puebla de Zaragoza, and there are plenty of things to do in Puebla to warrant a visit, especially for the occasion. 

Elsewhere in Mexico though, the holiday isn’t observed.

Mexican Bullfighting 

Bullfighting is one of the more controversial Mexican traditions and Mexico is one of the only countries in the world where this is still permitted. The practice has been illegalized twice in the country’s history but at the present moment, it is not illegal. 

The sport was introduced by Spanish conquistadors in Mexico some 500 years ago.

Bulls used in Mexican bullfighting are typically raised with the specific purpose of being used in bullfighting and they die in the ring. Most Mexicans do not approve of the continuation of this sport and its legality may be set to change going forward. 

Animal protection laws exist in some Mexican states but bulls are sadly not included in these.

Mexican street food culture 

Street food is a huge part of Mexican food culture and you will find tianguis and street food stalls on virtually every corner of Mexican cities, even in random residential barrios.

People affectionately call light bites and fast food prepared on the street “antojitos” (“little cravings”). Elotes are a popular street food snack that you will find all over the country.

This is simply fresh corn on the cob grilled straight in front of you and topped with a generous serving of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. Sweet treats like crepes, churros, and marquesitas are also popular and there are a lot of regional varieties in the types of street food you can find.

Traditionally, you order your street food and stand and eat it by the stand from where you purchased it. You can easily find tacos and other snacks for as little as 20-40 pesos.

Carnival 

Carnival is one of the most exciting Mexican traditions celebrated around the country every February. It was introduced to the Mexicans by Spanish and Portuguese Conquistadors in the 15th century and the festivities are believed to have Pagan origin. 

More than 225 communities across the country celebrate it in various ways. 

Most Mexicans are Catholic and they celebrate the carnival as being the final time that they can indulge in carnal pleasures before giving up certain things for 40 days for lent. Campeche City is the site of the oldest carnival celebrations in Mexico. Parades and festivities started here in 1582 and today, the celebrations in Campeche extend over a whopping three weeks. During this time, the boardwalk of this city is dressed in colors, decorations, and papel picado. 

A grand parade takes place and “comparsas” (singers and musicians) fill the streets. You will find carnival celebrations in every Mexican city from Mazatlan to Merida. 

The Veracruz city carnival is considered one of the best and is the second largest  in Latin America, second only to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil

Benito Juarez Day

Benito Juarez Day is celebrated on the third Monday of March every year in Mexico, in honor of the late, great Mexican president whose birthday fell on the 21st. Since the holiday means that people have a long weekend, many Mexicans will plan a short getaway vacation to various beach towns and resorts around the country at this time. 

If you are not familiar with Benito Juarez, he served as the president of Mexico from 1858 until he died in 1872. He was a Zapotec and the first Mexican president of indigenous origin but he is best known for supporting and leading the Mexican people through their quest for independence during the Mexican Revolution. 

You will find busts of Benito Juarez, as well as parks and plazas named after him all over the country. Celebrations take place across the country on this day, particularly in the city of  San Pablo Guelatao, where he was born. 

Semana Santa 

Semana Santa or “Holy week” is Easter in Mexico and it falls on the same dates as Easter in other Christian and Catholic countries. 

In 2024, Semana Santa will begin on Sunday, March 24th, and end on Sunday, March 31st. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the celebrations and in Mexico, this date is known as “Domingo de Ramos.”

On this day, many Mexican churches will decorate their interiors with palm fronds and locals will often cover their doors with them, believing that the palms will help to ward off evil.

Many Mexicans attend a Catholic mass on Holy Thursday – the date that Jesus and his disciples sat down to enjoy their last supper. After eating at the local church, they usually go on something of a “pilgrimage” to  7 other churches in the area. 

Many churches hand out bread as a mark of the Last Supper. On Good Friday, many towns and cities have processions reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

In the city of San Luis Potosi and other parts of the country, there is a procession of silence. Participants wear hoods of anonymity, walk barefoot, and carry crosses, chains, or other religious symbols. 

Mexican Independence Day 

A lot of people mistakenly think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day but it is not. The real “Dia de Independencia” takes place on the 16th of September every year.

The holiday marks the country’s independence from Spain and the events that unfolded after Catholic Priest Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla shouted from the steps of the church in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato state in 1810. Father Hidalgo made the first cry for independence and was so influential that his hometown was renamed after him.

(Dolores Hidalgo was originally just called “Dolores” but the town was renamed in his honor). He gained several followers for his cause – a ragtag group of people from different backgrounds who hoped for Mexican independence.

Sadly he was later defrocked from Priesthood and beheaded by the Spanish but he continues to be revered as a Mexican hero to this day.

Mexico would not gain independence from the Spanish until 1821. However, it is the bravery of Father Hidalgo and the others who spoke out, that is celebrated during Independence Day. 

Events with live music, dancing, and fireworks are hosted in many Mexican cities on Independence Day. Stalls pop up in every city selling Mexican flags, little sombreros, flashing hats, and other colorful items.

Many people will celebrate with their families and enjoy good food and beer. Chiles en nogada is a popular dish eaten on this holiday that is made in the colors of the Mexican flag. You will find it served in restaurants across the country in September and the dish consists of poblano chilis stuffed with picadillo, lathered in a walnut cream sauce, and topped with pomegranates.

The Grito de Independencia

One of the most notable “events” of Mexican Independence Day is the “Grito de Independencia” (shout of independence). At around 11 pm, the Mexican President will head out to the balcony of the Palacio Nacional and shout the famousGritoo.

Spectators in the crowd will yell “Viva!” after each sentence. After the official presidential shout which is also televised, mayors, government officials, and public figures will do the same grita from various city centers and balconies across Mexico.

Día Del Niño 

Día Del Niño is the Mexican observance of Children’s Day. This is a holiday that is celebrated in different forms and on different dates all over the world. 

It was established on December 14, 1954, by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).In Mexico, it takes place on the 30th of April each year. 

Children still have to attend school on this day but there are no classes and teachers will prepare a day of games, movies, and fun activities for their students. Some parents give their children gifts and treat the Día Del Niño as a sort of mini-Christmas. 

Dia de la Madre 

Dia de la Madre is Mexican Mother’s Day. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year and the premise is very similar to Mother’s Day in the US and elsewhere.

People take the day as an opportunity to show their appreciation to their mothers; they send gifts, buy flowers, and take their moms out for dinner. Dia de la Madre was only introduced in Mexico as recently as 1922, making it the first Latin American country to participate in the holiday. 

The Day of the Mariachi 

Not only are mariachi musicians an integral contributor to Mexican traditions in themselves but there is also a designated day that celebrates them. The Day of the Mariachi takes place every year on the 22nd of November. Santa Cecilia is the Mexican patron saint of musicians and this is essentially her day. Hundreds of Mariachi musicians gather in the central square of Mexico City and walk in a procession to attend mass at La Basilica de Guadalupe.

Fiestas 

Fiestas are simply Mexican parties and if you spend any amount of time in Mexico, you will quickly discover that the locals don’t need much of an excuse to organize a gathering. You can be walking down a residential street on a random Tuesday and hear banda music and reggaeton blaring out from someone’s yard. While it is not a uniquely Mexican thing to host parties to celebrate certain occasions and life events, the Mexican way of doing this is unique. Someone will always lay out a large spread of snack foods like durros, esquites, elotes, and meat and cheese platters. There’s a lot of music and dancing, with mariachi bands often being hired for the occasion. A party can go on all through the day and the night. Sometimes fireworks and firecrackers are set off just because. 

Siestas 

The sheer mention of a siesta likely conjures up images of a Mexican snoozing beneath a sombrero. The siesta is an afternoon nap and a perfect way to rest and rejuvenate after lunch in a hot country.

However, due to very long working hours, very few Mexicans get to enjoy them anymore. Mexican siestas used to be incorporated into people’s days but the government abolished them in 1944. 

The Mexican Hat Dance 

The Mexican hat dance, also known as Jarabe Tapatío is the national dance of Mexico. It originated in Guadalajara in the 19th century and was seen as a courtship ritual. Typically, two dancers: one male and one female, perform the dance. The moves symbolize the man inviting the woman out to date and pursue a romantic relationship. 

The pair dance around a sombrero laid on the floor and the woman repeatedly rejects the advances of the man until she is eventually won over by her suitor. Back in the 19th century, Spanish colonizers were irked by the Mexican hat dance. The dance is relatively innocent, especially by modern standards. However, the Spanish considered it sexually suggestive and did not want Mexicans to do the dance. This, in turn, led to the dance catching on even more! The Mexican hat dance was the people’s way of rebelling against their colonizers. 

Jesus Gonzalez Rubio created the Mexican hat dance song in 1924. It is often played by live musicians and mariachi bands at events. 

New Year’s Eve 

Mexicans celebrate New Year’s Eve like much of the world. The anticipated arrival of a new year marks new beginnings and opportunities. Mexicans are warm, family-oriented people so it is probably no surprise that they spend most of New Year’s Eve at home enjoying food, drinks, and conversations with loved ones. However, you will also find firework displays and NYE parties hosted in various cities, especially places that are popular with tourists and Western expats such as Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Sayulita.

There are also a bunch of fascinating Mexican superstitions around the occasion. For instance:

• Eating twelve grapes at midnight guarantees good luck for the year ahead
• Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve means your new year will be filled with passion
• Wearing yellow underwear means that you will be lucky in love
• If you run around the neighborhood dragging an empty suitcase, you will travel a lot in the New Year

New Year’s Day 

New Year’s Day in Mexico is known locally as Año Nuevo. It is a national public holiday with businesses and schools observing it as a day of rest. 

Most tourist attractions and archaeological sites are still open on New Year’s Day but banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and most stores will be closed. Having now spent New Year’s Day in Mexico three years in a row, I can attest to places practically becoming a ghost town. For most Mexicans, this is something of a rest day after a late night on New Year’s Eve. They may head to the beach, go for a walk, or spend the day having dinner and enjoying extended celebrations with loved ones.  

Dia de la Revolución 

Dia de la Revolución (Revolution Day) is an annual public holiday celebrated on the 20th of November each year in Mexico. It marks what was the start of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920. On this day, parades and civil ceremonies take place throughout the country, complete with floats and lots of music and dancing. Official speeches and ceremonies are hosted in the central square of Mexico City and the country’s largest Revolution Day parade starts from this point. 

Mexican Christmas traditions 

Mexican traditions at Christmas time are a pleasure to see and experience. Official celebrations start on the 16th of December each year and the period between the 16th and the 24th of December is known as “Las Posadas”. This translates to meaning “inn”. During this time, Mexican children will go from door to door in the neighborhoods singing and asking if there is any room at the inn before singing carols. Mexicans will enjoy “posadas” – festive Christmas parties enjoyed with their family, coworkers, and friends.

It is common to go to multiple posadas throughout the holidays and as well as good food, music, and dancing, festive drinks like ponche and eggnog are enjoyed.

Rompope is essentially Mexican eggnog, although you can find it in a variety of different flavors. Ponche is something of a Mexican version of European mulled wine – warm, red wine is spiced with cinnamon and other flavorings and enjoyed as part of an evening with family.

The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe 

12th December marks the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and is considered the official start of the Mexican Christmas season and the “posadas”. You will note that pictures of the Virgin start being hung outside of peoples homes in the days leading up to the 12th, and on the evening of the 11th of December, many people will head to local churches to light candles and pray in her honor.

The day celebrates the anniversary of when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in front of an indigenous man named  Juan Diego in 1531.In Mexico City, thousands of pilgrims visit the hilltop Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine to give thanks for the blessings they have received in their lives.

Dance of the Parachicos

The Dance of the Parachicos is such a valued Mexican tradition that it was inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dance takes place as part of the annual Traditional Great Feast which takes place from the 4th to the 23rd of January every year in the Pueblos Magico of  Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas.

The celebrations honor three Catholic Saints Saint Anthony Abbot, Our Lord of Esquipulas, and Saint Sebastian. The Dance of the Parachicos is one aspect of a larger celebration. The dance and the dancers respectively are considered a communal offering to the saints. They dance along a procession route through Chiapa del Corzo, through the day and night, wearing carved traditional wooden masks. Along the way, they carry religious icons and stop at several churches to pay their respects.

It can be an incredible experience to attend the festivities as part of a wider trip to Chiapas. From Chiapa de Corzo, continue onwards to San Cristobal de las Casas , the Sumidero Canyon , and Comitan.

Danza del Venado (deer dance)

If you travel to the northern states of Sinaloa and Sonora, particularly during Easter (Semana Santa), you might be fortunate enough to catch the indigenous “danza del venado” (deer dance) performed by the Yoreme Mayo people. This dance has been a local tradition for more than 300 years as a way to request that the gods grant rain for the farms and crops.

The dance sees men with headdresses in the shapes of deer dance with maracas to folk music. 

Guelaguetza Festival, Oaxaca 

There are more than 68 different indigenous groups living in Mexico, and among them, they speak more than 300 different languages and dialects. The Guelaguetza Festival which is hosted every July in Oaxaca celebrates cultural heritage and differences throughout all Mexican indigenous groups.

Oaxaca state is one of the most indigenous in Mexico, home to six different indigenous groups. (The Zapotec and Mixtec people are among the most prominent and Oaxaca is home to more speakers of indigenous languages than other Mexican states.)

During the Guelaguetza Fest, people from various indigenous groups take to the streets to participate in processions and perform folk dances from their cultures. People wear their traditional attire and often set up stalls selling handicrafts and food items from their region.

During the celebrations, locals will also nominate a young woman to represent Centeotl, the corn goddess. Entrants are not judged on their physical appearances but on their knowledge of their culture and heritage. 

Final thoughts on Mexican traditions and festivities

Do you have any additional questions about these Mexican traditions and how to attend them? Alternatively, have you traveled extensively in Mexico, and have some others you would recommend?

Feel free to reach out via the comments below if you need anything. I live in the Yucatan capital of Merida and I am always happy to assist where I can.

Safe travels! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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What Is a Quinceañera and How Is It Celebrated?

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In Mexico, a girl who is having her 15th birthday is called a quinceañera . It is a combination of the Spanish words  quince  "fifteen" and  años  "years".The term may also be used to refer to a girl's 15th birthday party, although this is more often referred to as a "fiesta de quince años" or "fiesta de quinceañera."

In many countries in Latin America, it is customary to celebrate a girl's fifteenth birthday party in a very lavish manner. This celebration traditionally marks a girl's coming of age and afterwards she is considered a mature person who is ready to assume family and social responsibilities. It is somewhat equivalent to a debutante ball , or a coming-out party though these tend to be associated exclusively with the upper class whereas a quinceañera may be celebrated by people of all social strata. In the United States it has traditionally been the sixteenth birthday which is celebrated most extravagantly as the "Sweet Sixteen", however the custom of the quinceañera is gaining traction in the United States in recent years, particularly among Latino families.

History of the Quinceañera

Although it's likely that the custom of celebrating a girl's transition to womanhood was practiced in ancient times, the particular customs associated with the quinceañera probably date back to the time when Porfirio Diaz was president (1876-1911). He is famous for having been enthralled by all things European, and many European customs were adopted in Mexico during the years of his presidency, known as el Porfiriato .

Quinceañera Customs

A quinceañera celebration usually begins with a mass in church ( Misa de Accion de Gracias or "thanksgiving mass") to give thanks for the girl making the transition to a young woman. The girl wears a full-length ball gown in the color of her choice and carries a matching bouquet. Following the mass, the guests repair to a banquet hall where the party will take place, or in rural communities tables, chairs and a tent area may be set up to accommodate the festivities. The party is an extravagant affair that goes on for several hours. Flowers, balloons and decorations matching the birthday girl's dress are ubiquitous. The party will consist of dinner and dancing, but there are also several special traditions that are a part of the celebration though these may vary regionally.The parents, godparents, and often other family members have roles to play in the celebration.

Here are some of the elements of quinceañera celebrations that are common in Mexico:

• Chambelanes : This would be translated as "chamberlains," these are boys or young men who escort the quinceañera and perform a choreographed dance with her. The dance is referred to as a waltz, but often incorporates other dance styles.
• La última muñeca (the last doll): The birthday girl is presented with a doll which is said to be her last doll because after turning fifteen she will be too old to play with dolls anymore. As part of a ritual she passes the doll on to a sister or other younger family member.
• El primer ramo de flores (the first flower bouquet): the birthday girl is offered a bouquet of flowers which is symbolically the first flowers she is offered as a young woman.
• Fifteen piñatas : The girl breaks fifteen small piñatas , one for each year of her life.

The climax of the festivities is the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake, and the guests sing the traditional birthday song, Las Mañanitas , to the birthday girl.

The quinceañera is celebrated on a grand scale and often ends up being very costly for the family. For this reason it is customary for the extended family and good family friends to make contributions, with money or help in providing the things that are necessary for the party.

Some families may decide not to throw a party, and will instead use the money that would have gone towards the celebration for the girl to go on a trip instead.

Also Known As: fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera

Alternate Spellings: quinceanera

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In Mexico, piñatas are not just child’s play. They’re a 400-year-old tradition

A worker hangs the most traditional style of “piñata,” a sphere with seven spiky cones, that will be filled with fruit and candy at a family-run piñata-making business in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. This style of piñata has a religious origin, with each cone representing one of the seven deadly sins, and hitting the globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

City workers set up tents for a piñata fair during the Christmas season in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. The piñata business is steady all year, mainly with birthday parties, but it really picks up around Christmas because they are interwoven with Christian traditions in Mexico. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

María de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarías sells piñatas at her small family-run piñata-making business in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. The family started their business in Acolman, where Ortiz Zacarías’ mother was known as “the queen of the piñatas” before her death. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Crepe paper that was cut to decorate Christmas “piñatas” hang at a small family-run business in Acolman just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. There are countless designs, from Disney characters to political figures, but the most traditional style of piñata is a sphere with seven spiky cones. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

A tourist take a selfie with a painting showing Catholic missionaries breaking a piñata on display inside the municipal building in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Spanish chronicler Juan de Grijalva wrote that piñatas were used by Augustine monks in the early 1500s at a convent in the town of Acolman. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

A traditional “pinata” is displayed at the municipal building in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. This style of piñata has a religious origin, with each cone representing one of the seven deadly sins, and hitting the globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

A piñata maker works on a traditional design, a sphere and seven spikes, at a family-run piñata-making business in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. This style of piñata has a religious origin, with each cone representing one of the seven deadly sins, and hitting the globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Cut paper flags announce the piñata fair in Acolman, just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Grandparents in Mexico can remember a time when piñatas were clay pots covered with paper and filled with hunks of sugar cane, fruits and peanuts. But the tradition goes back even further. Some say piñatas can be traced back to China, where paper making originated. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Traditional Christmas “piñatas” that will be filled with fruit and candy are displayed at a small family-run business in Acolman just north of Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. This style of piñata has a religious origin, with each cone representing one of the seven deadly sins, and hitting the globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

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ACOLMAN, Mexico (AP) — María de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarías swiftly cuts hundreds of strips of newsprint and colored crepe paper needed to make a piñata, soothed by Norteño music on the radio while measuring pieces by feel.

“The measurement is already in my fingers,” Ortiz Zacarías says with a laugh.

She has been doing this since she was a child, in the family-run business alongside her late mother, who learned the craft from her father. Piñatas haven’t been displaced by more modern customs, and her family has been making a living off them into its fourth generation.

Ortiz Zacarías calls it “my legacy, handed down by my parents and grandparents.”

Business is steady all year, mainly with birthday parties, but it really picks up around Christmas. That’s because piñatas are interwoven with Christian traditions in Mexico .

There are countless designs these days, based on everything from Disney characters to political figures. But the most traditional style of piñata is a sphere with seven spiky cones, which has a religious origin.

Each cone represents one of the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. Hitting the paper-mache globe with a stick is a symbolic blow against sin, with the added advantage of releasing the candy within.

Piñatas weren’t originally filled with candy, nor made mainly of paper. Grandparents in Mexico can remember a time a few decades ago when piñatas were clay pots covered with paper and filled with hunks of sugar cane, fruits and peanuts. The treats were received quite gladly, though falling pieces of the clay pot posed a bit of a hazard.

But the tradition goes back even further. Some say piñatas can be traced back to China, where paper-making originated.

In Mexico, they were apparently brought by the Spanish conquerors, but may also replicate pre-Hispanic traditions.

Spanish chronicler Juan de Grijalva wrote that piñatas were used by Augustine monks in the early 1500s at a convent in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City. The monks received written permission from Pope Sixtus V for holding a year-end Mass as part of the celebration of the birth of Christ.

But the Indigenous population already celebrated a holiday around the same time to honor the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. And they used something similar to piñatas in those rites.

The pre-Hispanic rite involved filling clay jars with precious cocoa seeds — the stuff from which chocolate is made — and then ceremonially breaking the jars.

“This was the meeting of two worlds,” said Walther Boelsterly, director of Mexico City’s Museum of Popular Art. “The piñata and the celebration were used as a mechanism to convert the native populations to Catholicism.”

Piñatas are also used in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, mainly at children’s parties.

The piñata hasn’t stood still. Popular figures this year range from Barbie to Spider-Man. Ortiz Zacarías’ family makes some new designs most of the year, but around Christmas they return to the seven-pointed style, because of its longstanding association with the holiday.

The family started their business in Acolman, where Ortiz Zacarías’ mother, Romana Zacarías Camacho, was known as “the queen of the piñatas” before her death.

Ortiz Zacarías’ 18-year-old son, Jairo Alberto Hernández Ortiz, is the fourth generation to take up the centuriesold craft.

“This is a family tradition that has a lot of sentimental value for me,” he said.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america