November 12, 2023

El Día de la Calendaria, recognized in the Catholic Church as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in English, commemorates the occasion when Mary brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for the first time. Dating back to at least the fourth century in ancient Jerusalem, this feast is among the oldest celebrations in Christianity.

According to early Jewish tradition, the date of February 2 for Día de la Candelaria is because they supposedly forbade a woman from entering the temple for 40 days after giving birth.

The Church chose December 25 as the date for Christmas, or Jesus’ birth, and as a result, his presentation in the temple would have taken place in February. 2, or 40 days later.

The Beginning of día de la Candelaria

We celebrate Candelaria at home with a family dinner with tamales and hot drinks.

The tradition starts on Three King’s Day, a month earlier, families start the tradition with a typical holiday cake called rosca de Reyes, which includes a small figurine of baby Jesus baked into the dessert, the person who finds the plastic figurine in their slice of rosca is in charge of buying the tamales for the other family members.

Even though you can be celebrated El Día de la Candelaria all throughout the country, some locations in Mexico stand out for hosting more elaborate celebrations. Lets remember the goverment dont mixes law and religion.

In Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, the Candelaria festivities span a week and include events like bull runs and feasts, highlighting a variety of local culinary delights. I consider this tradition to be the true end of the Chistmas holidays.

Rooted in Mesoamerican culture, the tradition of the “Voladores de Papantla” or the “Dance of the Flyers” involves a ceremonial performance. Its origins trace back to the Totonac community in the region of Veracruz, Mexico. A place full of traditions. Meanwhile, the Caporal, the fifth man, stands on a platform atop the pole, playing songs with a flute and small drum dedicated to the sun, the four winds, and each cardinal direction.

In the ceremony, four young men climb a wooden pole ranging from eighteen to forty meters high. Meanwhile, the Caporal stands atop the pole, playing songs with a flute and small drum dedicated to the sun, the four winds, and each cardinal direction.

After the invocation, the others hang from the platform with long ropes, spin, emulating flight, and gradually descend. Each dance variant embodies the myth of the universe’s birth, reflecting the community’s worldview and values in the Voladores’ ritual ceremony.

The Myth of the Voladores de Papantla

In a Totonac legend, during a severe drought, five individuals sought to communicate with Xipe Totec, the god of fertility, to bring rain. They ventured into the forest to find the largest tree, fasted, and prayed throughout the night at its base for divine assistance.

The following day, the villagers consecrated, cut down, and brought the chosen tree back to the village. They then stripped it of its leaves and branches. The massive trunk was erected in a square and blessed once more. Adorned in feathers and emulating birds, the men climbed to the top, seeking the attention of Xipe Totec. Suspended by a rope, they circled the mast, imploring the god’s mercy with the accompaniment of flute and drum.

Since that time, the Totonac people have upheld the tradition of flying around a trunk, passing down this technique from one generation to the next.

The traditional mexican posadas, often just called “posada” (Spanish for inn, lodging or shelter), is a religious celebration in Mexico, commemorating Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a secure place for Mary to give birth to Jesus.

Finally, one innkeeper allowed them to take shelter in his stable. Christians believe this is where Jesus was born. 

How do people celebrate the mexican traditional Posadas today?

Traditional Singing in las posadas

The posada song is essential. Many people from the world also sing Christmas , and during modern posadas, But we have a song referring to the moment when the Virgin Mary and Jesus went from house to house asking for shelter or ‘posada’ to spend the night. This ritual begins when half of the people gathered in a house stay inside, closing the door, and the other half waits outside in the courtyard with candles while singing the typical song ‘Pidiendo Posada’ (asking for shelter).

This song is crafted as a conversation, meaning it starts with a verse from the group outside, and then the group inside responds by singing in the same manner, continuing until the end of the song.

And then they let us in.

Click here to see the lyrics.

The traditional mexican Piñata

Although piñatas have mostly lost their original religious meaning in most parts of Mexico, they remain an essential part of las posadas. IIn more traditional celebrations, people fill them with small fruits, cookies, and peanuts, but nowadays, they commonly fill them with candy—unless your grandmother or aunt, disliking you, opt for mandarins and sugar cane instead. As a kid, all you crave is sugar.

Mariachi is a traditional Mexican music and a fundamental element of culture, traditional Mariachi groups, made up of two or more members, wear mexican regional costumes adapted from the charro costume and interpret a broad repertoire of songs on stringed instruments.

Step into a Mexican celebration, and the presence of Mariachi is almost ceremonial. From weddings to fiestas, Mariachi provides the soundtrack to life’s most memorable moments that become extraordinary memories.

Mariachi serves as a vehicle for preserving and passing down cultural traditions from generation to generation, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive and evolve while staying rooted in its cultural origins.

The main important aspect of Mariachi is evident in the way it brings people together. Whether in a local plaza, a family gathering, or a large-scale event, Mariachi fosters a sense of unity and community. The music’s ability to engage and captivate audiences creates a shared cultural experience.

Discovering Mariachi’s Roots

Delve into the roots of Mariachi, a musical genre that traces its origins back centuries. With influences from indigenous, European, and African cultures, Mariachi weaves a rich tapestry that resonates with the essence of Mexico.

Traditional Mariachi Instruments

Mariachi’s distinctive sound is owed to its ensemble of instruments, including the iconic trumpet, guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, and violin. Each instrument plays a vital role in creating the lively and spirited melodies that define Mariachi.

Modern Innovations in Mariachi

Witness the fusion of tradition and modernity in Mariachi music. From contemporary collaborations to adaptations in popular culture, discover how Mariachi continues to reinvent itself for new generations.

Mariachi is a cultural emblem, often featured in celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and national holidays. It embodies the essence of Mexican identity, carrying stories and emotions through its harmonious tunes.

From birthdays to religious mexican ceremonies, the piñata (or pinata) has become an integral part of Mexican traditional symbolizing unity and festivity. we can track the roots of the piñata tradition where an ancient Mexico, where a similar practice existed among the Aztecs. They would fill clay pots with offerings and break them as part of their New Year celebrations. The Spanish conquistadors, upon arriving in the 16th century, adapted the custom and fused it with elements of European festivities.

The Italians, in their turn, learned about it from Marco Polo, who had observed vibrant animal decorations in China.

Rooted in Nahuatl culture, the connection between the piñata and Christmas posadas builds on this cultural exchange, originating from the celebration of Huitzilopochtli (the god of war) that occurred from December 17 to 26. During this time, they would place clay pots adorned with ribbons and feathers on sticks in the temple. As a result, upon breaking these pots, treasures and jewels would cascade at the feet of the god.

The Anatomy of Joy: Crafting the Perfect Traditional Piñata

Originally, piñatas were shaped like stars with seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. As time passed, the design evolved into various forms, including animals, fruits, and characters. Nowadays, piñatas come in an array of shapes and sizes, reflecting the creativity and diversity of Mexican culture.

Even after discarding its religious origins, the piñata maintains its crucial role in our contemporary culture. Festivities featuring piñatas, symbolizing joy, celebration, and unity, draw people of various ages and backgrounds together in shared amusement. Whether it’s the holiday season in December, a birthday celebration, or a cultural festival, the piñata consistently prompts smiles from both the young and the old.

The act of breaking a piñata goes beyond a playful spectacle; instead, it’s a cathartic experience. Whacking away at a colorful creation symbolizes breaking barriers and unleashing joy, thereby creating a shared moment of exhilaration among participants.

Have you ever wondered why Mexican candies are so irresistibly spicy?

In this intriguing exploration, we delve into the heart of this mouthwatering mystery and uncover the secrets behind the bold and spicy flavors of Mexican candies. Mexican candies have gained immense popularity worldwide for their unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Are you ready to know why Mexican candies are so irresistibly spicy?

In this article, we will decode the reasons behind the spiciness of these delightful treats.

The Spice Factor: A Cultural Tradition

One thing is certain; spiciness runs deep in Mexican culture. The love for spicy flavors is a fundamental aspect of Mexican cuisine, which has significantly influenced their confectionery as well. The use of chili peppers, like ancho, guajillo, and tamarind, in candies is a testament to this rich tradition. These spicy elements add a zing that is both distinctive and addictive.

Chilies: The Culprit Behind the Heat

Chilies are the primary culprits behind the heat in Mexican candies. These fiery little wonders bring an intense flavor that elevates the sweetness of candies to new heights. The Scoville scale, which measures the spiciness of chilies, is well-referenced in the world of Mexican candy-making. The choice of chili used in candies can vary from mild to extremely hot, allowing for a diverse range of spice levels.

A Perfect Harmony: Sweet and Spicy

Mexican candies are masterpieces of balance between sweet and spicy flavors. The combination is carefully crafted to ensure that the spiciness doesn’t overpower the sweetness but rather complements it. This harmony is what makes Mexican candies so captivating. It’s a culinary art that’s perfected over generations

The Tamarind Twist

Tamarind is a star ingredient in many Mexican candies.

Its tangy and tart flavor, combined with the zing of chili, creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste. This unique combination is the essence of some of the most beloved Mexican candies. If you’ve ever tried tamarind candy, you’d know that it’s a flavor you won’t easily forget.