The document summarizes several popular Mexican traditions celebrated around Christmas and other holidays:
- Las Posadas commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem from December 16-24 through processions.
- Iluminarias are Christmas lanterns used in posadas and other celebrations that have become popular ornaments.
- Los pastores are nativity plays performed on Christmas Eve that are one of Mexico's most popular folk dramas.
- Dia de los Muertos on November 1-2 honors deceased ancestors with meals and visits to grave sites, keeping their memory alive.
2. ● Las Posadas: The Mexican tradition of Las
Posadas is celebrated between December
16-24.
● They Commemorate the journey Joseph and
Mary made from Nazareth to celebrate giving
birth to baby Jesus
● Las Posadas Originated in Mexico in 1586
4. Las Posadas: Iluminarias: Iluminaria
is a Christmas lantern. They are used
in posadas and other celebrations.
Iluminarias have been adopted
as Christmas ornaments by general
population
6. ● Los pastores: is considered to be a
nativity play that has been
performed on Christmas eve.
● It is probably one of the most
popular religious folk drama
7. ● Dia De Los Muertos: Families come
together to celebrate their
ancestors
● This day goes back to the Aztecs who
dedicated a special day for the dead
● Normally Chicanos honor this day to
clean their ancestors grave sites
8. ● Dia De Los Muertos: Many
Chicano families
traditionally celebrate with
a special meal on their
ancestors grave sites ( The
Movie Coco beautifully
portrays this)
● Pan De Muertos: if families
can not make it to
celebrate on a grave,
families will celebrate with
Pan De Muertos and eat a
pan dulces in
remembrance of the dead
9. ● Quinceaneras: The Quinceanera has a long history
that celebrates a young woman going into
adulthood (turning the age of 15)
● This special day grants permission to the young
woman to wear heels, makeup and sometimes even
permission to go on dates
● There is a presentation of gifts that are meaningful
such as a bible, cross and a rosary
10. These traditions and
celebrations are important to
remember ancestors and pay
respects to the Mexican culture.
Sources: Tatum
Tatum, Charles M. Chicano Popular Culture. 2nd ed., The
University of Arizona Press, 2017., C
Collina, Bella. “The Traditions of the Quinceañera.” Luxury
Gated Lakefront & Golf Community in Orlando Florida, Bella
Collina Real Estate Company, LLC, 17 July 2020,
www.bellacollina.com/blog/traditions-of-the-quincea%C3%B
1era.