Christmas celebrations are bright and festive in many places, but nowhere does it quite like Mexico. Mexican Christmas celebrations and decor are rich with color, symbolism, and centuries-old traditions that blend indigenous customs with Spanish Catholic religious practices. These decorations do much more than adorn streets and homes. They tell stories of faith, history, and community. Celebrate Christmas with us at Vallarta Mexican Restaurants in Manchester, NH, as we take a look at three of the most recognizable decorations of the season.
A Mexican Christmas decoration that you’ve definitely seen before is the piñata. Although we often see them in various shapes at kids’ birthday parties, a Mexican Christmas piñata is traditionally a seven-pointed star. Spanish missionaries introduced them in the 16th century and initially used them as tools for evangelization. The seven points of the star represent the seven deadly sins, and the bright colors symbolize temptation. Breaking the piñata while blindfolded acts out overcoming sin through faith, and the sweets that fall out signify the rewards of virtue. Piñatas play a central role during Las Posadas, the nine days of processions leading up to Christmas Eve.
The most important Christmas decoration in Mexico is the Nacimiento, the Nativity Scene. They include the same figures we’re used to seeing: Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, angels, shepherds, animals, and Wise Men. Nacimientos tend to be much larger than our Nativity Scenes (some are life-size!), and often incorporate regional clothing and native plants to blend Christian traditions with local culture. They also wait until January 6th to include the Wise Men—or Three Kings—on Día de Los Reyes. Nacimients keep the spiritual meaning of Christmas at the center of the celebration.
A third beloved decoration is papel picado, intricately cut tissue paper banners hung across streets, altars, and homes. Papel picado is used as decor for many holidays, but it is especially prominent at Christmas. Its origins trace back to pre-Hispanic times, when bark paper was used for ceremonial purposes. Today, the delicate designs often feature stars, angels, bells, and nativity scenes. Papel picado symbolizes the fragility of life and the joy of celebration, adding movement and color to Christmas festivities.
Mexican Christmas celebrations are vibrant expressions of history, faith, and communal joy, as evidenced by the decorations. Centuries-old traditions are kept alive year after year, reminding everyone of the reason for the season. At Vallarta Mexican Restaurants in Manchester, NH, we love bringing Mexican traditions to our customers, especially during the holiday season.