Rich in traditional festivities, a Mexican Christmas is filled with wonder. In other countries, the 12 Days of Christmas are recognized, but in Mexico, the nine days of posadas leading up to Noche Buena (Holy Night) – are observed.
Starting on December 16th, Joseph and Mary’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem is reenacted every night in towns and villages throughout Mexico. Acted out by local children, these pilgrims try door after door until they’re finally invited in for the night.
Every evening, a different neighbor is chosen, and it’s their task to host a celebration complete with a piñata for the children and something a little more spirited for the adults.
The ninth evening of Las Posadas is La Noche Buena, Christmas Eve. The children lead a procession to the church and place a figure of the Christ Child in the nacimiento (nativity scene) there.
Then everyone attends midnight mass, called the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass). After mass, families return home for a festive dinner and traditional drinks before the gifts are opened, piñatas are broken, and sparklers light up the night. Christmas Day is considered a time to rest, recover, and enjoy the leftovers!
Although Santa Claus has been known to slip over the border in recent years, the traditional day for Mexican children to receive presents is still January 6, known as El Dìa de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day). It commemorates the time when, according to legend, the Reyes Mago, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, arrived at the manger in Bethlehem to pay homage to the Christ child with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Traditionally, on the night of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the nativity scene. That night before going to bed, children place their old shoes on the windowsill, where the Wise Men leave them their presents. Nowadays, shoes are not always put out, but the youngest children in each family still receive gifts from the Three Kings on this day.
At a special Twelfth Night supper on January 6, families and friends enjoy hot chocolate flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, and a ring-shaped, bread-like cake, called Rosca de Reyes. Hidden inside is a small figure of a baby, representing the Infant Jesus. The person who gets the piece with the figurine is responsible for buying the tamales for El Día de la Candelaria, or Candelmas, February 2.
The Mexican Christmas season is joyously extended through February 2, when the nativity scene is put away, and another family dinner of delicious tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) is served with great love and happiness. This celebration is the last of the Christmas festivities, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. https://banderasnews.com/
For 25 years, Banderas News has been the pulse of Puerto Vallarta, bringing you stories that matter most to residents and visitors alike. From breaking news to exciting events and cultural features, we’ve been dedicated to keeping you informed and connected – free of charge. Your contribution helps us maintain this commitment and continue serving our community.
Did you know that Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, was awarded the #1 Destination in Mexico, by
TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2025!
Come and experience the charm and culture of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with quaint cobblestone streets, the fragrant scent of Bougainvillea, beautiful beaches, wonderful Mexican cuisine, outstanding golf courses, and a host of activities for everyone to enjoy!
Puerto Vallarta is a world-class resort that retains the charm of a bygone century. The stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains and its 25 miles of coastline provide for the ultimate luxury vacation or living situation. Puerto Vallarta is like no other place in Mexico…and most who come yearn to return.
Puerto Vallarta is the second-largest natural bay on the American continent, surrounded by sandy beaches and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains.
Imagine staying in this tropical paradise with the service of your very own private staff. Situated on the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta enjoys a similar sun-drenched and tropical climate. Puerto Vallarta is in the Central Standard Time Zone.
Its incredible natural beauty, combined with a small-town atmosphere, along with the inherent warmth and friendliness of the people, makes Puerto Vallarta unlike any other travel destination.
There is a wealth of Mexican culture and history to explore in Puerto Vallarta. Native crafts abound, and historical buildings and sites are a treat to explore.
The city boasts 25 miles of golden beaches along the Mexican Pacific and is distinguished by its impressive colonial and modern architecture, boutique shopping, and golf courses. These attractions have made the city a favorite among vacationers and retirees who now call the city home.
Casa Bay Villas is proud to be one of the leading agents for villa rentals in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offering spectacular properties all with breathtaking views overlooking Banderas Bay.
Your vacation time is valuable, so we inspect every property we represent for owners. We know the accommodations, amenities, and staff to help you select the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. The result is a vacation rental that won’t leave you with unwanted surprises.
We will always provide you with our Five-Star Platinum Service and our extensive knowledge on your Puerto Vallarta villa or condo rental.
Whether you are planning a family vacation or just getting away with friends, we have the perfect villa for you in Puerto Vallarta!
We hope you will visit one of our luxury vacation rental villas soon and experience the magic of Puerto Vallarta!
For more information about renting a villa in Puerto Vallarta, visit our website at https://www.casabayvillas.com/ or email info@casabayvillas.com.