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Christmas Eve |
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Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) celebrations in Cozumel and throughout Mexico are a tradition influenced by Catholicism from the Colonial days. Often, the missionaries used existing celebrations, traditions and festivals to coincide with Christian beliefs to help convert the natives to the Catholic religion.
Today, the season's tradition start at the beginning of Las Posadas - for more information, click HERE on December 16th and culminates at 11:30pm on December 24th. In Mexico, the most traditional and important Christmas decoration is the nativity scene and is generally setup between December 14th-16th and is left on display at least until February 2nd. The baby Jesus is added to the manger on December 24th and the three (3) kings on January 6th. If you are visiting Cozumel and Mexico, you will see many variations and sizes of these nativity scenes, from small ceramic displays, to entire houses and yards, churches and businesses with wonderful, beautiful and vibrant decorations and will find many booths, shops and businesses selling these in November throughout Cozumel and Mexico.
Another tradition that starts in early December is the placing of poinsettias in many homes and businesses. which are called "noche buenas" (from the Spanish phrase that means "good night" referring to Christmas Eve). Mexico is where the poinsettia originated and were originally called "cuetlaxochitl" and were a symbol of the new life that they believed fallen warriors received, returning as hummingbirds and butterflies to drink the flower's nectar. These flowers now come in many colors and variations, but originally were red, as is Santa's suit.
At midnight the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Devout worshipers surge into churches to attend the famous "Misa de Gallo" or "Mass of the Rooster." Following Mass, families return home for a tremendous dinner of traditional Mexican foods. The dishes vary with the different regions. However, somewhat common are the ,"tamales," rice, rellenos, "atole" (a sweet traditional drink) and "menudo," which is said to be more sobering than strong coffee.
Midnight mass on Christmas Eve begins this holy celebration for most traditional families throughout Mexico. Even if not familiar with Spanish or Catholic mass services, it is still an emotional ceremony to respectfully observe as choir boys file down the church isles and nuns dressed in their holiday habits sing familiar holiday songs like Oh Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night (or Noche de Paz). As part of the mass ceremony usually everyone is invited to file to the front of the church and welcomes baby Jesus who is portrayed by a doll in a manger scene or held in the loving arms of his Mother.
Once the midnight mass is over, families will then begin their Christmas fiestas which typically last all night long. Everyone works for days in advance preparing food for the huge feast so once it begins the focus can be on relaxing with family and friends during this holy time of year. Cozumelenos are like Mexicans throughout the country and are famous being very "mobile" on this night. Families will pile into cars at 2, 3, 4am and go visit other families in their homes to wish them "Feliz Navidad!" So it is not uncommon for street traffic to be very busy all night long and into daybreak of Christmas Day.
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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