Tired of the overdone and overcommercialized Christmas celebration each year? Mexico may be your best destination.
Christmas Celebrations at the Zocalo in Mexico City
Story by Jim Foreman
Growing up in the USA, it was common to hear Jose Feliciano’s Christmas hit, ‘Feliz Navidad’ as part of the usual lineup of music, during the holidays.
Right now, you’re probably hearing that song’s melody in your head.
Beyond that, few Americans and Canadians truly understand the Christmas traditions in Mexico and how they are quite different from celebrations back home.
Of course, with an ever-increasing ex-pat population in certain regions, and the globalization of holidays, many Mexicans are melding and celebrating with a ‘Gringo’ edge. That’s OK. American’s have also adopted several Mexican traditions including the Spanish greeting and the Poinsettia plant as a symbol of the festive season.
Being in Mexico during the Christmas season is magical.
Largely gone is the over-commercialization of the season. Instead, visitors will see a celebration more rooted in tradition.
Mexico’s Christmas or Navidad celebrations largely originated in Spain. Given Mexico’s diverse culture and pre-Hispanic cultures, many of those traditions have morphed or evolved in a uniquely Mexican way.
Of course, as the many regions of Mexico are unique, so are the flavors of those celebrations.
Christmas is celebrated in Mexico from December 12th to January 6th. There is a crescendo of the celebrations on Christmas Eve, December 24th. This dates back to Europe, long before Christmas was ever introduced to the ‘new world.’
Now, you math wizards are probably just now figuring out where the ’12 Days of Christmas’ originates.
In Mexico, the Christmas season starts with nativity scenes placed in public and private displays. It’s nearly impossible to find a home without one in place. Nativity displays can be simple or elaborate. Some are small, sitting on a shelf or table, while others are life sized, occupying a whole room or display outdoors.
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
The children are told, ‘there is no room,’ at each place. The final Posada welcomes the people in, and the party begins in earnest. A figure of the baby Jesus is placed in a manger. That home is host to food, games, and often fireworks. Piñatas are one of the most common games played.
This goes on, each night until Christmas Eve (Noche Buena).
Afterwards, people go to a midnight mass and usually celebrate with more fireworks.
As a visitor, you can watch and enjoy the celebrations from any town centro as that will be where the focus of the holidays are typically happening.
Nacimiento or a Nativity scene is the dominant decoration in celebrating Christmas. Of course, Christmas Trees are becoming more and more popular throughout Mexico, too.
In some northern Mexican states, children are taught the tradition of Santa Claus. While this phenomenon is slowly growing in Mexico, it’s still not the dominant celebration.
December 28th, marks “Los Santos Inocentes” (Day of the Innocent Saints). Originating in Spain and Portugal, it’s celebrated much like Americans celebrate April Fool’s Day. Despite the playful nature, it has a very grim undertone. This is regarded as the day King Herrod had all Male babies under a year old killed in the desire to keep his reign from what was prophesied to him about a new ‘King’ being born.
For much of Mexico, January 6th (the Epiphany) is when children receive gifts. This is a representation of when the three Wise Men arrived, bearing gifts. If there was a Gringo style ‘Santa Claus” celebration with gift-giving on Christmas Day, candies and small treats are given to the kids. Otherwise, this is the day when all of their good deeds for the year earn them their gifts. In Mexico, Children are told that the gifts the receive came from either Santo Clós or El Niñito Dios (Baby Jesus).
Rosca de Reyes with the figure of Baby Jesus
It’s also a common tradition to eat Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) on January 6th. A small figure of baby Jesus gets baked into the cake.
Whoever gets the figure in their piece of cake becomes the honorary godparent of Jesus that year.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Veracruz
February 2nd wraps up a final Christmas celebration. It’s the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the candles). Other countries call it the ‘Candlemass.’
Whether or not you celebrate Christ’s birthday or consider yourself faithful, it’s a season of good cheer, wonderful traditions, and celebrations. Join in and be a part of the Mexican culture.
Many Americans and Canadians are drawn to Mexico’s warmth during the holiday season. Getting to Mexico in your car is very easy. If it’s your first time, you can find out the details of what you need to bring and what to expect. Make sure to check Mexican insurance policy rates before leaving. It’s easy to quote, buy, and print quality coverage at Mexican Insurance Store.
Consider the best Mexican insurance policy available for driving in Mexico.
Discover Mexico’s cultural diversity with a Mexican insurance policy!
A short visit to Mexico is insufficient to expose you to the diversity of the nation’s cultures. It’s easy to look at another nation and create a mental vision of what the culture looks like. However, every nation has its own influences, and exploring them can be a lifelong venture. You will want to invest in a great Mexican insurance policy to facilitate efficient dealings if you ever have an accident or other emergency. Even with a good grasp of Spanish, access to a bilingual representative for your Mexican auto insurance online can simplify your dealings with mechanics, towing personnel, or the authorities.
Learn more about finding a Mexican insurance policy at MexicanInsuranceStore.com.
Regional variations in Mexican culture
You’ll find that the influences in a given region can result in differing flavors in tacos, beverages, soups, and other foods. You are likely to notice differences in architecture, dress, and mannerisms as well. Small agricultural communities can be very peaceful and simple, which can be very refreshing. Large cities often have a harsher feel based on the busyness of business. However, you’ll find exceptions in either setting.
While influences can be different based on regions, there are some common characteristics to watch for in the culture. For example, there is a warm hospitality that allows you to connect with folks that you may have just met over food and drink. It is often a point of pride to invite someone to eat, and declining such an invitation can be considered extremely rude. Remember, a Mexican insurance policy includes toll road access, so secure your Mexican auto insurance online beforehand!
Do you need a Mexican insurance policy? (Yes you do)
Regardless of the region you visit, you must have adequate Mexican auto insurance online to ensure that you can meet your financial obligations if you cause an accident. Additionally, you need to consider the potential for driving problems such as a flat tire, running out of gas, or having a serious mechanical breakdown. Your Mexican insurance policy allows you to get help, including a jump, towing support, or extra fuel if you have driving difficulties. Mexican auto insurance online should include liability limits that reflect your driving route. Opt for the highest limits available if you will visit many states or want to have a flexible itinerary.
Mexican insurance policy coverage from Mexican Insurance Store comes with free Roadside Assistance for peace of mind while driving around Mexico!
Mexican Insurance Policy – Air Pollution and Your Travels in Mexico
While big-city smog may not be an unfamiliar concept, you might not think about these issues as you travel into another country. Mexico City’s population of more than 21 million people, however, makes this an area that can be seriously affected by smog as the population is mirrored by heavy automotive activity. In fact, the area has had several serious smog alerts in recent weeks, causing a limit to be imposed on driving activity. As a tourist, you might not need to worry about these limits, but you should be concerned with carrying a top-rated Mexican insurance policy as you travel. You are legally obligated to cover your vehicle with car insurance for Mexico.
Pollution Trends
Your greatest exposure to pollution problems during your travels will typically involve activities in big cities. Tijuana is another large city that can be overwhelmed by smog. Small communities, especially those in more rural locations, tend to have less traffic. However, you can still encounter adverse breathing conditions. Many people living in rural areas use fire for cooking, especially in agricultural communities where migrants from the southern states often inhabit work camps. Weather can also affect the quality of the air, especially during windy seasons.
Pollution Prep
If you tend to be sensitive to air pollution, you will want to travel with breathing treatments and medications that you normally use at home to control conditions such as asthma. Although you may be able to track such items down at local pharmacies, it could be challenging to figure out what you need with a language barrier affecting your communications. You may have health coverage for Mexico, but you need to be able to figure out where to seek treatment if an emergency arises. Your Mexican insurance policy provides for tourist assistance, and you can seek help if you are in a position to require ambulance service. However, it is also wise to identify local clinics when you arrive in a new town. Prep for Your Mexican Insurance Policy
You can wait until the last minute to buy your Mexican insurance policy online, but you may want to devote a bit of time to researching car insurance for Mexico options first. Your automobile details are important as you get a quote for your Mexican insurance policy so that you can accurately represent the value of the vehicle.
Mexican Insurance Policy – Air Pollution and Your Travels in Mexico
Read more information about car insurance for Mexico online here
Mexican Insurance Policy for Travel – Brands That You May Not Find in Baja
Baja is a great destination for a short trip or an extended vacation, and you can have a blast in either case. As you travel, you may grow to love the flavors of the various restaurants and stands. However, it is possible to encounter a few familiar brands and eating locations as well. Your Mexican insurance policy for travel must be written through an authorized Mexican insurance policy provider. Your domestic coverage does not meet the legal requirements for Mexico insurance for Baja.
Branded Foods and Beverages
You may be surprised to discover that there are many familiar brands in Baja and throughout Mexico. Some, of course, are worldwide brands that are known for their innovations in other countries. For example, you’ll easily find McDonald’s, Burger King, and Coca-Cola in Mexico. You might not find specialized products within a brand, other varieties unique to Mexico. Rootbeer can be tough to come by, but you might run across an off-brand in a 10-peso store. You may find familiar cereal brands in the store, but cookies, crackers, and canned goods may not be very familiar at all. You may stumble across a grocery outlet type of store that sells outdated products from the U.S.
Rural locations are less likely to provide you with that sense of familiarity in terms of grocery items. If you are in the country for an extended period of time, it may be wise to plan by stocking up on any must-have items. However, it can be exciting to learn to live on local fare.
Top Brands and Your Mexican Insurance Policy for Travel
As you research before selecting a Mexican insurance policy, you will want to consider brands such as ACE Seguros, MAPFRE, and HDI Seguros. These are all highly rated providers. This ensures that your Mexico insurance for Baja from any one of them will be valid and reliable during your travels. In addition, these companies meet the legal requirements for a Mexican insurance policy for travel. They are backed by the highest ratings with organizations such as A.M. Best and Standard and Poors.
Best Mexican insurance policy for travel and Mexico insurance for Baja options
Mexico auto insurance – Best spots? How to shop in Mexico
The reality of shopping in Mexico is that your experience could be much like that in your home country. If you head to a touristy area, expect high prices and a bit of glitz. If you head to a mall, expect a wide variety of options in terms of price, quality, and style. You will also find the typical small-town options in more rural areas as you consider markets, yard sales, second-hand shops, and little stores. Savor the experience, but be sure that you have the right Mexico auto insurance as you go. Your Mexican insurance policy could be a huge help in an accident or vehicle emergency.
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Negotiating prices? Depends on the situation
The taco stand is typically not the best place to negotiate price. If you want to haggle, you might walk away hungry. However, you may find that cultivating a relationship with a taquero over a period of time produces a camaraderie that occasionally results in an extra taco or other treat being comped. Similarly, an abarrotes is not the place for haggling. A second-hand market or a tourist shop near the border may be a better venue for trying out your bargaining skills in Mexico. You may find some great deals, and you can definitely learn both culturally and linguistically from these interactions.
You don’t need to negotiate prices when it comes to selecting a Mexican insurance policy. You might try to cut corners by opting for the least expensive option available. However, you need to maintain a good balance between price and benefits with your coverage. As you research, look for benefits that will allow you to have access to bilingual assistance if you have questions or problems. Legal support can be crucial if you wreck, and roadside assistance can save a lot of stress if you have mechanical problems while driving.
Road trip advice:Mexico auto insurance gives you toll road access, so secure a Mexican insurance policy before hitting the road!
Is Mexico auto insurance required?
You’ll often find that some of the most ample options also have excellent prices. Your Mexican insurance policy does need to meet recommended coverage levels according to the states you will visit. You also want to be sure to accurately value your vehicle as you define the parameters of your coverage.
Mexico auto insurance from MexicanInsuranceStore comes with free Roadside Assistance!
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
