When visiting Puerto Vallarta during the Christmas season, visitors can expect to trade cold weather and snowed-in streets for sunshine, ocean breezes, and swaying palm trees. Despite the lack of chilly temperatures, Mexico has a rich array of festive Christmas traditions that are deeply ingrained in the culture. Here are some of the most common Christmas traditions in Mexico:
Posadas: Meaning “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish, this celebration reenacts the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in search of a place to give birth. Festive celebrations take place on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas and include singing, breaking piñatas, enjoying tamales, and sipping on Ponche, a traditional fruit punch.
Piñatas: Not just reserved for birthday parties, piñatas are a common sight at Christmas gatherings in Mexico. These colorful creations are filled with traditional Mexican candies, small toys, and chocolate coins.
Poinsettias: Known as “Noche Buenas” in Spanish, these festive plants are native to southern Mexico. Their use in cultural celebrations dates back to the Aztecs, who referred to them as “Cuetlaxochitl”. Pronouncing that three times quickly is a challenge!
Tamales: A staple of Mexican holiday meals, tamales consist of masa (corn dough) filled with chicken or pork stew, peppers, cheese, or fruits, and wrapped in a corn husk.
Nativity Scenes: While midnight mass may take place in homes instead of churches this year, many Mexican families and businesses will display their own nativity scenes. These scenes depict the Holy family, angels, and shepherds. In Mexico, the Three Kings are not added to the nativity scene until January 6th, marking the Epiphany or Día de Reyes.
Painted Tin Ornaments: Though Christmas trees are not as common in Puerto Vallarta as in other parts of the world, many still adorn their homes with traditional Mexican tin ornaments. Vibrant and available in a variety of colors and designs, these ornaments serve as lovely mementos of time spent in Mexico.
To all our guests staying at our luxury vacation rentals in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone this month, as well as to all our past and future visitors, the Pinnacle Resorts staff extends warm wishes for a joyful holiday season. May your time be as merry and bright as a sunny day in Puerto Vallarta.
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