One of the main reasons I would like to take a break in Mexico one day is so that I can experience the ways in which the natives celebrate their national holidays. Whereas our holiday celebrations are dominated by commercialism, there the celebrations seem a little more organic.
The Christmas Mexico holidays is still a very religious event and If you aim to visit during the nine days leading to the big day, you will get to see (and maybe take part in) Las Posadas - meaning "the lodging" - in which neighbors take it in turn to play "inn keepers", hosting prayer celebrations for other friends and families which are representative of Joseph and Mary's "Any room at the inn?" exploits. Each of the nine days represents a month of Mary's pregnancy.
I will definitely be booking one of my holidays to the Caribbean influenced Mexico around this time when I get I take my chance to visit!
ST Valentines Day (or - Da de San Valentine) is known as "the day of love and friendship" and is a celebration for everyone, regardless if they have a significant other or not. Flowers, candy and balloons are given as gifts in mass so that everyone feels appreciated and loved.
Hand written sonnets are also popular since expressing your emotions is something that is socially encouraged daily in Mexico not just under the tropical sky of Saint Valentines!
Hallow's Eve come in two sections in Mexico. Los Angelitos falls first and sees the lives of dead children celebrated by natives. A trail of petals from a junior's burial site to the door of the house of the mourning family is a common sight and is done to lead their lost child back home. This is followed by Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on NOV 2nd and this celebrates the lives of those whop dies at an older age.
Decorative skulls made from sugar are the traditional gifts to mark the occasion and altars dedicated to lost loved ones are made at home and comprised of the deceased loved one's favourite things.
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