There are several unique Mexican traditions that are not typically practiced in the United States, so when friends and clients come to Puerto Vallarta, they have an opportunity to be a part of the many special activities Mexicans know and love. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
This tradition is a colorful and vibrant celebration to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Families create altars with photographs, mementos, and the favorite foods of the departed, and they visit cemeteries to decorate graves and hold gatherings to reminisce and celebrate their lives. While we don't celebrate this holiday in the traditional sense here in Puerto Vallarta, during October and November on the Malecon you'll see some festive and impressive picture-worthy displays of catrinas (See below for more!).
2. Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a nine-day Christmas celebration leading up to Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). It reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to find shelter in Bethlehem. Families traditionally go from house to house, singing carols, acting out the journey, and being offered shelter (posada) until they reach the designated home for a celebratory gathering. Families usually assemble aguinaldos, or good bags, for the children to take home, which are filled with candy, cookies, chocolate, coloring books, and trinkets for them to enjoy. We also drink ponche -- a yummy, spiced fruit punch made with seasonal fruits, cinnamon, and sometimes spiked with rum or brandy, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. Imagine doing this 9 days in a row... I love the holiday season!
3. Quinceañera
A Quinceañera is a lavish celebration to mark a girl transitioning into womanhood on her 15th birthday. It involves a religious ceremony, a formal reception, a father-daughter dance, and many other symbolic events to commemorate this significant milestone. These days, it involves choreographed dancing, and the families (everyone who's close to the family pitches in to help host the party, like buying food & drinks). During the celebration, every uncle, brother, cousin, second cousin - and beyond - is called up to have a short dance with the birthday girl. You'll also see photo shoots a few weeks prior, photo montages of the special girl, the girl's closest boy friends being a part of the dance routine, and a whole lot of FUN!
4. Fiesta de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Day)
Celebrated on January 6th, this tradition commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. Families gather to share a special meal and cut the Rosca de Reyes (King's Bread), a sweet bread with a hidden figurine representing the responsibility of hosting the celebration. My many American and Canadian friends say it's like a bonus in addition to the gifts Mexican children receive at Christmas.
5. El Grito de Dolores (Mexican Independence Day)
On the night of September 15th, Mexicans celebrate the Grito de Dolores, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. The President or a local official reenacts the Grito (cry) made by Miguel Hidalgo, igniting a nationwide celebration with fireworks, music, and traditional foods. It goes something like this: VIVA MEXICO!
6. La Calavera Catrina
La Calavera Catrina, a skeleton dressed as a wealthy woman, is an iconic image during Dia de los Muertos. It symbolizes the acceptance and humor of death in Mexican culture and is a reminder to celebrate life and remember one's mortality.
7. Piñatas
Piñatas are colorful, decorated containers filled with candy and toys, typically made of papier-mâché. They are a popular part of birthdays and celebrations in Mexico, especially during Christmas and Las Posadas, where children take turns trying to break them open with a stick while we sing a traditional song as they spin and swing. When the song is over, their turn is over!
8. Lotería
Lotería is a traditional Mexican game of chance, similar to bingo but using images and a deck of cards. Players match the drawn cards to their boards, calling out "Lotería!" when they complete a row or pattern.
These traditions are just a little glimpse into the unique culture of Mexico, each with its own significance that brings our community together in meaningful and festive ways.
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