Lent and Easter
Commemorations begin on Ash Wednesday with church attendance. During the service, parishioners receive ashes in the sign of the cross on the forehead. On this day and all of the Fridays occurring through lent, fish replaces meat. Families also make a type of dessert bread called Capirotada, which contains a strange combination of brown sugar, cheese and plantains along with onions, pecans and tomatoes. Beginning the week before Good Friday, families construct small home altars decorated with candles, flowers and tissue paper that accompany figures or pictures representing the Salvation story.
Communities hold street processions on Palm Sunday while waving palm fronds in commemoration of Christ’s arrival into Jerusalem. Townspeople gather on Good Friday and watch actors reenact Christ carrying the cross and the crucifixion. Easter Sunday brings parishioners back to church followed by family gatherings.
Diez y Seis
Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared freedom for Mexico from Spanish rule on September 16, 1810. The priest and a company of followers set about spreading the word to neighboring communities by carrying a staff topped with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This action influenced the beginning of the Mexican War, which won the country its freedom. Mexico continues celebrating this eventful announcement beginning at midnight on September 15th.
At this time, the President of Mexico makes an appearance on the balcony of the palace. He rings a bell, repeats the cry of freedom and at sunrise the festivities commence. Celebrations throughout the day closely resemble festivities held on July 4th. Civilians and members of the military march in parades, families and friends gather for picnics and nightfall brings pyrotechnic displays.
Dia de Muertos
From October 31st to November 2nd, people of Mexican descent celebrate the Day of the Dead. The festivities evolve around commemorating deceased loved ones and friends. The event also serves as a time for mocking death. The holiday originated centuries before Spanish occupation and took place during the beginning of August. The Spaniards accepted the celebration but combined the event with the Roman Catholic holiday known as All Saint’s Day.
Festivity preparations begin during the third week of the month by building commemorative altars in homes or cemeteries. On the 31st, families and friends decorate the altars with personal belongings and photographs of the deceased. Participants commemorate the lives of deceased children on the first day of November by lighting altar candles and presenting offerings of flowers, aromatic foods and prayers. Commemoration of deceased adults occurs on the following day with the same rituals. Before entering cemeteries, Mariachi music plays, dancing begins and loved ones offer prayers. Along with altar commemorations, communities mock death by eating skulls created from candy or sweet bread.
Christmas Season
In Mexico, the season traditionally begins on December 16th with the recreation of Mary and Joseph searching for shelter. For nine nights, the Posadas take place with community residents taking turns playing the role of the refusing innkeepers. On Noche Buena, Christmas Eve, a designated house represents the end of the long journey and celebrations begin. Families break piñatas and enjoy a festive meal. Churchgoers attend midnight mass and adults exchange gifts. On Christmas morning, youngsters receive their gifts.
The festivities continue to January 6th, called the Dia de los Reyes Magos, which represents the day the Magi found the Christ child in the manger. Children also receive gifts on this day. Youngsters often make specific requests in advance similar to writing letters to Santa.
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