Mexico is a fantastic place for celebrations, culture and tradition. A Catholic country, Mexico celebrates numerous festivities related to Catholicism but do not feel out of place. A lot of tourists, no matter what their religious beliefs are, also enjoy the unique traditions that are done in Mexico. There is no bad time to visit the country. Always sunny and shiny, Mexico is available for sun worshipers and culture enthusiasts no matter what the season is in your location. So what interesting activity should you try to take advantage of for your Mexico trip?
In January, to celebrate the end of the Yuletide festivities, Mexico celebrates the so called Dia De los Reyes Magos or Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany). The tradition is done during the 6th of January. This is a tradition that is very special for kids since this is the time they get some gifts. The tradition of gift giving in Mexico is normally during the Three Kings’ Day but of course, with the global tradition of gift giving during Christmas, some kids do get their own share of nice treats for both occasions.
For Mexico, being a former Spanish colony, the concept of Santa Clause might be nice but in Spain and Mexico, the real stars of Christmas are the biblical gift givers, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar. The story goes that upon the birth of Christ, the three men or some times, three mages traveled across long distances to send their gifts to Christ, who will be the redeemer and savior of humanity. They gave symbolic gifts to the baby Christ, Myrrh, Frankincense and gold, to symbolize, the life and triumph of Jesus.
During December, kids of all ages would begin writing their letters for all or on one of the kings. They will write things that they wish they could receive on January 6. It is probably the root of the Santa Claus tradition where kids need to behave and to be good or else, they will not receive the gifts that they want on Dia De los Reyes Magos. They will receive coal if they are bad. On the 5th of January, at night, before heading to bed, the kids will put their shoes in front of the door so that the 3 Kings, arriving using their camels can identify how many kids are in the area. If Santa has milk and cookies, the Three Kings have a variety of food options plus grass and water for the camel since, you know, they must be tired after traveling thousands of miles with a haul of gifts for millions of kids.
