Origin of Navidad

The origin of Navidad or Christmas in Mexico can be traced back to the early 1500’s. That was when the Spanish landed on this land of the Mayans and Aztecs. Mexico’s ancient customs and rituals have over the years been cloaked with Spanish customs and ways.Christmas in Navidad as it is celebrated today can be traced back to the introduction of Christianity by the Spanish priest Fray Pedro De Grante.

In the olden days it was only Spanish colonial population who settlers who celebrated Christmas. Gradually the local Mexican people began to adopt the rituals as part of their annual celebrations. Today Mexican traditions are a pot pourri of Spanish, English and even American customs.

The local markets, posadas, and pastorelas are typically Mexican ways of celebrating the fest. The custom of using Poinsettias as offerings to baby jesus originated here. As legend goes Maria and Pablo were two poor children who wanted to gift something to baby Jesus. They just picked a few wild twigs as they had no money. Other children apparently laughed at them. But the moment they placed the offerings at the feet of Jesus, they turned into these lovely bright red flowers. Ever since Poinsettias have become an important part of X Mas celebrations not just in Mexico but all over the world.