Did we start the article with stereotypes? Yes, but it’s not a big deal. Let’s dive in. Following our series on Christmas in different countries from colleagues in the office, today we are travelling to our beloved Mexico.
Christmas is a celebration that brings together families and communities around the world, although the way it is celebrated reflects each country’s history, culture, and climate. Spain and Mexico, though both Spanish-speaking countries with deep Catholic roots, have developed Christmas traditions that are both similar and unique, blending religious devotion, folklore, gastronomy, and festive creativity.
In both countries, Christmas celebrations revolve around the birth of Christ, and religious customs play a central role. In Spain, Christmas officially begins with the arrival of Advent, and from early December, Christmas markets, lights, and decorations appear in cities and towns. A festive atmosphere—with its music, Santa hats, and those impossible yet fantastic sweaters—is something we love. Let’s be honest… well, most of us. Like in Spain, Mexico also has plenty of “Grinches” (people who “hate” Christmas).
But let’s get back to the traditions, which is what matters here. Christmas Eve, on December 24, is the highlight of the holiday season, with family gatherings and Midnight Mass. Christmas Day, December 25, is a quieter family celebration. In Spain, the season continues until January 6, with the Feast of the Three Kings, which includes parades, gifts, and the famous Roscón de Reyes.
In Mexico, the season also begins in early December, but with a very particular local flavor. The celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 marks the start of the festive season, blending national pride with religious devotion. Like in Spain, Christmas Eve is the most important family gathering and usually includes Midnight Mass. However, Mexican traditions extend in a unique way: the Posadas, from December 16 to 24, reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, with processions, songs, and gatherings that highlight community participation.
Food (one of the most important things!)
Food is central to Christmas in both countries, though the dishes reflect local tastes and ingredients. In Spain, Christmas Eve dinner is a feast of roasted meats, seafood, soups, and traditional sweets like turrón, polvorones, and mazapanes. In Mexico, the Christmas Eve dinner may include roast turkey, bacalao a la vizcaína (salted cod in tomato sauce), tamales, and atole, a traditional warm drink. Desserts like buñuelos, Christmas punch, and chocolate-covered sweets complete the festive table.
WE LOVE A PARTY IN BOTH COUNTRIES!
Both countries enjoy lights and decorations, but in different styles. In Spain, homes often display elaborate Nativity scenes, which can be artistic and detailed. In Mexico, Nativity scenes are also common, but piñatas, poinsettias, and colorful lights create a livelier, more cheerful atmosphere. Street celebrations, fireworks, and community gatherings are more frequent in Mexico, giving Christmas a public and social dimension in addition to the family-centered one.
Despite the differences, Spain and Mexico share the universal values of Christmas: family, generosity, spirituality, and joy. Spain emphasizes regional diversity, solemn traditions, and culinary richness, while Mexico combines religious devotion, folkloric creativity, community participation, and warmth. Both countries transform December into a season of light, music, and connection, showing that the essence of Christmas transcends borders.
Spain and Mexico celebrate the same holiday, but each does so with its own rhythm, flavors, and colors—reminding us that Christmas is both a shared heritage and a canvas for local expression.
