10 Tradiciones y Costumbres Populares de México 🌮

Summary

The video presents Mexican traditions as a blend of Indigenous heritage and Spanish influence, with customs that have developed over time.

Celebrations and customs

• Day of the Dead (November 1–2): Families honor deceased relatives, often gathering in cemeteries to decorate graves or altars with offerings. Common items include tequila, chocolate, pan de muerto, and yellow and red flowers. The celebration combines Indigenous and Christian traditions.
• Day of the Mexican Revolution (November 20): Commemorates the start of the 1910 revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.
• Saint Cecilia’s Day (November 22): Mexico City musicians, including mariachis, gather at Plaza Garibaldi for outdoor performances.
• Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12): Devotees make pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to honor Mexico’s patron saint.
• Las Posadas (December 16–24): Children and families reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging by visiting homes and singing songs. They may receive candles and images, and processions often end with food, festivities, and fireworks.
• Christmas Eve (December 24): Families gather for dinner, attend Misa de Gallo around midnight, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. The video notes that children traditionally receive gifts on January 6 rather than December 25.
• Day of the Holy Innocents (December 28): Inspired by the biblical story of Herod, the day is associated with pranks on friends and relatives. Media outlets may also publish false, alarming stories.
• New Year customs: The video describes rituals believed to invite good fortune or leave negativity behind:
  • Scatter lentils by the doorway for abundance.
  • Put a coin in a shoe or pocket for prosperity.
  • Sweep toward the street to remove negative experiences.
  • Eat 12 grapes at midnight, making a wish with each one.
  • Throw water out of the house to cast away worries and negativity.
  • Stand on a chair to encourage success at work.
• Epiphany (January 6): Celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Families eat Rosca de Reyes, a fruit-topped bread with a small figure of baby Jesus inside.

La Catrina

The iconic skeleton figure began as an illustration by printmaker José Guadalupe Posada, originally called La Calavera Garbancera. Diego Rivera later featured her in a mural and popularized the name La Catrina. She is now strongly associated with the Day of the Dead.

Notable locations, figures, and items

Plaza Garibaldi; the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe; José Guadalupe Posada; Diego Rivera; Porfirio Díaz; La Catrina; pan de muerto; Rosca de Reyes; and mariachi musicians.