return to current editionsun

 

 Jaltemba Sol Free Spanish Lessons

Día de la Candelaria

February 2nd

Día de la Candelaria or Candlemas is a Christian celebration that marks the end of the Christmas season in the Christian Calendar. The day, also known as Purification of the Virgin, is to commemorate the presentation of Boy Jesus to the Temple by his parents as was Jewish custom. While it also marks the day Mary was purified, this is currently de-emphasized by the church.

This is the last celebration of the Christmas season and a party is held to celebrate. The host is the one who found the baby Jesus ornament in the Three Kings cake on Día de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day).  He or she is responsible for dressing the Baby Jesus in a Christening gown. (Afterwards the nativity scenes and all other decorations relating to Christmas are put away.)

A traditional Día de la Candelaria dinner includes Tamales (corn bread filled with meats wrapped in corn husks) and Atole (a heated drink based on cornstarch and meal, water, cinnamon, vanilla and sometimes chocolate or fruit.)

Towns throughout Mexico differ in their celebrations. Some decorate the streets with lanterns, hold bullfights and fiestas. In many churches, candles, seeds and plants are blessed for the new year