Christmas.

The celebration of Christmas in Mexico, including in Puerto Vallarta, is the result of a cultural and historical fusion that mixes Catholic-Christian traditions brought by the Spanish during colonization and pre-Hispanic indigenous customs. Although its origin is religious, today it has become a culturally and socially rooted holiday, transcending the strictly religious.
Why is it considered a Mexican custom?

1. Spanish colonial heritage:

○ During evangelization, Catholic missionaries introduced Christmas celebrations as part of their efforts to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.
○ Posadas, pastorelas and the use of piñatas were incorporated as festive elements that mixed indigenous symbols with new Christian meanings.

      2.Cultural syncretism:

○ Indigenous traditions linked to the celebration of agricultural cycles were adapted to the Catholic calendar, facilitating the adoption of Christmas as a central holiday.
○ The piñata, for example, has Mesoamerican origins and became a symbol of the fight against sin in religious celebrations.

       3.Mexican identity:

○ Mexico adapted these festivities with its own elements, such as special gastronomy (tamales, cod, romeritos and punch) and the posadas from December 16 to 24.
○ Christmas Eve is seen as a family and community event beyond the religious meaning, consolidating its identity as part of Mexican culture.

Christmas Eve (December 24) marks the closing of the posadas and represents the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ, according to Christian tradition. However, in Mexico and especially in Puerto Vallarta, it has evolved into a holiday focused on family life and a sense of unity.

The cultural and social reasons for having dinner on December 24 may be due to the Catholic tradition with the classic Christmas dinner that symbolizes the wait for the Birth of Jesus, the Christ. There is also the family reunion, which in Mexico deeply values ​​the family, and this celebration serves as an occasion to strengthen ties. Another reason is the Cultural Adaptation that although it was born as a Christian holiday, it has been transformed into an inclusive event for believers and non-believers.

Since Puerto Vallarta receives national and international visitors, Christmas Eve dinner has become a social event that also attracts tourism.

Why is December 25 a holiday in Mexico?

December 25 was declared a national holiday due to the influence of the Catholic religion in Mexican history and culture. Although Mexico has been a secular state since 1857, the holiday has maintained its legal status due to the predominant religious history as more than 70% of Mexicans identify as Catholic, which has perpetuated this tradition. This celebration has a social and cultural impact that even those who do not profess the Catholic religion participate in the celebrations as part of Mexican culture. It is a date when the economy and tourism are directly fueled, as it is a key date for commerce and tourism, especially in destinations such as Puerto Vallarta.

Christmas and Christmas Eve in Puerto Vallarta and throughout Mexico are much more than religious celebrations; they are cultural events that bring families together, strengthen traditions and nourish the sense of community. Although they have Catholic and Christian roots, today they are part of the Mexican cultural identity, encompassing believers and non-believers alike.

Joining in the celebration of Christmas without belonging to any religion and with full awareness of the cultural syncretism that this holiday manifests is possible by focusing on its human, cultural and social aspects. Beyond its religious origin, Christmas has evolved into an event of unity, generosity and reflection, which allows one to participate without having to adhere to specific beliefs.

Celebrating Christmas without belonging to any religion is totally possible by focusing on the human and social meaning it has acquired over time. It is an opportunity to strengthen family ties, practice gratitude, participate in cultural traditions and share with the community, always respecting the diversity of beliefs and approaches. In this way, cultural syncretism is honored without losing the personal meaning that each person chooses to give to this season.