page_title: Christmas in Mexico
section_title: Pastorela
hierarchical_section_title: Christmas in Mexico / Pastorela
caption_attribution_description: English: Nativity scene at the Church of the Company of Jesus. Joseph and Mary are dressed in Oaxacan costume. In Oaxaca city , Mexico
context_page_description: Christmas in Mexico is observed from December 12 to January 6, with one additional celebration on February 2. Traditional decorations displayed on this holiday include nativity scenes, poinsettias, and Christmas shoes. The season begins with celebrations related to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico, followed by traditions such as Las Posadas and Pastorales.
  On Christmas Eve, there is a mass and feast. On January 6, the arrival of the Three Wise Men is celebrated with Candlemas and the presentation of images of Jesus as a child at churches. These traditions were formed from influences in both the pre-Hispanic period and Mexico's colonial period, thus incorporating indigenous and Spanish practices. There are also a few influences from both Germany and the United States.
caption: Part of a nativity scene from the Church of the Company of Jesus in the city of Oaxaca. Joseph and Mary are dressed in all white.
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