Mexico Festival
Day of the Dead - Día de Muertos (2/11)
what is Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.
How do people celebrate
Mexicans visit cemeteries, decorate the graves and spend time there, in the presence of their deceased friends and family members. They also make elaborately decorated altars (called ofrendas) in their homes to welcome the spirits.
Guelaguetza Festival (21/7 - 25/7)
What is Guelaguetza Festival
The Guelaguetza is a festival of music, costumes, dances, and food, but it's also a celebration of the mutual interdependence of people within a community. It's a moment when Oaxacan culture can be appreciated at its best.
How do people celebrate
For the Guelaguetza, members of these groups gather wearing their traditional clothing and perform folk dances that are particular to their region. At the end of the dancing, they throw items to the crowd, products that come from the region they represent.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (16/9)
what is Independence Day
On August 24, 1821, Spain withdrew and officially recognized Mexico as an independent country. Today, Father Hidalgo is known as the Father of Mexican Independence. Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated every year since that momentous day on September 16, 1810.
How Do Mexicans Celebrate Mexican Independence Day?
Apart from the Grito de Dolores reenactments, Mexicans commemorate Mexican Independence Day in a variety of ways.
Flags festoon buildings and there are fireworks, fiestas, music, and of course, delicious Mexican food. People host parties at home while restaurants and street vendors bring ambiance to neighborhoods.
The Mexican flag colors — red, white, and green — adorn public spaces, be it in flag-inspired dishes, flowers, or other decorations. Crowds gather and dance to traditional mariachi music, and beer, tequila, fruit punch, and sangria flow. Shouts of “Viva Mexico!” reverberate from dawn way into the night.
Popular dishes served include stews such as pozole and menudo, and queso fundido — a Mexican cheese fondue served with chips, salsa, and guacamole. Roast lamb is also popular.
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DIA DE LA CANDELARIA (2/2)
What is Dia De La Candelaria
February 2 is Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) and the conclusion of the Christmas season is celebrated in Mexico and Spain. This festival is full of special events and the most important blessing to the baby Jesus.
How do people celebrate
Día de la Candelaria is a follow-up to the festivities of Día de Los Reyes, on January 6th, when children receive gifts and family and friends break bread together. The bread has a baby figurine hidden inside.
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DIA DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE
What is DIA DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE
Each December 12th, the Mexican Catholic community of Scott County celebrates the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This celebration commemorates the appearance of Mary to the Mexican peasant Juan Diego in 1531. The feast day is an important holiday in Mexico.
How do people celebrate
Attend a vigil
The night before the Feast Day, the Mexican community gather in a circle outside a church, reciting prayers and recounting the story of the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego. After completing prayer, they move into the church and sing songs in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Celebrations usually include a time of prayer and fanfare. In Mexico and communities in the U.S., festivities include dance presentations representing the diverse population through Mexico, parades and fireworks. In the Gulf Coast, believers celebrate the day as best as they can with what is available.
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LAS POSADAS
What is Las Posadas
Las Posadas, (Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable, where the Christ Child was born.
How they celebrate
Las Posadas is celebrated in cities and towns across Mexico. Each evening during the festival, a small child dressed as an angel leads a procession through the streets of the town. The procession is primarily made up of children dressed in silver and gold robes carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey. Adults, including musicians, follow the procession, which visits selected homes and asks for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally, the procession is always refused lodging, though the hosts often provide refreshments. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung.