We are already in 2022, parties, family, friends, food, gifts and more, the celebrations are not over yet, at least in Mexico.
Like every beginning of the year, the December holidays and the subsequent arrival of the Three Kings, it is the sequence of festivities that leave us with a few extra kilos, and when one thinks that it is the moment to begin the fitness life, we remember that February has one more day of celebration whose tradition we cannot postpone: Candelaria Day.
A date full of tradition and that highlights the communion between indigenous and Catholic customs, is undoubtedly an invaluable cultural legacy in the Mexican Republic.
When and why is Candlemas Day celebrated?
Candelaria Day is a celebration of Catholic origin that represents the purification of the Virgin Mary 40 days after Christmas and the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, recognized as the “Light to illuminate the Nations”, as described in the biblical passages.
As the years went by, Candlemas Day added other customs that are part of the traditions of many peoples, not only in Mexico but in different parts of the world.
In Mexico, it is customary to dress the image of the Child God and take it to church to be blessed, a practice that is even transmitted through generations in various families.
Returning home, tradition indicates that it is time to enjoy some delicious tamales accompanied by atole.
The celebration takes place on February 2, when the 40 days since the birth of Jesus on December 24 are fulfilled. Some people travel to Mexico only for this reason.
Candelaria Day in Mexico
In Mexico, on February 2, the celebrations of Candelaria Day and the Day of Birth or Presentation of the Sun come together, according to the Aztec calendar and which marks the beginning of the planting season.
History tells that before the arrival of the Spanish, the Aztecs performed rituals in honor of their gods Tláloc, Chalchiuhtlicue and Quetzalcóatl, celebrating the beginning of the planting season, to whom they offered tamales, foods made with corn.
The importance of corn in pre-Hispanic times can be understood by reviewing Mayan beliefs, which state that corn is the element used by the Gods to create man.
With such antecedents, during the Conquest, the friars in charge of evangelizing the indigenous peoples decided to mix the Catholic traditions with the pre-Hispanic ones and from there the custom of eating tamales on Candelaria Day in Mexico arose.
Over the years, the idea of choosing who would be in charge of making this delicious dish was adopted, and this is how on Three Kings Day, whoever got the child, would be the one to offer the banquet of tamales since He is the godfather of the little boy.
