How Does Mexico Celebrate Dia de la Candelaria Candlemas Day?
Every February 2, el Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day) is celebrated in Mexico. On this day, it is customary in Mexico to witness public celebrations.
In Spanish, the name comes from “candela”, a candle. Given that a candle radiates light, it is considered a symbol of the Virgin sharing light and prosperity. Thus, both the figure of the Child Jesus and candles are blessed.
Origin of Candlemas Day
The celebration of Candlemas Day has a religious origin. It is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, on February 2 because on that day the Virgin was purified after the birth of the Child Jesus. In the original celebration, the Virgin was the central figure, and faithful brought candles to church to have them blessed.
As time passed, Candlemas Day remained a custom to go to church. It enveloped both the presentation of Jesus in the temple on his 40th day of birth, and the purification of the Virgin Mary. Faithful gave thanks, by means of lit candelas (candles), hence the name Candelaria.
February 2 in México: The Pre-Hispanic Influence
In relation to the pre-Hispanic influence in México, February 2 is considered the day of the birth of the sun in the Aztec calendar. On this day, the Mexica celebrated the beginning of the Atlcahualo, planting season. In celebration, maize was blessed in order to obtain good harvest and as a tribute to the gods Tlaloc and Chachitlicuetl. Maize was of great importance to pre-Hispanic peoples and was offered in ceremonies and festivals. To this day, there are people in Mexico who bring maize to bless on February 2, then proceed to harvest.
The February 2 celebration was also marked by eating tamales. The word tamal comes from the Nahuatl “tamalli” which means wrapped.
The Celebration of Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day) in México
With the evangelization of the indigenous peoples in México, a syncretism arose between Pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions. Today, in México, the celebration of Dia de la Candelaria is traditionally a combination of both.
As such, modifications have taken place over time. Such that Candlemas Day celebrations in México take place in two forms; the purification of the Virgin and the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple.
The celebration dedicated to the purification of the Virgin consists of a procession, accompanied by music and pyrotechnics.
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