Presentation of the Child Jesus: Mexican Tradition
Another Dia de la Candelaria celebration in Mexico consists of figures of the Child Jesus being presented at church, on February 2.
In Mexico, the celebration moved toward the celebration of the Child Jesus as the central figure, along with the idea of dressing the figure with different outfits. Previously, the figure was dressed by Catholic nuns.
Currently, in Mexico, the outfits to dress the Child Jesus are very diverse. It is estimated that there are over 100 different outfits. An example is the company Niños Uribe, located in Mexico City, and dedicated to offering a variety of outfits to dress the figure of the Child Jesus.
The traditional outfit is to dress the figure in white, without a crown or throne. As the years progress, the outfit changes, according to the symbolization. In modern Mexico, it is now common to see the figure of the Child Jesus dressed in modern attire, such as a firefighter, medical doctor, etc.
Large Child Jesus displayed in Mexico City, during the Feria del Tamal de Iztapalapa (Tamale Fair), which takes place the end of January until February 2.
On February 2, in Mexico, it is customary to eat tamales, accompanied by atole. As precedent, by tradition in Mexico, Three Kings Day (January 6) is celebrated by a gathering where the Rosca de Reyes is eaten. The person who finds the figure of the Child Jesus in their piece of Rosca, is the one who invites guests to their home to celebrate with tamales, on Candlemas Day.
Author: AllMexico.store
References
Fiestas de la Candelaria en Tlacotalpan | SECTUR
