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Christmas in Mexico: Celebrating in Kaleidoscopic Colour
IN PICTURES: Shoppers bustle about the streets of Mexico, upholding the nation's record as the world's biggest spender during the holiday season.

With just days to go before Christmas arrives, Mexico is continuing its nine days of celebration centred on piñatas, food and family as communities gather together in harmony to honor traditions dating back centuries in a kaleidoscopic wave of color, light and sound.

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Mexico City comes alive with enormous Christmas light displays that can be seen for miles as families and tourists wrap up their holiday shopping in the final days before the 25th.
Mexico City comes alive with enormous Christmas light displays that can be seen for miles as families and tourists wrap up their holiday shopping in the final days before the 25th. Photo:EFE
Mexicans dress up in creative costumes for tourists, blending the present with the past as culture meets Christmas in the heart of Mexico City's plaza.
Mexicans dress up in creative costumes for tourists, blending the present with the past as culture meets Christmas in the heart of Mexico City's plaza. Photo:EFE
Shoppers bustle about the streets, upholding the nation's record as the world's biggest spenders during the holiday season, the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) reports.
Shoppers bustle about the streets, upholding the nation's record as the world's biggest spenders during the holiday season, the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) reports. Photo:EFE
Repeated nine times during December and the beginning of January are the Posadas, religious processions which recreate the Christmas story and honor the feasts of various states.
Repeated nine times during December and the beginning of January are the Posadas, religious processions which recreate the Christmas story and honor the feasts of various states. Photo:EFE
Piñatas are a common sight as Christmas draws near, filled to the brim with candy, sugared fruits, nuts and cookies.
Piñatas are a common sight as Christmas draws near, filled to the brim with candy, sugared fruits, nuts and cookies. Photo:EFE
Artistic figures and displays line the streets of Mexico City in a spectacular array of Christmas celebrations.
Artistic figures and displays line the streets of Mexico City in a spectacular array of Christmas celebrations. Photo:EFE
One of the nation's oldest Christmas traditions is El Gordo, which began in the 18th century and perfectly reflects the giving season: US$20 million is distributed by lottery to the poor.
One of the nation's oldest Christmas traditions is El Gordo, which began in the 18th century and perfectly reflects the giving season: US$20 million is distributed by lottery to the poor. Photo:EFE
Prior to Spain's conquest and the introduction of Christian beliefs, Mexico celebrated the New Year by offering sacrifices to the mother of all gods, Tonantzin, at a temple in Tepeyac.
Prior to Spain's conquest and the introduction of Christian beliefs, Mexico celebrated the New Year by offering sacrifices to the mother of all gods, Tonantzin, at a temple in Tepeyac. Photo:EFE
Published 22 December 2017
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