This celebration has been celebrated in Mexico for generations, and it’s a time to bring families and friends together to enjoy the country’s typical culinary delights. But what does the celebration of Candlemas involve?

February 2, Candlemas Day

To enjoy the very Mexican tradition of Candlemas, you don’t need to be a history expert. All you need is to have participated in a gathering where the traditional Rosca de Reyes (three kings’ cake) is cut, which is enjoyed in every home across the country, specifically on January 6th. On the night of January 5th, the Three Wise Men visit children while they sleep to bring them gifts, so on January 6th, to the delight of the little ones, families celebrate with a slice of Rosca de Reyes (three kings’ cake).

Family and friends choose which section of the rosca they will cut to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or milk. The trick to this rosca is that inside, you can find small baby figures, representing the baby Jesus. This way, those who find these figures in their slice commit to buying tamales for everyone present, which can be enjoyed on Candlemas Day, celebrated on February 2nd.

This is an easy tradition to enjoy, but… do you know where it comes from?

Meaning of Candlemas Day

It is said that 40 days after Christmas, on February 2, the Virgin went to the church to purify herself and present baby Jesus to the priests, in gratitude for the arrival of her son, who came into the world to illuminate it like a candle… Hence the name of this celebration.

Origin of Candlemas Day

During the viceregal in Mexico, the celebration of Candlemas coincided with the beginning of the harvest season. At the beginning of February, corn was harvested, which is used to make all kinds of typical Mexican dishes; this grain has always been the basis of the country’s diet.

This time of abundance was the time to savor the exquisite tamales, prepared with corn dough and other ingredients, such as chicken, pork or beef.

Virgin of Candelaria in Mexico

Arturo Cardoso, a sociologist and historian from the Faculty of Higher Studies in Acatlán, points out that Candlemas in Mexico is a syncretism that involves pre-Hispanic tradition and enriches it with elements of Catholic and even Jewish culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, celebrating the Child Jesus began to gain popularity, probably due to the custom of dressing him in different attire; however, in Jewish tradition, there is the Book of Vaikra, which states that when a woman gives birth, after 40 days she must visit a church to purify herself and thank God for the life of her son, with a dove, which over time was replaced by a candle, giving way to what is known as Candlemas Day.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mexican traditions, the best option is to visit a beautiful tourist destination where you can experience history firsthand. Visit the unique corners of Mexico and treat yourself to a vacation in a colonial city or at a spectacular all-inclusive beachfront hotel in Cancun, such as The Pyramid at Grand Oasis.