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Learn About the People of Mexico
by Exploring Their Celebrations
January 6 Dia de los Santos Reyes
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Dia de los Sontos Reyes means “the day of the the Kings”, or
“the Wise Men day”.
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Mexicans do not exchange Christmas presents until this day,
in accordance with the arrival of the three gift-bearing
wisemen to Jesus Christ. This day completes the
Christmastime festivities.
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The Mexican children put their shoes by the window, and the
Magi (Wise Men) put presents in the shoes of the good
children. If the present is big, it is placed beside the shoe.
November 1 & 2 Dia de los Muertos
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Dia de los Muertos means “Day of the Dead”.
An important Mexican holiday. Europe’s All Saints’ Day
and the Aztec worship of the dead contribute to these
two days that honor Mexico’s dead.
October 12 Dia de la Raza

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Dia de la Raza means “Day of the Race”.
This day celebrates Columbus’ arrival to the Americas,
and the historical origins of the Mexican race.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo

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Cinco de Mayo means “Fifth of May”.
The Mexican holiday that honors the Mexican defeat of
the French army at Puebla de los Angeles in 1862.
December 16 Las Posadas
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Las Posadas means “The Inns”.
This celebrates Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in
Bethlehem with candlelight processions that end at
various nativity scenes. Las Posadas continues through
January 6.
December 25 Navidad
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Navidad, as you might have guessed, is the Spanish
word for Christmas.
With the rest of the Christian world, Mexico celebrates
Christmas Day.