Mexico: a mix of festive traditions

Sonia and Gerardo are no strangers to Christmas traditions. In their home, the whole house exudes festive cheer. This Mexican couple has literally transformed their home into a veritable sanctuary of festivity and conviviality. In their home, Feliz Navidad is much more than just a festive greeting. It's a warm invitation to share their joy and their culture. 

Even before we got a tour of the house Sonia, with her infectious smile, served us a ponche navideño, a typically Mexican sweet drink made with seasonal fruit and spices such as cinnamon, hibiscus, apple and pear. She and her husband came to Luxembourg ten years ago,' she says from the kitchen table, bathed in the sweet aromas wafting from the pot in which she has prepared the ponche. Before coming here, the couple lived in their native country in Querétaro (in central Mexico) and Mexico City, then in Canada and Hungary. After this brief glimpse into her private life, she takes us into the living room, where the heart of her fiesta is in full swing. 

As soon as we enter, the tone is set. The Christmas table is more than just a decoration, it's an invitation to conviviality, just like the warm and friendly welcome Sonia and Gerardo gave us as soon as we stepped through the door. Deep red plates and tablecloths with Christmas motifs create a festive atmosphere. 

But the Christmas spirit is not limited to the table. Figurines in every corner of the room and socks embroidered with the names of their twin sons, Andrew and Stefan, hanging by the fireplace add a touch of magic to the already enchanted atmosphere. At the foot of the Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling baubles and garlands of light, lies a porcelain nativity scene. Carefully placed on a bed of pine branches, its imposing size is a real eye-catcher. However, the scene draws attention for its missing detail. The little cradle, carefully placed in the centre of the scene, is empty. 'It's normal that Jesus isn't there, since he hasn't been born yet,' smiles Sonia. 'We're only going to put him in his cradle on the evening of 24 December. But before that, we do the 'lullaby shaking',' she says. This is a Mexican custom in which the Infant Jesus is gently rocked before being placed in the cradle.

But Feliz Navidad is not limited to this rite. For this Mexican family, the evening of the 24th is full of Catholic traditions. Before nightfall, the whole family goes to church. Back home, they enjoy a glass of hot ponche. And to prolong the magic of the traditions, the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree and starts reading Christmas books in which classic tales and Mexican stories are intertwined. Each member of the family takes it in turns to read aloud. Only then are the presents opened, Sonia tells us.

Even at the table, the tradition continues. Every year we serve Bacalao a la Bizkaina,' the couple proudly explain. The recipe is a family heirloom going back four generations. The preparation of this family dish begins two days before the big feast. It all starts with desalting, and this is done several times to soften the salty taste,' says Sonia. Then you have to prepare the ingredients, of which there are many: tomatoes, onions, olives, peppers, capers, potatoes and a few spices. Then we fry everything for five hours. 

For Sonia and Gerardo, Bacalao a la Bizkaina is not just a simple Christmas meal, but above all a way of forging links between generations. And they want to keep it that way. At least that's what Gerardo tells us in his own way. His most pious wish is to be surrounded by his family. This year his wish has come true, as their sons are returning from the United States to celebrate Christmas with them.