Christmas Eve in Banderas Bay

Christmas Eve is the last day of the posadas, an important part of Christmas celebrations held from December 16^th to 24^th.  During the posadas, candlelit processions, often with a young man and woman playing Mary and Joseph, will visit a homes and sing a song with the homeowner which retells the story of Joseph and the Innkeeper.  The “innkeeper” will open his doors and everyone comes inside for a party, usually with tamales, Mexican hot chocolate and a piñata for the children.

At midnight, the figure of Baby Jesus is put into the nativity scene that is in almost every Mexican home in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.  The nativity scene is traditionally the dominate Christmas decoration in Mexican homes although Christmas trees can now be seen in many houses in Banderas Bay also.

Families then attend Midnight Mass and after church, it is time for a big family dinner. Dishes commonly served include bacalao, a salted cod, pozole, a hominy soup made with pork or chicken, and ponche navideño, a warm fruit and cinnamon drink.

Traditionally, presents are given to children on January 6^th, the last day of the Christmas celebrations in Mexico. But today, in many households in Banderas Bay, Santa pays a visit and children receive new toys and candy for Christmas morning.