When does the Christmas season start in Mexico?

The season's dates

In Mexico Christmas begins on 16 December with the first posada, and the nine nights stand, in the usual explanation, for the nine months of Mary's pregnancy. The last posada, on the 24th, ends with the Christmas Eve dinner at midnight; Nochebuena is the big night across the Spanish-speaking world, and the 25th is quiet.

A few days earlier, on 12 December, millions of pilgrims arrive at the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, many on foot or on their knees. In Spain the children's presents come on 6 January, the Día de Reyes.

• In Mexico, Christmas begins on 16 December with the posadas; the last one, on the 24th, ends with the Nochebuena dinner at midnight.
• The nine nights are said to stand for the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.
• Every 12 December millions of pilgrims arrive at the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, many on foot or on their knees.
• In Spain the children's big day is 6 January, when the Three Kings bring the presents.

En México, la Navidad empieza el 16 de diciembre con las posadas.

In Mexico, Christmas begins on the 16th of December with the posadas.

La última posada, el 24, termina con la cena de Nochebuena a medianoche.

The last posada, on the 24th, ends with the Christmas Eve dinner at midnight.

Cada 12 de diciembre llegan millones de peregrinos, muchos a pie o de rodillas.

Every 12th of December millions of pilgrims arrive, many on foot or on their knees.