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How does Mexico's past history affect how Christmas Eve is celebrated?

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How does Mexico's past history affect how Christmas Eve is celebrated?

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By: Roberto Rojas

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Many Europe countries went out to travel to America with each country having its own purpose. Spain was one of those countries and one of the main reasons Spain wanted to colonize the Americas was to spread Christianity as they felt it was their duty. Hernan Cortes was given credit of conquering Mexico. The Spanish would convert or force many of the natives to practice Christianity (more specifically Roman Catholic). It was very successful since the majority of people in Mexico are Roman Catholic.

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How their history affected their celebration?

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How their history affected their celebration?

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Before they were converted the natives never celebrated anything in December. With the conversion to becoming Roman Catholic this included the holidays celebrated which included Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is celebrated very differently in Mexico because of this. Its proper name is Nochebuena which translates to goodnight. The Spanish brought this holiday with them and ever since has stayed. Without the Spanish arriving to Mexico it would have never been part of Mexico's culture. Nochebuena is heavily relied on the religious beliefs of Roman Catholicism and thats why the majority in Mexico celebrate it.

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Before the day of Nochebuena they celebrate many days before. On the 16th day of December the "posadas" start and end on the day of Nochebuena which is 24th of December. "Posadas" are were people of the village go around their village and ask if they let the Virgin Mary stay in their house. When a house accepts them the owners of the house give food to the people. They ask a different house everyday until the 24th where they ask the church.

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During the night many people attend church to celebrate the day of Jesus being born. Everyone from the village goes on that day on a specific time depending on the village.

(Fun Fact: This picture is the church of my pueblo. The more you know)

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On the day of Nochebuena the family gathers around to have a big dinner. Its a great time for the family to be together and reunite with family members. There is a lot of variety of food that can be consumed.

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The "nacimiento" is the scene of when Jesus was born made into a model. The "nacimiento" is made once the "posadas" start and the child Jesus is added on the day. There are many characters in the model such as; child Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the three kings, and the animals in the manger.

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Whats a party without piñatas! Of course there are piñatas and they are there for more than just fun. The classic piñatas have seven points which represents the seven deadly sins and the stick which you break it with represents love. As if anyone cares, everyone just wants to break it and eat the candy inside!