The Flavors of Christmas in Mexico:5 Traditional Dishes

By Andrea Ordaz

This article is also available in Spanish

CultureBlog
In Mexico, Christmas is a time of joy and family. Starting on December 12, Mexicans celebrate the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon, a series of festivities and traditions that end on January 6. The most important day of all these celebrations is December 24, Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, families gather to enjoy a special dinner, exchange gifts, and toast with cider or champagne. It is a very special night, and people usually dress nicely, even if the celebration takes place at home. The next day, December 25, is much more relaxed. Families enjoy “el recalentado“, meaning the leftovers from the night before, and spend time together.

During Christmas, Mexican homes are filled with delicious aromas that bring back memories and joy. On Christmas Eve dinner, some families prepare very traditional dishes like tamales or pozole. Others choose more international meals, such as turkey, pork loin, or pasta, but always with a Mexican twist—for example, turkey with mole or pork loin with chili-based sauces.

Cena navideña mexicana

Below are five traditional Christmas dishes in Mexico:

  • Turkey with Mole

Turkey is a popular Christmas dish in many countries. In Mexico, it can be prepared in an American-style roast or with a Mexican touch, such as mole or chili sauces. The turkey is often stuffed with a special filling made of ground meat, fruits, and nuts. It is an elegant and very flavorful dish. In some towns, people also cook guajolote, the native turkey of Mexico.

A typical Guajolote con mole Mexican dish
  • Bacalao a la Vizcaína

Bacalao is dried codfish that arrived in Mexico from Spain. Here, it is prepared with tomatoes, olives, capers, potatoes, and güero peppers. This dish is served with bread or tostadas and is a classic Christmas Eve favorite.

Bacalao a la Vizcaina dish
  • Romeritos with Mole

Romeritos are a very traditional Mexican herb. This dish is a stew made with romeritos, mole, dried shrimp, and nopales. It is served with shrimp patties, small fritters made from ground shrimp. This dish has a very unique and distinctive flavor.

Romeritos con mole dish
  • Apple Salad

Apple salad is a sweet and refreshing dish. It is made with apples, cream, walnuts, and peaches in syrup. Sometimes raisins or small marshmallows are added. It is the perfect side dish for the main courses of the Christmas dinner.

Ensalada de manzana cup
  • Fruit Punch (Ponche)

Ponche is a hot, sweet, and comforting drink. It is made with fruits such as tejocotes, guavas, apples, prunes, and sugar cane. It is cooked with cinnamon and piloncillo, which gives it a rich, aromatic sweetness. Sometimes a splash of alcohol, like brandy or rum, is added.

Mexican ponche de frutas

These five dishes are an essential part of Christmas traditions in Mexico. They help make the holiday season a special time to share with family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄🥂

What do people eat in your country during Christmas?
Which of these five dishes would you like to try?

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