Looking for something unique in 2025? Why not celebrate Día de la Candelaria in Mexico? This vibrant celebration is far from ordinary. The streets are alive with crowds, music, and delicious tamales!
If you’re a fan of festivals that blend history, food, and customs, this festive day won’t disappoint. Read the full article to learn why it’s so important, how it’s celebrated, and the unique customs that make it such a special occasion in Mexico and beyond.
What is Día de la Candelaria?
Día de la Candelaria, or Candlemas Day, marks the end of the Christmas season in Mexico. The holiday combines Catholic traditions, particularly the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, with indigenous practices. In pre-Hispanic Mexico, this date aligned with agricultural celebrations tied to the earth and harvest cycle.
The Religious and Cultural Origins of Candlemas
The origins of Candlemas date back to early Christian practices in Europe, where candles were blessed in churches as a symbol of Jesus, the light of the world. This tradition eventually evolved and was brought to Mexico during Spanish colonization.
In Mexico, Candlemas merged with the pre-Hispanic traditions, especially those related to agricultural cycles and the Aztec goddess of water, Chalchiuhtlicue. These indigenous customs often involved rituals and offerings to secure a good harvest.
Traditionally, Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin on December 12 with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and continue until February 2, Día de la Candelaria. This festive period holds deep significance in Mexican tradition, blending religious devotion with cultural customs.
On January 6, families celebrate Epiphany with a Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread. Hidden inside the bread are small figurines of baby Jesus. Those who find a figurine are the designated host for Candlemas on February 2.
On this day, families come together to enjoy tamales and atole. It is also customary to dress up figurines of baby Jesus in the finest clothes and take them to church for a special blessing, as a form of faith and respect for tradition.
Día de la Candelaria translates to “Day of the Candelaria” or “Candlemas Day” in English
The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2, 40 days after Christmas. This reflects the Jewish law described in Leviticus 12, which requires a mother to undergo purification 40 days after the birth of a son. According to the Gospel of Luke (2:22-24), Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple for this ritual. As they were a humble family, they offered the prescribed sacrifice of two pigeons or turtledoves instead of a lamb.
Candlemas is also the day when churches bless candles, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World. Then there is a procession with lighted candles, commemorating the moment when Simeon and Anna recognized the infant Jesus in the Temple and spoke about His role as the Messiah. Simeon, in particular, referred to Him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).
The candle is a central symbol of the feast of Candlemas, as it symbolizes the light of Christ. They are blessed and used in church services as a reminder of Jesus’s presence. The blessing of candles reflects their significance in Christian worship throughout history as powerful symbols of faith and divine illumination.
Candlemas is also a powerful reminder of Mary’s faithfulness to Jewish law, as well as the recognition of Jesus’s divine identity early in His life. The feast connects the ancient biblical traditions of the Old Testament with practices that continue in Christian worship today.
When is the Day of the Candelaria 2025?
Day of the Candelaria will be celebrated on February 2, 2025, marking the end of the Christmas season and holding great religious and cultural significance.
Sometimes, celebrations can extend for days or last for several days following it. In Puno, Peru, for instance, Fiesta de la Candelaria runs from February 2 through February 12, complete with parades, music competitions, and traditional dances.
Traditional Foods for Día de la Candelaria
Día de la Candelaria in Mexico is celebrated with traditional foods, many of which have roots in both pre-Hispanic and Catholic customs. Here are some of the most important:
- Tamales are the main dish throughout the feast. They are made out of masa (corn dough) and filled with ingredients such as mole, chicken, and cheese. Tamales come from both pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions in which they were offered to gods during religious ceremonies.
Photo by Gonzalo Guzmán García
- Atole is a hot beverage made from masa harina (corn flour) and served alongside tamales. It can be prepared with either water or milk and sweetened with sugar or piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar).
- Champurrado is the thick version of atole, containing chocolate. This Mexican drink or porridge is usually enjoyed during the winter.
- Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake, is traditionally eaten on January 6 for Día de los Reyes. But it connects to Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd. The cake has a figurine of baby Jesus inside, and whoever finds it should host the tamal feast on February 2.
- Other dishes include pozole (a hominy soup) and pan dulce (sweet bread). These foods unite families in celebration of both Mexico’s indigenous traditions and Catholic influences.
Photo by Blue Arauz
The Ritual of Dressing the Niño Dios (Christ Child)
Dressing the Niño Dios or Christ Child is also the most important part of the celebration during Día de la Candelaria. Each family chooses a special outfit for their figure of the Niño Dios according to their belief or tradition.
While many stick to traditional clothing, such as robes or attire linked to saints, others may opt for modern outfits. Common outfits include the Santo Niño de Atocha with a crosier or Niño de las Palomas in a white robe. Some families dress their Niño Dios as sports players or local heroes.
After the Niño Dios is dressed, it is taken to church for a special blessing. During the service, the priest blesses the figures, and the congregation offers prayers and songs in reverence to the Christ Child.
This tradition holds deep significance: it symbolizes the family’s devotion, the importance of faith, and the passing down of customs through generations. The chosen outfit is a way of honoring the Christ Child and commitment to family and culture.
Photo by ana ortiz de valles is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Día de la Candelaria Beyond Mexico
Día de la Candelaria is a day of joy in many countries and is celebrated in many different ways. Here are some examples of how countries celebrate Candlemas:
In Spain, different regions celebrate Candlemas with distinct customs. In some areas, such as in the Canary Islands, the Fiesta de la Candelaria involves religious processions and celebrations honoring the Virgin of Candelaria. In Galicia, the Festa dos Chourizos in Pobra de Trives features bonfires, homemade sausages, and festive gatherings, though it is more of a pre-Lenten celebration than a direct Candlemas tradition. While there are mock bullfights in certain festivals, they are more associated with other Spanish traditions, not specifically Candlemas.
In France, the Candlemas festival called La Chandeleur is a beloved festival that centers around pancakes or crêpes, meaning the return of the sun after winter. This tradition includes a custom where people flip crêpes in the air while holding a coin in one hand, which is said to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
Photo by Estefania Ventura on Unsplash
In Puno, Peru, the Candelaria Festival is a spectacular mixture of indigenous and Spanish influences. It features a grand pilgrimage, colorful costumes, folkloric dances, and music, all in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. This celebration is one of the largest and most important in South America.
In the Philippines, Candlemas is celebrated with a special church service where candles are blessed, along with processions. While the event is mainly religious, some families prepare meals to share with the community.
Día de la Candelaria in the United States, particularly in areas with strong Mexican heritage, is celebrated with family reunions, church services, and the preparation and sharing of tamales.
FAQs About Día de la Candelaria
Why is Día de la Candelaria celebrated on February 2nd?
Día de la Candelaria is celebrated on February 2nd because it marks the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, which is observed 40 days after Christmas. According to Jewish tradition, Mary presented Jesus at the Temple and underwent purification 40 days after His birth.
What does the Niño Dios represent?
The Niño Dios, or Christ Child, represents the infant Jesus and symbolizes hope, faith, and family, particularly in Latin American cultures. During celebrations like Día de la Candelaria, families dress the Niño Dios and bring Him to church to be blessed. This figure serves as a reminder of Jesus’ birth and the importance of faith in everyday life.
What is the connection between Día de la Candelaria and Three Kings Day?
In Mexican traditions, Día de la Candelaria is connected to Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes). On January 6, families celebrate the arrival of the Magi with the Rosca de Reyes with a figurine of baby Jesus inside. The person who finds the figurine is expected to host a tamale feast on Día de la Candelaria on February 2. This thereby links Candlemas to Christmas.
Why is Día de la Candelaria called Candlemas?
The name “Candelaria” (which means “Candlemas” in English) refers to the blessing of candles during the mass on this day, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World. This tradition connects with the biblical story of Simeon, who recognized Jesus as the light to guide the nations.
What is the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2. It commemorates Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus at the Temple 40 days after His birth, in accordance with Jewish law. The feast includes the blessing of candles, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World, and is a time to reflect on His role in guiding humanity.
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