Get Ready for Mexico’s Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon: The Ultimate Christmas Tradition
Wondering about the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon in Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place because I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018, and in this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about one of the most fun Mexican Christmas traditions.
What I’ve learned over the years is that the Christmas season in Mexico isn’t just about twinkling lights, nativity scenes, or midnight masses. No, no, no.
In Mexico, locals (and visitors) are encouraged to take festive spirit to the next level, and rather than just one day to celebrate Christmas, there are 26 in the Christmas season’s Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon.
This is a tongue-in-cheek term for a 26-day marathon of parties, traditional food and drink, and general merriment that runs from December 12 (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) to January 6 (Three Kings’ Day).
While it’s not an actual race (thank goodness!), surviving the marathon with gusto takes stamina, an unwavering commitment to fun, and frankly, a strong liver 🍻
Let’s dive in to discover why this season is the most wonderful (and deliciously chaotic) time of the year to be in Mexico.
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The term Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon jokingly refers to the seemingly endless stream of parties, family dinners and festivities that coincide with these dates:
- It begins with Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on December 12th.
- It ends with Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day, or Epiphany) on January 6th.
What does the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon mean?
We get the term Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon because you begin the “race” on the “Guadalupe” holiday, and end it on the “Reyes” holiday.
For many, the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon represents the whole Mexican Christmas season, and is a time to reconnect with family and friends, indulge in culinary traditions, and revel in holiday cheer.
For visitors, it’s a crash course in how Mexico does the holidays — loud, colorful, delicious, and unapologetically fun.
December 12: Kickoff with the Virgin of Guadalupe
The marathon begins with a bang on December 12, a day that honors the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Meaning Our Lady of Guadalupe, or the Virgin of Guadalupe, she is the patron saint of Mexico, and arguably the country’s most important religious figure.
Across the country, there are elaborate masses, pilgrimages, and celebrations held in her honor on this day.
In Mexico City, millions gather at the Basilica of Guadalupe to pay homage, many arriving on foot or even crawling on their knees as an act of devotion.
For those less inclined toward religious fervor, the day is still a spectacle worth witnessing. Think parades, fireworks, and endless street food.
It’s also the unofficial green light to start indulging in holiday treats like tamales, buñuelos (crispy fried dough), and atole (a warm, comforting corn-based drink).
Christmas Posadas: The Heart of the Mexican Christmas Season
From December 16 to 24, the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon shifts into high gear with Las Posadas, a beloved tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem.
Each night, families and neighbors gather to sing, pray, and eventually party. Posadas are equal parts spiritual and social — a beautiful blend of faith and fiesta.
If you’re lucky enough to attend a posada, prepare yourself for:
- 🪅 Piñatas: Swing at a star-shaped piñata filled with candy (and occasionally fruit or small toys). Just try not to be the one who misses and hits abuelita instead.
- 🍵 Ponche: Ponche (pronounced pon-chay) is a warm, spiced fruit punch that often comes with a splash of alcohol for the adults.
- 🫔 Tamales and Buñuelos: By now, you’ll notice tamales are a recurring theme. Embrace them.
Posadas are also a great time to practice your Spanish (and Mexican slang) and your tolerance for festive chaos.
Kids will be running everywhere, someone will inevitably light firecrackers, and the music might go until the early hours.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Family, Feasts, and Midnight Mass
Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve on December 24th, is a big deal in Mexico — even more so than Christmas Day (December 25th).
On Nochebuena, families gather for a feast of traditional Mexican Christmas foods like these:
- Lomo de puerco (roasted pork loin) and/or Pierna de puerco (roasted pork leg)
- Bacalao a la vizcaína (a salted codfish stew from Spain)
- Romeritos (a green herb served with mole negro and shrimp)
- Tamales (including tamales dulces, or sweet tamales, for dessert)
- Ensalada navideña (Christmas salad with apples)
Many will attend the Misa de Gallo (literally meaning “Rooster’s Mass,” but also known as Midnight Mass) before sitting down to a late-night meal afterwards.
Christmas Day in Mexico itself is more low-key, often spent recovering from the night before.
For travelers, it’s a great day to explore cities and towns while they’re a little quieter — but don’t count on too many restaurants being open.
New Year’s Eve: Grapes, Fireworks, and Colored Underwear 👀
By the time December 31st rolls around, you might be feeling like you’ve reached your party limit.
The good news is that New Year’s in Mexico isn’t really a party holiday for many (though you’ll find U.S.-style New Year’s celebrations in big cities).
Instead, it’s usually a low-key get together in someone’s home, though there are fun New Year’s traditions and Mexican superstitions associated with the holiday, like these:
🍇 Las Doce Uvas de La Suerte (The 12 Grapes Tradition)
As the clock strikes midnight, eat one grape for each chime of the clock bell, and make a wish for the coming year.
Now, don’t try to savor the grapes, as this is a speed-eating challenge — but also, be careful because this is harder than it sounds.
🧨 Fireworks
Mexicans love fireworks in general, and New Year’s is no exception. Expect a noisy, colorful sky no matter if you’re in a big city or a small town.
🧞♂️ Superstitions
These quirky traditions are all part of the fun, so don’t miss your opportunity to join in on these Mexican New Year’s traditions, customs, and superstitions.
- Want more travel in the new year? Grab an empty suitcase and take a walk around the block with it.
- Hoping for prosperity and wealth? Wear yellow or green underwear.
- Looking for love and passion? Wear red undies instead.
January 6: The Grand Finale with Rosca de Reyes
Just when you think it’s over, the marathon pulls you back in for one last hurrah. Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) celebrates the arrival of the Biblical Magi.
🎁 Fun fact: Many kids in Mexico actually open their presents on this day (not Christmas) as January 6th is the day the baby Jesus received his gifts from the Three Wise Men in the Bible.
On this day, families and friends gather to share rosca de reyes (meaning “king’s wreath,” and pictured above).
This ring-shaped sweet bread is decorated with candied fruits and looks like a Christmas wreath — but beware — hidden inside are tiny plastic figurines that represent the baby Jesus.
If you find one of these muñecos (little dolls) in your slice, congratulations!
You’re now responsible for hosting a tamale party on February 2nd, which is the Día de la Candelaria holiday (known as Candlemas in English).
The party never really ends, does it?!
Why You Should Experience the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon
For visitors to Mexico, the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon offers an unparalleled glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s a chance to experience:
- ❤️ Community Spirit: Whether you’re smashing a piñata at a posada or sharing a slice of Rosca de Reyes, the sense of togetherness is palpable.
- 🫔 Culinary Delights: Tamales, ponche, buñuelos, and more. Bring stretchy pants.
- 🎄 Festive Vibes: From the solemnity of religious ceremonies to the joy of fireworks and late-night parties, there’s never a dull moment.
Sure, it’s exhausting, but it’s the kind of exhaustion that leaves you with a full heart, a big smile, and a full belly.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, there’s no better time to visit than during this marathon of merriment.
So, lace up your metaphorical party shoes, grab a piñata stick, and prepare your stomach for a holiday season you’ll never forget.
The Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon is calling — and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.