The Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon

It is well known that Mexicans love to party. Everything is a reason for a celebration, a gathering, music, dancing and food. So much so that Mexicans say that the “December season” begins with the celebration of the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, on December 12, and ends on January 6 with the Three Kings’ Day, although some say that it extends until the Candlemas Day, on February 2.

In between are the Posadas, from December 16 to 24, in which us Mexicans gather to represent the journey of the pregn

ant Mary and Joseph, and we end up at a neighbor’s house drinking punch and eating tamales. Then comes Christmas, although for Mexicans it is at the last posada, Christmas Eve, when the big dinner takes place, generally family-friendly, and we stay up all night celebrating. A week later, New Year’s Day and needless to say, this party is all about going all out.

On Three Kings’ Day we gather with family and friends, once again, to eat the delicious Rosca de Reyes. In Mexico, it is tradition to place one or more little dolls inside, representing baby Jesus. Whoever finds one in their portion of Rosca has to treat everyone present to tamales on Candlemas Day. Why a marathon? Because after so much sleeplessness, shaking the body, drinking and eating… who wouldn’t be exhausted?