Traditional tamale feasts and other customs tied to the celebration of Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas) will be observed Saturday, February 2, marking the tail end of Mexico’s prolonged Christmas season.
On the Roman Catholic calendar, La Candelaria commemorates of the ritual purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Christ Child’s presentation at the temple on the 40th day after birth.
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In that context Mexican families often wait until February 2 to break down household nativity scenes. In a follow-up to the January 6 celebration of Three Kings Day (Epiphany), it is the date when those who found baby dolls baked into the traditional Rosca de Reyes breads must fulfill their duties as padrinos (godparents) of the Baby Jesus.
That involves taking the Christ Child figure from the crèche, dressing it in a new outfit and carrying it to church for a special blessing. Back at home the image may be ensconced in shrine to rest until it goes back into the manager when Christmas Eve rolls around again.
With those tasks behind them, the godparents host a tamaliza (tamale feast), sitting down with the same friends and relations with whom they shared the rosca. The custom makes February 2 the prime sales day for the nation’s tamale makers.
Candelaria church services also lend an opportunity for the faithful to present their own infant children for blessings. Priests may also consecrate the votive candles their parishioners employ in daily devotions. The candles symbolize Jesus as “the light of the World.”
Dia de la Candelaria is a major day of religious festivity in the Jalisco town of San Juan de los Lagos where thousands of pilgrims congregate to honor a beloved icon representing the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. The presumed miraculous powers of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos are so strong that her home church ranks among Mexico’s top pilgrimage sites, second only to Mexico’s City’s Basilica de Guadalupe.