Candlemas 2026 in Mexico

Candlemas, or Día de la Candelaria, is celebrated on February 2 and marks the end of the Christmas season. Families dress baby Jesus figures, attend Mass, and share tamales, especially by those who found the figurine in the Rosca de Reyes.

Candlemas: A Public Holiday?

Candlemas, or Día de la Candelaria, is not a public holiday in Mexico, but it is widely celebrated with religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and traditional food like tamales.

Candlemas

Candlemas, or Día de la Candelaria, is celebrated on February 2 and has both religious and cultural roots in Mexico. It comes from the Catholic tradition of presenting baby Jesus at the temple, forty days after his birth. Spanish missionaries introduced this tradition during the colonial era, and over time it mixed with Indigenous customs, creating unique ways of celebration.

In Mexico, Candlemas also connects to the Rosca de Reyes, eaten on January 6. Whoever finds the baby figurine inside the bread is expected to host a tamales meal on Candlemas. This link between faith and food has made the celebration meaningful and widely practiced. Although not a public holiday, it is a special day for many Mexican families, blending devotion, tradition, and community.

Observance of Candlemas in Mexico

Candlemas, or Día de la Candelaria, is celebrated every year on February 2 and marks the official end of the Christmas season in Mexico. On this day, families bring their baby Jesus figures from home nativity sets to church, often dressed in special outfits. These figures are blessed during a religious service, symbolizing the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of Mary. The tradition is a sign of faith and respect, and many people keep this custom year after year.

Another important part of Candlemas is the tamales meal. This tradition begins on January 6, during the Day of the Holy Kings, when people eat Rosca de Reyes. Those who find the hidden figurine inside the bread are expected to host a tamales feast on February 2. Families and friends come together on this day to share tamales, atole, and warm conversations. It becomes a time of reunion and joy, even if it's not a public holiday.

Candlemas holds great meaning in Mexican culture. It blends faith, family, and food in a beautiful way. The day brings people closer, not only in prayer but also around the table. It is a reminder of community, responsibility, and keeping traditions alive. Although quieter than Christmas or Día de Reyes, Candlemas carries a gentle importance. It closes the festive season with warmth and gratitude, offering a final celebration rooted in love and belief. Through simple acts like dressing baby Jesus figures and sharing tamales, families continue to pass on this tradition from one generation to the next.

Candlemas Observances