Mexican Saints
Mexico is a country rich in culture, with centuries worth of saints celebrated in different regions of the country. From San Judas Tadeo in the north to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the south, each Mexican saint is a symbol of devotion to the Spanish-speaking community.
Let’s take a look at some of the Mexican saints, and the occasions that are celebrated in their honor.
Who are the Mexican saints?
Mexican saints are religious figures who have become an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. They are venerated and celebrated throughout Mexico for their miracles, teachings, and devotion to God.
| Our Lady of Guadalupe: | Also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, she is the patron saint of Mexico and is believed to have appeared to a native Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531. |
| Saint Juan Diego: | He is known for being the messenger of the Virgin of Guadalupe and was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. |
| Saint Martin de Porres: | He was a Dominican friar known for his dedication to serving the sick and the poor. |
| Saint Rose of Lima: | She was a mystic and ascetic who lived in the 17th century and was the first saint in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church. |
Pro Tip: Mexicans celebrate the feast days of their favorite saints, known as “Que Santo Celebra Hoy.” If you’re visiting Mexico, be sure to ask the locals who their favorite saint is and when their feast day is celebrated.
The role of Mexican saints in Mexican culture
Mexican saints play a significant role in Mexican culture, serving as a unifying element between the Catholic faith and Mexican identity.
From Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, to lesser-known figures such as San Benito de Palermo, who was born a slave in Sicily but is revered throughout Mexico for his miraculous powers, Mexican saints have a special place in the hearts and homes of many Mexican people.
These saints are celebrated throughout the year, with each day dedicated to a different saint. Mexicans mark these days with processions, feasts, and other celebrations that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
The celebration of Mexican saints has helped to preserve traditional customs and beliefs while also providing a sense of community and belonging for Mexican people both at home and abroad.
Why are Mexican saints important?
Mexican saints are important because they play a crucial role in Mexican culture, history, and religion.
In Mexico, religion and spirituality play a significant role in the daily lives of people. The Catholic Church has had a profound impact on Mexican culture and identity since the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. As a result, many Mexican traditions, customs, and celebrations are associated with specific saints and religious events.
Knowing which Mexican saint is celebrated on a particular day is essential for understanding and participating in Mexican culture and religion. The celebration of Mexican saints also reflects the fusion of indigenous and European religions, symbols, and traditions.
For instance, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and death that is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and religion. The holiday combines indigenous beliefs about death and the afterlife with Catholic rituals and customs associated with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Therefore, Mexican saints are a vital component of Mexican culture and religious traditions, reflecting Mexico’s rich and diverse history and identity.
Mexican Holidays Celebrating Mexican Saints
Each day in Mexico has a unique celebration in the honor of a saint or a historical event. Today, Que Santo Celebra Hoy, celebrates the lives and contributions of the many saints of Mexico. These saints are integral to the Mexican culture and history, with some dating back hundreds of years and being celebrated to this day.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular saints and the holidays set aside for their honor.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones, offering them gifts, food, and flowers. It is a festive and colorful celebration, observed on November 1 and 2, which coincides with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Mexicans believe that during this time, the dead return from the afterlife to visit their living relatives and enjoy their favorite foods and drinks.
In addition to Dia de los Muertos, Mexico has several other holidays that are deeply rooted in its culture and history, including the celebration of Mexican saints. “Que santo celebra hoy?” or “Which saint is celebrated today?” is a common question in Mexican households, as Catholics celebrate numerous saints throughout the year, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Jude Thaddeus, among others. These celebrations often include parades, religious services, food, and dancing, serving as an excellent opportunity to learn about and immerse oneself in Mexican culture.
The significance of Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is an important Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Known as Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, the holiday takes place on November 1 and 2 each year, coinciding with the Catholic holidays All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The Day of the Dead is a time for Mexicans to honor their ancestors and loved ones who have died. They do this by creating altars in their homes or at grave sites, decorating them with brightly colored flowers, candles, and photographs of the deceased. Families also make traditional foods, such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls, to include in the celebrations.
This holiday is significant not only for its cultural and religious significance but also for its role in bringing families together to remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives.
How to celebrate Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is a popular Mexican holiday that is celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time to remember loved ones who have passed away and to celebrate their lives.
| Traditional Way | Description |
| Altars | Mexican families create altars to honor their deceased loved ones. These altars are typically decorated with candles, flowers, photos, and offerings of food and drink. |
| Food and Drink | Traditional Day of the Dead foods include pan de muerto (bread of the dead), calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), and tamales. Families may also offer their loved ones’ favorite foods and beverages on the altar. |
| Parades | In some regions of Mexico, Day of the Dead parades are held. These parades feature music, dancing, and elaborate costumes and makeup. |
| Visiting Cemeteries | Many Mexican families visit cemeteries on Day of the Dead to clean and decorate their loved ones’ graves. They may also leave offerings of food, flowers, and candles. |
These traditions help keep the memory of loved ones alive and provide comfort to those who are mourning.
Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe)
Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe is a significant religious holiday celebrated in Mexico on December 12th in honor of the Virgin Mary, also known as La Morenita or Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous man Juan Diego in 1531. Today, it is one of the most observed religious holidays in Mexico, with millions of people making a pilgrimage to the basilica in Mexico City that houses the original image of the Virgin.
Other Mexican holidays celebrating Mexican saints include Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) honoring deceased loved ones and All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which celebrate all the saints and the faithful departed of the Catholic Church.
Knowing important Mexican saints and their corresponding holidays is important for understanding Mexican culture and traditions.
The significance of Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is considered one of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations in Mexico. It is celebrated on December 12 every year and commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous peasant Juan Diego in 1531.
The day is marked with religious ceremonies, processions, music, dance, and feasts. People dress up in traditional costumes, and the streets are adorned with colorful decorations, candles, and flowers.
The significance of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is not only limited to religious beliefs but also reinforces the Mexican identity and cultural heritage. The Virgin is a symbol of hope, unity, and protection and is cherished as the patron saint of Mexico.
As a part of Mexican Holidays Celebrating Mexican Saints, knowing the significance of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe holds a lot of importance for Mexicans. It is marked with reverence and joy, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate their customs and traditions.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit Mexico during this time, make sure to participate in the celebrations and experience the unique Mexican culture firsthand.
How to celebrate Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, also known as Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, is a religious holiday celebrated in Mexico on December 12th to honor the country’s patron saint.
Here are some ways to celebrate this important Mexican holiday:
| Attend a mass: | Many Mexicans attend a special mass held in churches, chapels, and other religious establishments to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. |
| Light candles: | Devotees light candles to show their respect for the saint and to ask for her blessings. |
| Sing and dance: | People sing and dance to traditional music, including mariachi and banda, as a way of celebrating the holiday. |
| Prepare traditional Mexican dishes: | Festive meals are also an important part of the celebrations. Mexicans prepare traditional dishes such as tamales, pozole, and sopaipillas to share with family and friends. |
| Wear traditional clothing: | Mexicans may wear traditional clothing, particularly dresses and veils that are blue and represent the traditional image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. |
Overall, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe celebration is full of religious and cultural significance, which is an important part of Mexican heritage and history.
Dia de los Santos Reyes (Day of the Three Wise Men)
Dia de los Santos Reyes or the Day of the Three Wise Men is a Mexican holiday celebrated on January 6th, marking the end of the Christmas season. This holiday honors the biblical story of the Wise Men, also known as the Three Kings or Magi, who visited the infant Jesus and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
On this day, Mexicans traditionally eat Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a small figure of baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds the Jesus figurine in their slice is said to have good luck and must host a party on Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day) on February 2nd.
Mexico has several other holidays that celebrate Mexican saints, including Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) honoring deceased loved ones, and Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) celebrating Mexico’s patron saint. Knowing about these holidays and saints is an important part of Mexican culture and heritage.
Pro tip: Celebrate Mexican culture by trying traditional Mexican holiday foods and learning about the stories behind them.
The significance of Day of the Three Wise Men
The Three Wise Men Day in Mexico is a significant holiday, celebrated on January 6 every year. This day marks the culmination of the Christmas festivities and is also known as the Feast of the Epiphany. It commemorates the biblical story of the three wise men who followed the star to Jerusalem and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
In Mexico, this day is celebrated with a rosca de reyes, a sweet bread in the shape of a wreath or a crown, decorated with candied fruits and a baby Jesus figurine hidden inside. The person who finds the baby Jesus in their slice of bread is responsible for hosting a party on Dia de la Candelaria, which falls on February 2nd. This tradition reflects the religious and cultural significance of Three Wise Men Day and its importance in Mexican holiday celebrations.
How to celebrate Day of the Three Wise Men
The Day of the Three Wise Men, also known as Día de Los Reyes Magos, is a vibrant and colorful celebration in Mexico to honor the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.
Here are some ways to celebrate this holiday:
| 1. Bake a Rosca de Reyes, a traditional sweetbread in Mexico, which is circular in shape and decorated with candied fruit. |
| 2. Set up a nativity scene with figures of the three wise men, baby Jesus, and other characters from the nativity story. |
| 3. Gather with family and friends for a festive meal, which may include tamales, hot chocolate, and atole. |
| 4. Children leave their shoes out by the door for the wise men to leave gifts, similar to the tradition of leaving cookies for Santa Claus. |
This holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mexico and holds a significant place in the country’s culture and traditions. Pro-tip: Try to attend a street parade or procession to witness the colorful and lively celebration of the Day of the Three Wise Men in Mexico.
Que Santo Celebra Hoy
The celebration of Mexican saints is a fascinating and unique part of Mexican culture. There are a variety of saints each day of the year, some of them with national or international recognition. Knowing which saints are celebrated when is the key to understanding this important part of Mexican life and culture.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading Mexican saints, and what the celebration of their special days entails for those who observe them.
How to honor Mexican saints at home
Honoring Mexican saints at home is an excellent way to keep cultural traditions alive and connect with one’s heritage. Here are some ways to celebrate Mexican saints year-round and get in touch with Mexican culture:
| 1. Research the calendar of Mexican saints – “Que Santo Celebra Hoy” which means “Which Saint Celebrates Today”. The Mexican Calendar of Saints lists out the saints and their special days. Identifying and marking the special days of prominent saints in your calendar can help remind you of when to honor them. |
| 2. Create a home altar – Set up a small altar in your home dedicated to the saints you choose to honor. Add some candles, flowers, and other traditional decorations to the altar to honor the saint in a special way. |
| 3. Prepare traditional Mexican dishes – Commonly consumed foods and drinks during saint celebrations are tamales, chocolate, and atole. These foods can be prepared at home to enjoy with family and friends. |
| 4. Learn about the saint’s life and history – Take some time to learn about the saint you are honoring, their history, and the significance of their day. You can find plenty of information in books or online. |
Pro tip: Celebrating Mexican saints at home can be a great way to connect with one’s heritage and teach children about their culture.
Popular places to visit for Mexican saint pilgrimages
Mexico is famous for its vibrant and ornate saint pilgrimages, which are celebrated all year round. Here are some of the most popular places to visit for Mexican saint pilgrimages:
| Place | Description |
| Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Located in Mexico City, this is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Devotees come from all over to pay homage to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to a peasant named Juan Diego in 1531. Every year, millions of visitors attend the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. |
| San Juan de los Lagos | This town in Jalisco is home to a renowned statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Cihualpilli. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to visit this miraculous image and seek its blessings. |
| Tepotzotlán | This colonial town in the State of Mexico is home to the Jesuit-run sanctuary of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. The church is famous for its ornate Baroque facade and is considered one of the most beautiful in Mexico. |
These are just a few of the many places to visit for Mexican saint pilgrimages, each with its unique history, traditions, and celebrations.
Traditional Mexican saint crafts and decorations
Mexicans love to celebrate their saints year-round and have rich traditional crafts and decorations to honor them. Some of the most popular Mexican saints are San Antonio, the patron saint of love and marriage; La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico’s beloved patron saint; and Santo Niño de Atocha, the patron saint of travelers and prisoners.
Traditional crafts and decorations include:
| Papel Picado | This elaborate tissue paper decoration is often hung in the streets and inside homes during festivals and celebrations. |
| Retablos | These are small, brightly painted wooden plaques that depict scenes from the lives of saints or miracles attributed to them. |
| Milagros | These are small metal charms that represent miracles and can be found in various shapes, such as body parts or animals, depending on the nature of the miracle. |
| Nichos | These are small boxes or frames that contain images of saints or religious figures and are often decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other embellishments. |
Pro Tip: You can create your own Mexican saint crafts and decorations using these traditional techniques and designs to celebrate your favorite saints at home.
