Candelaria's day

Here I am again discovering new things from Mexico, today I was surprised with the announcement that we would have TAMALES sponsored by AAB (my bank) in the cafeteria... the reason?? Today was the dia de la candelaria, and to celebrate it Mexicans eat Tamales and Atole, two very "typical" mexican foods.

Well, to my surprise Tamal is just what we call in Colombia "BOLLO" some corn based stuff that is wrapped in Corn leaves. Of course the Mexican ones had chili and Mole, which means they were HOT!!!

What is this tradition about?? well I have to go back to January 6, el dia de Reyes (the three kings or three wise men), a day when children get gifts from these kings (again!!! since most of them also received gifts in xmas from santa!).

In the afternoon, family and friends gather to share the "Rosca de Reyes" , which is a traditional wreath-shaped bread that is made only during the first days of January. On that day we had Rosca de Reyes at work offered by the bank, and then at home offered by AIESEC members :)

The Rosca is served with chocolate caliente (hot chocolate), and tamales. Hidden inside this delicious rosca, are several small figurines, of Baby Jesus. Each person cuts a slice of the rosca, and whoever gets the baby figurine has to invite everyone present to a new party on February 2, Candelaria day.

On February second, Candelaria day, the many Baby Jesus figurines are taken from the nativity scene to the church to be blessed. Practically all the markets will restore, paint and dress these dolls for the occasion. This year the Catholic church asked mexicans not to dress baby Jesus with Charro or Soccer player dress since according to them the image was not a toy and respect should be showed!

Apparently, this particular tradition comes from the Mexicas (an acient indigeneous grou) and it was "catholized" after the colonization, for Mexicas the 2nd of Feb was the first day of the month and the day when they honored the Tlaloques, representants of the Rain god, Tláloc. This day they used to sacrify children that they dressed with special outfits in order to pray for good crops.