Hi, My name is Lupita and I live in the colorful state of  Guanajuato, Mexico. My family loves to celebrate! All year long, we have special traditions and celebrations that make our hearts happy.

September 16, Mexican Independence Day

This holiday is very special. Why? It's Mexican Independence Day! This day commemorates México's independence from Spain. We celebrate with red, white, and green, the flag colors! We gather together and shout, '¡Viva México!' with all our might! There are musical parades with dancing. It's a day to be patriotic about our country!

Dia de Muertos-Day of the Dead

When the leaves drop and the calm winds arrive in November, it's time for Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It's a significant time for us to recall our beloved ones who have died. We set up beautiful ofrendas for them. An ofrenda is a special altar with their favorite food, colorful candles, and gorgeous flowers. It makes us feel surrounded by their love!

Las Posadas- Christmas Procession

In December, the air is filled with the joyful sounds of holiday music as we celebrate Las Posadas! This celebration is a nine-day event in which we march together in a holiday procession, carrying candles and singing Christmas holiday songs. And after we sing, there's always a wonderful piñata to crack! Take turns, we do. Crack! Pop! Treats spill out for everyone!

Nochebuena- Christmas Eve

Our Las Posadas songs lead us to Nochebuena on Christmas Eve! This da is when our whole family comes together for a very special dinner and a night filled with joy. We eat lots of tamales and my favorite drink, champurrado.

Dia de Los Reyes Magos  -Three Kings Day

January has Three Kings' Day, Día de Reyes! We put our shoes out the night before in hopes the Kings may bring us a small gift! And we eat a special sweet bread named Rosca de Reyes. Sometimes, it has a small baby doll inside! If you find it, you should bring the tamales for our next celebration. Let's find out on the next page what it is.

Dia de la Candelaria- Candlemas Day

Just a few weeks later, on February 2nd, we celebrate Día de la Candelaria! Parades and festivals take place throughout México on this day. Those who found a Jesus figure in their Rosca de Reyes must invite the others to eat tamales.