Candlemas

About Candlemas

Although it’s not an official holiday, many say the Christmas season in Mexico doesn’t actually end until February 2nd.

The day is known as el Dia de la Candelaria, or Candlemas in English.

Día de Candelaria, also known as the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas, is widely celebrated by various Christian denominations in countries such as Mexico, Spain, and France. The holiday is thought to have originated in ancient times during the spring equinox, eventually evolving into a religious event based on biblical scriptures and representing the presentation of the infant Jesus at the temple by Mary, 40 days after Jesus’ birth. 

Nowadays, people dress up figures of Jesus in special outfits and take them to church to be blessed, as well as bringing candles to blessed and used later in the home. 

Often, celebrations with family and friends also happen, usually with lots of food like tamales. And sometimes regions put on big fiestas with parades and bullfights.

30May

Corpus Christi

• Religious
• Mexico

Corpus Christi is celebrated on the second Thursday after Whitsun. Corpus Christi means the Body of Christ and refers to the elements of the Eucharist

Read More

16Dec

Las Posadas

• Religious
• Mexico

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Las Posadas in Mexico.

Read More

Crêpe Day

• Food
• International

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Crêpe Day.

Read More

World Wetlands Day

• Nature
• International

A day to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.

Read More

Inventors' Day

• Education
• Thailand

Thailand marks Inventors' Day on the date when King Bhumibol was allocated a patent in 1993.

Read More

Groundhog Day

• Folk
• USA

February 2nd each year brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent.

Read More