Do Mexicans eat on Christmas? Christmas is a time of celebration and feasting, and food plays a central role in Mexican holiday traditions. While every family may have their own unique traditions and dishes, there are some common culinary traditions that are widely observed across the country.
One of the most iconic and traditional Mexican dishes served on Christmas is turkey. Many families choose to prepare a roasted or baked turkey as the centerpiece of their Christmas dinner. The turkey is often seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, cumin, and oregano, to give it a delicious and flavorful taste. It is typically served with a side of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a variety of vegetables.
However, it is important to note that not all Mexican families have turkey on Christmas. In fact, there is another popular dish that is often enjoyed during the holiday season – cod fish. The tradition of eating cod fish on Christmas in Mexico can be traced back to the influence of Spanish colonialism.
During the Spanish colonial period, cod fish was a common food source for Catholic Europeans during the Christian season of Lent, which is the period of 40 days leading up to Easter. As the Spanish colonizers brought their culinary traditions to Mexico, the custom of eating cod fish during Lent was adopted by the Mexican people.
Over time, the tradition of eating cod fish expanded beyond just the Lenten season and became associated with Christmas as well. Today, many Mexican families continue to enjoy this delicious and symbolic dish on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The preparation of cod fish in Mexican cuisine varies from region to region and from family to family. One popular way to prepare cod fish is by making a dish called “Bacalao a la Vizcaína,” which originated from the Basque region of Spain. In this dish, the cod fish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, capers, and spices, creating a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender fish.
Another traditional Mexican dish featuring cod fish is “Bacalao a la Mexicana.” In this recipe, the cod fish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, giving it a spicy and flavorful twist. This dish is often served with rice and beans, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
In addition to turkey and cod fish, other traditional Mexican Christmas dishes include tamales, pozole, and romeritos. Tamales are made from masa (corn dough) that is filled with various fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Pozole is a hearty stew made with hominy (dried corn kernels) and meat, typically pork, and flavored with spices and herbs. Romeritos, on the other hand, are a type of wild plant that is cooked with dried shrimp, potatoes, and a mole sauce.
While turkey is a popular choice for Christmas dinner in Mexico, the tradition of eating cod fish also holds a special place in Mexican cuisine during the holiday season. The influence of Spanish colonialism and the incorporation of Catholic traditions have shaped the culinary traditions of Mexico, resulting in a diverse and delicious array of dishes enjoyed by families across the country.