Candlemas

About Candlemas

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Dates of Candlemas
2026 Mexico Monday, February 2ndCandlemas 2025 Mexico Sunday, February 2ndCandlemas 2024 Mexico Friday, February 2ndCandlemas 2023 Mexico Thursday, February 2ndCandlemas 2022 Mexico Wednesday, February 2ndCandlemas
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of Candlemas.
Local name
el Dia de la Candelaria

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.

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