Candlemas is celebrated every February 2nd in Mexico with the custom of enjoying tamales, considered a tradition derived from the festival of taking the baby Jesus out of the Rosca de Reyes in January. This celebration has its roots in the commemoration of the Virgin of Candelaria, Patroness of the Canary Islands in Spain, which is currently celebrated in Mexico coinciding with the blessing of maize for the worship of the gods according to the Aztec calendar.
Víctor Joel Santos Ramírez, an archaeologist graduated from ENAH, explains that February 2nd marks the Day of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, known as Candlemas Day, or the festival of candles. According to Jewish tradition, after 40 days of the birth of a boy or 80 if it was a girl, the rite of purification of the mother was performed, which the Roman Church adopted in the celebration of Mary's purity.
In Mexico, this celebration is accompanied not only by tamales but also by dressing the Christ Child as a reminder of Mary's purification and the presentation of Jesus in the temple. Unlike the celebrations in Spain, in Mexican lands diverse Spanish customs intermingle with pre-Hispanic origins that have evolved over time.
