Folk Art Mexican Christmas Decorations

Tara A. Spears

Forget about a decorated tree — when you’re in Mexico, the best Christmas decorations are a live poinsettia plant and a handcrafted nativity scene. Mexican folk art is so creative, detailed, and steeped in culture. There is a wide variety of materials used: wood, pottery, everlasting flowers, fruits, basketry, glass, wax, or tinplate — Mexican nativity scenes possess a charm all their own.

Nacimientos, or Nativity creches, are also called pesebres, mangers, or belenes, and they represent the original nativity in Bethlehem. Frequently, these scenes are set up on December 16, but the figure of the Baby Jesus is not placed in the manger until December 24, and the Three Kings are added on January 5. This wonderful Christmas tradition is a mainstay of holiday decorations in Mexican homes. It’s a tradition in which grandparents, parents, and children joyfully participate, where unity and togetherness are key values in the celebration. It’s not necessary to be a member of a religious group to appreciate the creativity, technique, aesthetics, and even the symbolism and dedication put into the creation of a nativity scene. One can enjoy nativity scenes purely as art.

The practice of the nativity is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, just under 800 years ago in Italy. Initially, the nativity scene was a life-size representation with real people and animals. The practice spread throughout Europe, mainly in religious centers. Around the 15th century, small representative figures began to be used, and it was then that the faithful began to set up their own nativity scenes at home. But in Mexico, the tradition of nativity scenes began at the start of the Spanish conquest, both as a practical and strategic practice — like the pastorela (a traditional Christmas play) and the posadas (traditional Christmas processions) — to facilitate the evangelization of the indigenous peoples. Over five centuries, both the composition and the technique have varied enormously.

The infinite variety of nativity scenes correlates primarily to the indigenous cultural elements of each region or town, and even to geographical characteristics. In some towns, materials extracted directly from nature and readily available locally are often used in their creation, giving each handcrafted nativity scene a very particular aesthetic — look at this Day of the Dead–style version, left.

The size and material of the figures vary greatly; it’s not uncommon to find the Baby Jesus almost the same size as Mary, Joseph, and the Three Wise Men. The figures may be sculpted from clay, ceramic, or even wood, and in recent years mini lights have become popular for decorating nativity scenes.

Nativity scenes in Mexico are characterized by their handcrafted and picturesque style, incorporating motifs deeply rooted in local culture. A nacimiento doesn’t just include the main figures — just as important are the hay, straw, and moss for the stable, as well as figures of turkeys, Xoloitzcuintles (Mexican hairless dogs), and even prickly pear cacti and agave plants.

Folk art traditions manifest themselves in different ways, and one of them is creating clay nativity scenes. One outstanding example of this handmade art is done by the people of Metepec. It’s a tradition that has been kept alive for several decades, passed down from generation to generation. The town of Metepec is the most representative place for nativity scenes; it dedicates itself to making folk art nativity scenes and clay pieces, from small miniatures to enormous pieces, which are sold regionally, statewide, and internationally.

Several centuries have passed since the arrival of the evangelists, and many Mexican families continue to craft these religious figures, not only as a tradition but also as a business. The towns with the strongest tradition of producing these crafts are Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán; Metepec, State of Mexico; Ameyaltepec and Tolimán, Guerrero; and Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Look for this folk art at the area’s outdoor markets.

Handcrafted nativity scenes embody the spirit of rich traditions, where each piece tells a story that connects generations. From the intricate patterns to the vibrant colors of the pottery, folk art serves as both a reflection of Mexico’s diverse cultural heritage and a celebration of its artistic expression. This art form is not just a visual feast; it’s a portal into the soul of a community, capturing the essence of its values, beliefs, and daily life.