8 Christmas traditions on 7 continents
1. Mexico: Luminarias
Humble paper bags lit with candles show the way to Christmas in Mexico. People call them “luminarias,” and they light the way for Jesus, Mary and Joseph to enter the homes of Christians. In Spanish, “Luminaria” means “festival bonfire.”
The brown paper bags hold sand for weight, and a bright candle meant to be burned as an act of prayer. At night, hundreds of the bags light up the outdoors in Mexico with a warm glow, as families walk among them.
