La Candelaria (presentation of the child in the temple)

Light, seeds and the “Raising” of the Christ Child

If you visit the artisan village of Tócuaro on February 2nd, you'll witness one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Mexican family life: Candlemas. This date commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem and marks the official end of the Christmas festivities.

The Power of Blessed Candles The heart of the ceremony is the blessing of the candles. According to popular belief in the lake region, these candles are not decorative; they are carefully kept in homes to be lit only in critical moments. As local tradition dictates:

“These candles are intended to alleviate life’s calamities (such as storms or serious illnesses) and to implore the assistance of the Mother of God in the throes of death, illuminating the soul’s path.”

The “Raising” and the Christ Child Robes In Tócuaro, you'll see families walking to the church carrying their Christ Child figures, now luxuriously dressed. It's a tradition for the “godparents” (those who rocked the child at Christmas) to buy him a new outfit for this occasion. The figures are dressed in various advocations (Holy Child of Atocha, of Health, etc.) and seated in decorated baskets, ready to be blessed by the priest.

Seeds and Tamales In addition to candles, in this agricultural area it is common to have seeds (corn, beans) blessed to ensure a good harvest. And, of course, after Mass, the celebration continues at home with the traditional tamale feast, paid for by those who found the baby Jesus figurine in their Three Kings' Day bread.

Location: Temple of San Francisco de Asís, Tócuaro (15 min from Pátzcuaro).