Each year, Catholic faithful in Mexico honor the story of the infant Christ being presented before the temple in Jerusalem by adorning a figure of baby Jesus in fine clothing and praying for blessings throughout the year.
The celebration in Mexico coincides with the feast day of the Virgin of Candelaria, marked Feb. 2. In the days before the holy day, worshippers shop for new adornments and tend to any repairs the figures may need.
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Once repaired and dressed in new clothing, the dolls are carried to Mass to be blessed before they are given a place of honor in homes where families gather for a meal of tamales hosted by whoever during the Jan. 6 celebration of Three Kings’ Day took a slice of the traditional King’s Day bread and found a tiny baby Jesus figure in their serving.
