Cancun Candlemas Tradition Costs Up to 1,000 Pesos

Cancun, Mexico — With Candlemas Day approaching, demand for related items such as Child God clothing and accessories has dropped by at least 40% compared to previous years. According to a survey among vendors of these products, following this tradition could cost up to 1,000 pesos.

Carla Manrique, a vendor at Market 23 in Cancun, acknowledged that this tradition is gradually fading, with focus shifting primarily to family or friend gatherings to eat tamales. Despite being promoted since mid-December, sales remain quite low just days before February begins.

“Very few people set up nativity scenes in December, and therefore there is no Child God that needs to be dressed for February 2nd, Candlemas Day,” she said.

However, grandmothers continue this tradition, each year seeking a godmother or godfather responsible for purchasing the outfit for that date.

But prices of these items also deter people from buying them as consistently as before. A small dress or tunic costs between 250 and 400 pesos, depending on the fabric type, which can be satin, velvet, or with lace.

“There are also baptismal gowns priced between 300 and 500 pesos. To that add accessories like the wooden chair costing 150 pesos, golden espadrilles at 100 pesos, basket and staff at 150, and the crown with prices varying between 50 and 100 pesos,” the vendor explained.

Thus, a person could spend up to 1,000 pesos dressing the Child God for the upcoming February 2nd, which represents an expense many consider unnecessary given other priorities like paying utility bills or buying groceries.

There is also competition from digital stores, where once again Asian producers have taken over Mexican traditions, offering similar items to dress the Child God at prices up to 200% cheaper.

For example, a baptismal gown for just 35 pesos, or a little outfit with shoes included for 100 pesos.

Therefore, vendors hope that with the arrival of the biweekly paycheck, people will come to purchase items related to this celebration.