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The Ria Blog

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Through their love, care, and strength, mothers play a central role in shaping children&#8217;s early development from their very first breath.



However, mothers are often balancing caregiving alongside paid work and other responsibilities. Thankfully, access to affordable childcare and support networks can help alleviate the heavy load working mothers carry, improving outcomes for both women and children.



In Mexico City, that support is not always available. Public resources such as early childhood education centers do not always offer sufficient spots, leaving countless children without access to care and education.



To meet these needs, an incredible network of women decided to take matters into their own hands. Together, they’ve built <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/a-good-teacher-early-education-mexico/">community-led Early Childhood Development Centers</a> (ECDCs) across the city, benefitting many low-income working parents.



In honor of <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/celebrating-mothers-day-in-mexico/">Mexican Mother’s Day</a>, celebrated earlier this month, we’re spotlighting the voices of two loving mothers who benefit from these education centers. Follow along as they open up about the challenges of motherhood and the powerful impact of community support in Mexico City.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Takeaways</h3>



▪ Limited access to public childcare in Mexico City increases reliance on local, community-based solutions.



▪ Community-led childcare centers provide essential support for working mothers and child development.&nbsp;



▪ Early childhood education builds confidence, social skills, and long-term resilience in children.



▪ Support systems help reduce the burden of unpaid care work disproportionately carried by mothers.



▪ Flexible childcare options enable mothers to better balance work, family, and personal growth.



▪ Access to education and care creates better opportunities for both children and their parents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Introducing Itzel and Dalia’s Journeys</h2>



During one of Ria’s visits to <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/mexico-places-to-visit-culture-tradition/">Mexico</a> City’s ECDCs, our team met with two incredible mothers whose daughters attend local community schools.



They both agreed to open up about their daily lives, their jobs, their children, and the challenges of parenting in Mexico. This is their story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Itzel: Family, Support, and Continuity</h2>



Itzel was born and raised in Mexico City. She works at an organization that serves young people, while also taking care of her household and her two children. We met her at Xochipilli’s ECDC where Regina, one of her daughters, is currently enrolled.



For Itzel, enrolling her daughter at the center was a no-brainer because it is located near her home. However, she didn’t just pick it because of its convenient location—she has a personal link to it.



Indeed, this community school has welcomed several generations of her family, including herself. “I studied here, my sisters studied here, my nephews study here, and now my daughters will,” she tells us.



Itzel tells us that Regina loves going to the ECDC and learning things every day. When her daughter gets home from school, she often sits down to share her newfound knowledge with her 10-month-old sister.



“My biggest achievement so far has been the relationship that my daughters have, seeing how they support each other and how much they love each other,” she shares.



The mother beams with pride as she recalls anecdotes about her two daughters. For instance, Regina has recently learned how to make desserts at the ECDC and now wants to become a pastry chef.



No matter what they grow up to become though, Itzel’s most ardent wish for the future is to see both of her daughters succeed and have the opportunities that she didn’t get. But above all, she hopes they know that she’ll always be there for them.



From Itzel’s story of unconditional support, we turn to a mother who, despite living in different circumstances, shares the same hopes and dreams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dalia: Dreams, Care, and Personal Growth</h2>



Dalia is from Toluca but ended up moving to Mexico City years ago to escape the cold of her native city, where sub-zero temperatures are common during the winter months.



She is a nurse and describes feeling fulfilled by being able to help other people at her job. The Toluca native also confesses that she is very grateful that her own mother pushed her to study this career, because she might not have done it otherwise.



Although Dalia loves her job, the chaotic hours make it difficult to balance work and motherhood.



“Being a mother is really difficult, there’s no book on <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/how-is-mothers-day-celebrated-around-the-world/">motherhood</a>, right?” she exclaims. Despite hardships, she’s always been inspired from her own mother, that she describes as a superhero. “It must’ve been really hard to support a family on her own,” she reflects.



The nurse often had to leave her daughter with neighbors or babysitters until she noticed Xochiquetzal’s ECDC, which was on her way to work. As soon as she could, she contacted the center to enroll her daughter, Paola, and has not regretted her decision.



Not only is her daughter thriving there, but when her shifts permit it, Dalia gets to drop her off and pick her up. These simple moments where they get to chat and spend time together are the ones that this working mother values the most.



Dalia wishes for nothing more than her daughter’s happiness, stating that she will support Paola no matter what she chooses to do with her life. And for herself, she hopes to keep improving in every aspect of her life, personal and professional.



Beyond individual experiences, these stories point to a broader truth: access to care and quality education can make a lasting difference for both parents and their children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Support System Behind Itzel and Dalia’s Motherhood</h2>



They say it takes a village to raise a child, and these two testimonies highlight the importance of having the right support in place.



In Mexico City, ECDCs offer that crucial support. “This center is a blessing, it’s close to home and allows me to spend time with my daughter,” says Itzel about Xochipilli’s ECDC.



And these places provide more than just childcare, they offer quality, comprehensive education that goes far beyond teaching letters and numbers.



“I believe that one of the great advantages of these types of centers is that they teach students to adapt, equipping them with tools not only for academic success but also for social interaction, resilience, and the ability to cope with frustration,” explains Itzel.



School has the power to help children build confidence, adaptability, and healthy relationships from an early age. This solid foundation will stay with them throughout the rest of their life, even as they grow and evolve.



Most importantly, <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/remittances-boost-education/">education is the key to a better future</a>. And that’s what Regina and Paola’s mothers want for them. “My daughter is the most precious thing I have in life,” shares Dalia. “Beyond anything, I want her to be happy and to achieve everything she wants,” she adds.



Itzel and Dalia’s stories show how access to support and education can shape the future that every parent hopes to secure for their children while mitigating the weight of caretaking which often falls upon mothers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hopes, Values, and the Future</h2>



Community schools provide safe spaces for children to learn and grow academically, emotionally, and socially. That’s why Ria has been <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/ria-money-transfer-save-the-children-partnership-renewal-2024/">collaborating with Save the Children</a> for over four years to give Mexico’s ECDC the resources they need to keep running.



<a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/ria-csr-impact-report-2025/">Our commitment to further the right to education</a> alongside Save the Children has helped countless children access these essential services and given working parents a much-needed relief.



These two Mexican mothers are a beautiful example of the dedication and <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/financial-self-care-money-management-remittance-senders/">sacrifices</a> that parents make to give their children a <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/computer-room-csr-education-project-bargny-senegal/">better future</a>. Their stories are also a significant reminder of the difference that having adequate support can make, and how it can help create better opportunities for the next generation.



Although Itzel and Dalia offer two very different examples of motherhood, they are united by one common goal: their children’s happiness.



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Ria helps families stay connected across borders, supporting the <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/the-back-home-budget-what-remittances-support-first/">care, stability, and opportunities</a> that parents work so hard to build for their children. Visit our <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-us/">website</a>, find our nearest <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-us/locations/">location</a> or download our <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/N02H7lmMe3b">app</a> to send money today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FAQs</h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201219152">Why is access to childcare important for working mothers? It allows mothers to work while ensuring their children are safe, supported, and receiving early education. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201359487">How do community childcare centers support child development? They help children build confidence, social skills, and resilience through early learning experiences. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201377439">What are the benefits of early childhood education for long-term success? It strengthens cognitive, social, and emotional skills that support lifelong learning and adaptability. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201389323">How do support systems impact working mothers’ well-being? They reduce caregiving pressure and help mothers balance work and family responsibilities more effectively. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201402546">Why are community-led education centers important in low-income areas? They provide accessible childcare and education where public resources are limited. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201419004">How do early education centers benefit both children and parents? They support child development while giving parents reliable childcare and greater flexibility. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1779201434120">What challenges do working mothers face? Limited childcare access, demanding schedules, and unpaid care responsibilities, making it difficult to balance both work and family. </div> </div>

Two smiling women with glasses appear against a watercolor splash background. The text reads, "♥ Globally Human: Stories of Mexican Motherhood" in bold orange and white letters.

Stories of Mexican Motherhood: Love, Challenges, and Community

Celebrated across the globe by more than two billion people, <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/winter-holidays-celebrated-around-world/">Christmas</a> is a special time of year that brings many families together. Some of the core features of Christmas celebrations hold true in communities around the world, but other aspects of the way that the holiday is observed vary greatly between cultures. In Colombia, Christmas is not just one special day; it’s a month-long celebration filled with vibrant customs and joyous moments.



With Christmas fast approaching and the festive period already well underway in the vast South American country, let’s explore some of the key features and facts of a Colombian Christmas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let There Be Light: Little Candles Day, Nativity Decoration &amp; The Alboradas</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Little Candles Day &amp; The Alboradas</h3>



To build up excitement for the <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/winter-holidays-celebrated-around-world/">upcoming holidays</a>, many towns and cities host the Alboradas – huge firework displays that light up skies. The Alboradas is a relatively new tradition, having begun as recently as 2003 when residents of Medellín, the nation’s second largest city after the capitol, decided to mark the return of peace to the city with a colorful and impressive array of fireworks. From there, the midnight fireworks displays spread to other cities and regions of Colombia. If you visit a city hosting the Alboradas, you will likely hear the thunder of firecrackers begin around 11 p.m. with the celebrations continuing well into the night.



Despite the local enthusiasm for the Alboradas, the official start of the festive season is Día de las Velitas (Little Candles Day). As day turns to night on December 7, households across <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/history-remittances-immigration-in-colombia/">Colombia</a> light small candles and paper lanterns to guide the Virgin Mary as she comes to bless their homes. First observed in 1854, the celebration marks the moment Pope Pius declared the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.



The celebration of Dia de las Velitas also varies quite a bit between regions. For instance, communities on the Caribbean coast observe this tradition before dawn on the morning of December 8, lighting candles and placing them inside luminarias or farolitos &#8211; plastic and paper coverings that protect the candles from the wind. In the capital city Bogotá, locals place candles on windowsills and balconies and several streets are closed to traffic, providing residents and tourists with a better view of all the impressive illuminations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Colombia’s Cities Light Up with Festive Displays</h3>



Each Colombian city takes tremendous pride in its <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/philippines-christmas-season/">Christmas</a> decorations. Typically, important city-center plazas are lit up with decorations, illuminating historic architecture. Other decorations serve as symbols of the region’s heritage. Cartagena, for example, often boasts elaborate figures of sailing ships from yesteryear due to its close ties to the Caribbean Sea.



However, none are more famous than the displays in Medellín. Here, the Christmas lights have become a popular tourist attraction, drawing in international tourists and large crowds from across Colombia. The luminous spectacle features displays in more than 100 of the city’s parks following a path along the Medellín River, which snakes through the center of the city. The decorations themselves are carefully chosen to fit an overall theme. In 2013, the city’s administration decided to highlight the history and traditions of the Antioquia region to which Medellín belongs, including the evolution of the city’s famous Metropolitan Cathedral.



Those travelling to Colombia during the festive period will also notice the Pesebres (mangers). Alongside Christmas lights, Colombian towns and cities exhibit elaborate nativity scenes that depict the birth of Jesus Christ. Families meticulously set up these Pesebres often incorporating local elements such as flora and fauna that are native to Colombia. The scale of these Pesebres can be utterly staggering, while some are miniature, others can take up entire streets, highlighting the dedication and creativity of their makers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Novena de Aguinaldo</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Praying the Novena</h3>



The Novena de Aguinaldo is a nine-day series of prayers and carols which begins on December 16 and finishes on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). During these nine days, families and communities gather to recite prayers, sing traditional songs known as villancicos, and share some tasty treats. Like the story of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph taking shelter in different houses prior to Jesus’s birth, a different family or neighbor hosts the Novena each night, fostering a strong sense of friendship and togetherness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Juegos de Aguinaldo</h3>



During the Novena, there’s also plenty of room for competition. The Juegos de Aguinaldo are small games that family members of all ages can take part in. One of the most common is called Estatua (statue). The aim of this game is to surprise another person by shouting “Estatua!”. Once the command has been given, the opponent must maintain the position they are standing or sitting in until the other person gives them permission to resume moving freely. Players often try to catch each other in unusual or accidental positions that will be difficult to maintain.



Another popular game is tres pies (three feet). In this game, players must try to keep their legs together for the entire evening. Failure to do so will give an opponent the opportunity to stick a foot between the player’s legs and shout “¡Tres pies, mis aguinaldos!”, for which they gain one point. On Christmas Eve, all the points are totaled and small prizes are awarded to the winner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Niño Jesus, Santa Claus, and Presents</h2>



Unlike children in many other Western countries, for whom Christmas Eve conjures the image of an old man with a white beard struggling to come down a chimney with a sack of presents, it isn’t Santa Claus who brings gifts to children in Colombia. Instead, presents are given by Niño Jesus (Baby Jesus). For that reason, families rarely leave treats for Santa Claus and instead exchange presents after the Aguinaldo Mass during the night of December 24.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colombian Christmas Cuisine: Buñuelos, Natillas, and more</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Christmas Eve Meal</h3>



While families typically gather and eat together throughout the festive period, the most important meal by far takes place during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and is frequently eaten before midnight mass. As with Christmas decorations, each region has its own variation of the Christmas feast, but certain dishes are particularly popular:



Lechona. This hearty pork dish, filled with peas and rice, dates back more than five centuries. It is typically served with pork skin on top.



Ajiaco Bogotano. Favored in the wider Bogotá region, ajiaco is a flavorful soup full of staple foods like chicken, potato, and corn.



Arepas. Though more commonly associated with neighboring Venezuela, arepas often accompany the festive pork dishes. Filled with meat or vegetables, arepas are savory snacks made using a fried cornmeal base.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Christmas Delicacies</h3>



Though the Christmas Eve meal receives the most attention, Colombia’s most prized Christmas dish may actually be a dessert. Natilla is a creamy custard pudding that contains a special ingredient – panela, a sweet sugar cane sucrose, which gives natilla a caramel color and unique flavor. Some Colombians even add cheese, giving the natilla an extra richness.



Another Christmas delight is the buñuelo, a fried dough ball made from corn flour and mature queso fresco. Given that these dough balls are fried, buñuelos are often enjoyed as street food sold by vendors making them to order in small stands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Día de los Santos Inocentes</h2>



Across the globe, many report feeling somewhat brought down once the fun of the Christmas holidays have passed, knowing that they will have to wait an entire year to repeat the festivities, but this isn’t the case in Colombia. On December 28, Colombians celebrate Día de los Santos Inocentes, a special date on the calendar where residents play practical jokes on one another and, in general, try to amuse themselves with jovial pranks, not unlike April Fool’s Day celebrated in the other places.



If you walk around Colombian cities on December 28, you will probably see at least a few people with some message or smiley face stuck to their back. Other pranks involve changing the time on a friend’s watch or attempting to scare someone by placing a prop like a mannequin in an unexpected place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)</h2>



The festive period draws to a close with the arrival of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, the three reyes magos who Christians believe presented Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Many cities throughout the country host colorful parades that bring whole communities out onto the streets. In Bogotá, thousands of people gather in the Barrio Egipto to enjoy concerts, theatrical performances, competitions, and typical food from the region around the capital. Further north in Baranoa, hundreds of actors perform the nativity story for live audiences, reviving the importance of the Reyes Magos and passing the story on to future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Send Money to Colombia this Christmas</h2>



With over 90% of the population identifying themselves as Christians, Christmas is a very important to Colombians. That includes the approximately five million living abroad, many of whom send seasonal greetings, gifts and remittances home during the festive period. In an effort to connect more international migrants with their families this Christmas, we have partnered with the national postal service in Colombia, <a href="https://www.4-72.com.co/">4-72</a>, enabling us to provide an increasingly convenient money transfer service that reaches all corners of the county.



Ready to <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-us/send-money-to-colombia/">send money to Colombia</a>? We’re here for you. <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/JFPe60RGGFb">Download our app for iOS or Android</a> to get started.



For more info: comms@riamoneytransfer.com

Christmas in Colombia: Discover Six Beloved Traditions

Christmas in Colombia: Discover 6 Beloved Holiday Traditions

Mother’s Day is coming up for many countries around the world, including Mexico! The month of May brings more than spring flowers. For Mexican communities, it brings a joyous celebration of motherhood (that often includes flowers). That’s because each year on May 10th,&nbsp;Día de la Madre&nbsp;is observed in Mexico.&nbsp;



Here are 4 popular ways to celebrate the moms, grandmas, and mother-figures in your life from near or far:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start with music in the morning</h2>



Music can turn any day into a celebration, and Mother’s Day in Mexico is no different. Join in the fun by waking your mom up with a song! You can take part in this custom in a number of ways. You could hire a mariachi band or gather family members to serenade her together. (“Las Mañanitas” is a popular song choice).&nbsp;If you’re unable to be home for the holiday, you could send her a voice recording of you singing or a link to a playlist of songs for her.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Turn the day into a feast</h2>



Whether it’s going out together for brunch or cooking your mom a homemade meal, why not enjoy <a href="https://lolascocina.com/10-mexican-brunch-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popular recipes</a> like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and enchiladas? If you’ll be apart, food can bring you together. Try making plans with your mom to eat the same meal while you talk on the phone. Even from another city, you and your family can connect over a shared love of favorite dishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Send mom a heartfelt gift</h2>



Around this time of year in Mexico City, crowds gather at the famed&nbsp;Mercado de Jamaica&nbsp;flower market to buy floral arrangements for mom. This can be a great option, and you can pair a bouquet with a card or her favorite candy. If you’ll be away, you could also send money and let her pick her own gift this year!&nbsp;



People across the world use money transfer services to contribute to the festivities at home. With Ria Money Transfer, you can easily&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/send-money-to-mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">send money to Mexico</a>&nbsp;and 165+ countries in just a few clicks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Keep the Mother&#8217;s Day celebrations going!</h2>



This year, Mother’s Day in Mexico falls on&nbsp;Wednesday, May 10th, 2023&nbsp;— but it doesn’t have to stop there. In the month of May, Mother’s Day is also observed by many other countries, including the United States, Colombia, El Salvador, Chile, Canada, and more. Many multinationals and Mexicans living abroad choose to celebrate on more than one day. So why not keep the fun going and celebrate with your mom multiple times?



At Ria Money Transfer, we’re here to help you stay connected with your family and loved ones across the world. <a href="http://riamoneytransfer.app.link/a3HHmmzcdib" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Download our app</a> to get started!

A man and an older woman, both smiling, appear in a circular cutout with abstract shapes in the background. The woman, wearing a red top and with an arm around the man in a gray shirt, radiates joy as they celebrate Mother's Day in Mexico. An orange paper airplane graphic is also visible.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in Mexico and Abroad

Valentine’s Day is a day full of love and romance, so it’s no wonder that the act of giving gifts is a popular holiday tradition. However, it can be difficult to know what to gift someone. That’s why we’ve compiled the top five classic Valentine’s Day gifts that anyone would be happy to receive! Read on to learn more about these timeless presents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Flowers</h2>



Valentine&#8217;s Day is incomplete without flowers. In fact, it is one of the biggest holidays in the flower industry. An estimated 1 billion roses are grown for Valentine&#8217;s Day each year, with around 220 million roses sold in the US alone.



Flowers have long been a symbol of love and romance due to their unique beauty and vibrant colors. Because of the age-old symbolism associated with certain flowers, it has become the go-to way to convey your feelings on Valentine’s Day. For example, a bouquet of red roses can express romance, while pink lilies convey admiration.



If you want to impress your loved ones this holiday, a bouquet of flowers is a great gift to give.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chocolate</h2>



Chocolate is another popular gift for Valentine’s Day. This delicious treat has long been associated with love and romance due to its calming properties and sweet flavor.



Everyone loves chocolate, so it’s a great way to show your affection without breaking the bank. You can get creative and fill a heart-shaped box with your partner’s favorite chocolates, or you can keep it simple and buy a classic box of assorted treats. Chocolate is always sure to bring joy on Valentine’s Day, so it makes for the perfect gift!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thoughtful notes</h2>



A handwritten letter or card is one of the most meaningful gestures you can make and it shows that you took the time to put your feelings into words. Even if it’s just a few lines, expressing yourself through a heartfelt note will bring joy to your loved ones and make them feel truly special. Everyone loves receiving a handwritten letter or card, so writing one for your Valentine’s Day gift will be sure to make them smile!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jewelry</h2>



Jewelry has long been a popular Valentine’s Day gift due to its timeless and elegant appeal. Whether it’s an engagement ring, diamond earrings or a special necklace, jewelry is the perfect way to express your love and commitment. Jewelry can serve as an eternal reminder of one’s affection and devotion, so it makes for a highly meaningful present.



Furthermore, jewelry is also quite versatile, so you can easily find something that fits your budget and style. For these reasons and more, giving jewelry on Valentine’s Day is a very popular tradition!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Money</h2>



Sometimes distance can get in the way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. If giving gifts in-person is not an option, sending money is a great way to let your loved ones know you are thinking of them.



If you want to gift money, we recommend two options: sending money using a secure digital app, or going to a <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/ria-money-transfer-location-near-me/">store that transfers money</a>. These options are the fastest and safest ways to send, but <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/sending-with-ria-in-person-vs-digitally/">the choice is up to you</a>. Good news — Ria Money Transfer offers both of these services, making it the best company for simple and secure international money transfers.



Also, Ria Money Transfer offers a <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/ria-money-transfer-services/">variety of payment and delivery methods</a>, as well as competitive exchange rates and low fees. If you have questions, our friendly customer care team is available 24/7 to support you.



<a href="https://app.riamoneytransfer.com/">Get started today to send your loved ones a gift just in time for Valentine’s Day.</a>

Illustration of two people sitting with their backs to the viewer, holding orange objects and facing a large orange heart in the center. The person on the left holds a round gift, while the person on the right holds an orange paper airplane. Dotted lines connect these gifts to each other and to the heart.

5 Classic Valentine’s Day Gifts That Everyone Will Love

December has arrived and you know what that means: it’s holiday time! Regardless of where you live around the world, you’ll most likely participate in one winter holiday or another. Here are five winter holidays you can expect to see in the weeks leading up to the New Year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hanukkah</h2>



Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a winter holiday celebrated by the Jewish community.



This 8-day celebration commemorates a historic revolt in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, which ultimately gave the Jewish people back their freedom to practice Judaism. Before their victory, Jewish temples had been seized and converted to worship the Greek gods. The legend states that the Jews returned to the temple and found only one jar of oil to light their sacred candles. Miraculously, the jar of oil lasted 8 days — enough time to find more oil and, therefore, continue to bless the temple.



Today, the holiday centers around family and friends. Jews celebrating Hanukkah light a candleholder called a menorah for eight nights. The menorah holds nine candles—one for each night plus a candle called the shamash used to light the other candles.



Other ways to celebrate include playing with the dreidel and eating oil-fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Yule</h2>



Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice, making it one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world! Today, Yule practices are largely synonymous with the Christian holiday of Christmas, but the meaning behind Yule is quite different.



The word yule comes from the ancient word jól, used by Vikings to refer to the winter solstice festival. Winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, and therefore, the return of the sun. After the solstice, the days once again grow longer. It’s seen as a time of rebirth and renewal.



To celebrate, Norse men would bring home large yule logs to set on fire, which would burn for up to 12 days. During this time, people feasted and practiced gratitude.



Today, it’s common to decorate homes with evergreen wreathes and lit fireplaces. Take this shift in seasons as an opportunity to reflect and focus on new beginnings. &nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Christmas</h2>



Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated by Christians on Dec. 25 to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The story states that a woman named Mary was told she’d give birth to the son of God. She traveled to Bethlehem and gave birth in a barn. News traveled fast, and three wise men came with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. &nbsp;



Children may not receive myrrh in the 21st century, but they do receive presents&#8230;.from Santa Claus! Traditions throughout the years have combined with other cultures and holiday celebrations to become what they are today. This has led to the Western lore that a man named Santa Claus lives at the North Pole and delivers presents to children every year on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.



Today, many people celebrate Christmas regardless of religion! Popular traditions include decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies for Santa’s reindeer, and opening presents on the big day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kwanzaa</h2>



Kwanzaa is a winter holiday created to honor African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is observed for seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, and finishes in gift giving and a big feast.



Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza which means “first fruit” or “harvest.” Celebrations often include songs and dances, storytelling, poetry readings, African drumming, and feasts.



Each of the celebrated days is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Year’s Eve</h2>



Last but not least, New Year’s Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world! It marks the last day of the Gregorian calendar and entry into the new year.



Festivities typically begin on Dec. 31 and continue into the early hours of Jan. 1. Popular traditions include attending parties, making resolutions for the new year, and watching fireworks.



—



Need a last minute gift for your holiday celebration? We recommend sending your loved ones money with Ria Money Transfer. <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/yDSIJM6Fiqb">Download the Ria app today.</a>

Ria Money Transfer Blog: A globe surrounded with meaningful holiday mementos

Winter holidays celebrated around the world

As familiar sights, smells, and songs fill the air this month, so does the pressure to find the perfect holiday gifts. But that perfect gift doesn’t need to be expensive, and you never have to worry about choosing when you <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/best-way-to-send-money-online/">send a money transfer</a>!



You may be seeing this a lot from us, but we truly believe giving a little goes a long way.



We asked the stars of the Ria holiday <a href="https://youtu.be/QAHzgzzlmM8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> to share the gifts and holiday traditions that mean the most to them. In a year where many of us <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/reimagining-work-post-covid-19/">will be far apart from our loved ones</a>, we believe the most valuable gifts are the ones that make us feel a bit closer together. And, spoiler: you won’t find any expensive new clothes or televisions on the list!



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hillary-Bontempi.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42419"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



A small painting from my aunt.



What makes this gift special to you?



My aunt&#8217;s art and constant creativity has always inspired my own passion for art and painting. I love collecting art that I am personally connected to, so it&#8217;s great to have something from family in my house when I&#8217;m far from home.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



During most years when we are all together, my family has a huge cookie day, where we are baking and icing hundreds of cookies. My favorite cookie cutter is in the shape of a lobster. It’s a nice nod to our family in Maine and a fun shape to decorate!



What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?



I can&#8217;t wait for lots of nights with cozy socks and hot cocoa! And candy canes.







<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Madison-Spensieri.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42422"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



A handmade jewelry box from Okinawa, Japan.



What makes this gift special to you?



It was given to me by a grandparent, and it’s a keepsake I have to cherish their memory.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Making and decorating lots of Christmas cookies with my mom and siblings to give to our friends and family.



What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?



My puppy&#8217;s first Christmas.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Dilia-Parkinson.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42425"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



A hand-painted painting about the African continent with local fabrics made by an artist from Goreé Island, Senegal.



What makes this gift special to you?



This painting connects me to my origins and my family. It is special because it reminds me of the history of places in Africa where I have been very happy.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Spending time with family and friends, seeing the Christmas lights, and having a hot chocolate and Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés, a very famous café in Madrid that has been open since 1894.



What is your favorite holiday food or sweet?



Roscón de Reyes and a hot chocolate cup. It&#8217;s a traditional Spanish Christmas cake with a crown to celebrate Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes Magos, the Three Wise Men Day. Some rolls have a small surprise inside of them (usually small figurines of wise men) and tradition goes whoever gets the roll with the surprise piece will have a lucky year ahead.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hayley-Appleton.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42428"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



A Singer sewing machine.



What makes this gift special to you?



Sewing is a skill my mother and late grandmother passed down to me. Making clothes was something we always bonded over. My mom gave me this sewing machine in college, and I used it to make all my bridesmaid dresses for my wedding.



What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?



Being able to see my sister-in-law, niece, and nephew for the first time in a while.



What is your favorite holiday food or sweet?



My mom&#8217;s homemade apple pie.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Raghib-Sadique.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42431"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



A coffee mug given to me by my son.



What makes this gift special to you?



I have drank my coffee out of this mug every day for the past nine years. It was the first gift he ever gave me, and it reminds me of the start of parenthood.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Meeting with all of my extended family in the early morning following Eid prayers.



What is your favorite holiday food or sweet?



Sheer khurma, or sweet vermicelli.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Joanne-Rivera.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42434"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



My dog.



What makes this gift special to you?



My dog came with me from the Philippines. Dogs are part of my family. I constantly tell people, this one is an immigrant. &nbsp;My second dog, which we adopted in the US, is a citizen. Both have the same rights in our household.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Noche Buena, when we meet with our family on Christmas eve for a big meal after attending &#8220;Simbang Gabi,&#8221; or midnight mass.



What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?



Spending time without family is quite difficult because we look forward to being together all year. This year we are having all the small kids create a “parol,” a star-shaped lantern that signifies our Filipino Christmas celebration across nations.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Cory-Bledsoe.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42437"/></figure></div>



What gift did you choose to share?



My cactus, Prickles.



What makes this gift special to you?



I am trying to get better at taking care of plants, and it’s special because it’s surviving. It’s very hardy, luckily.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Sleeping in, staying in my pajamas all day, and eating great food. It’s my preferred way to spend the holidays.



What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever given?



It&#8217;s kind of odd, but I got my family one of those outdoor heat lamps a few years ago. It allows my grandpa to sit outside even when it&#8217;s cold, which makes me happy because that&#8217;s one of his favorite things to do!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sharon-Vallar.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42440"/></figure>



What gift did you choose to share?



My chunky furball of a cat, Felix.



What makes this gift special to you?



My son and I always wanted a cat, but his dad and grandmother are allergic to pet dander. We found out that Ragdoll cats are considered among the most hypoallergenic cats because they do not have an undercoat. So, we got ourselves a Ragdoll cat and he has been the best gift we&#8217;ve ever given ourselves.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Gathering and eating with my family and friends.



What is your favorite holiday food or sweet?



Filipino biko.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Daniele-Templorini.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42443"/></figure>



What gift did you choose to share?



Decorative Moorish heads from Sicily.



What makes this gift special to you?



They represent my bond to my Southern Italian origins and culture, and the diversity that I experience while working with Ria.



What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever given?



I surprised my boyfriend with a journey abroad to attend a concert of his favorite opera singer.



What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?



If I can, I am looking forward to spending some time with my family in my hometown.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Keller-Masnyk.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42446"/></figure>



What gift did you choose to share?



My dog, Gigi.



What makes this gift special to you?



She is a very good girl, and she makes me laugh.



What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever given?



I gave my parents a Spotify subscription and a speaker system, and we&#8217;ve been able to share and bond over music ever since!



What is your favorite holiday food or sweet?



We always make a huge brunch on Christmas morning while opening gifts. Everything tastes better on Christmas morning!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pranay-Siri.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42449"/></figure>



What gift did you choose to share?



An Idol of Gautam Buddha.



What makes this gift special to you?



This was the first gift I ever sent to my family while I was in the US.



What is your favorite holiday tradition?



Eating delicious foods with my extended family and friends.



What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever given?



A hand-woven sweater from Kashmir.



This holiday season, we know the importance of feeling close to the people you care about. With Ria Money Transfer, you can <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/money-transfer-meaning-to-anwar-mohammad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still have that connection</a>. You don’t need to send much to make their day a little bit brighter.



Download the <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/c0vnGr2Cnjb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ria Money Transfer app</a> today to get started!

A collage of 18 individuals, each holding a special item, ranging from pets, plants, and art to books and tools. The orange circular frames highlight their distinct items and smiles, indicating a diverse and personalized collection of what they cherish.

The Gifts that Mean the Most: Behind the Scenes of the Ria Holiday Video

In this year’s <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/ria-money-transfer-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holiday campaign</a>, we dive into all the joy a money transfer brings around the world. Behind each appearance in the video, <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/behind-the-scenes-ria-holiday-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">there’s a story</a> – just like every money transfer sent with Ria.



Near the end of the <a href="https://youtu.be/QAHzgzzlmM8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a>, Anwar Mohammad, a business development manager at Ria, and his family make their appearance. Those 15 seconds aren’t nearly enough to capture what a money transfer means. He lives 8,000 miles away in Texas, and his transfers to India are helping his family finish the home that his late father started four years ago.



This is Anwar’s story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defying the odds of opportunity</h2>



“Work hard, dream big.” – Anwar, 2020



That’s exactly what Anwar did when growing up in the small village of Chhaleri Kalan in Punjab, India. Despite not having access to many opportunities he created a bright future for himself. Anwar believes that if he can do it, everyone can.



His journey began learning business logistics and vendor relations while working for his late father’s agriculture business. His dad then pushed him to go to college, just like Anwar’s older brother before him and now, his younger brother, who is currently studying in Cyprus.



His commute to college was long, but it was worth it. He believes studying – especially in India – is the key to being successful.



He describes: “I used to wake up at 6 a.m. to do chores, then leave by 7 a.m., then walk three miles to catch the bus to college. But I didn’t give up. Cold or hot, I went. I told myself that I’m the one who signed up for this, so I have to complete this.”



His sacrifice didn’t end there, though. After college, he made the tough decision to leave Chhaleri Kalan to live in Chandigarh to open an electronic repair business with his friends. His dad wanted him to stay, but Anwar knew he needed to do this to create a better life for himself.



This cultural and constant desire to make his family happy in India is something that Anwar believes can hold people back. Getting away and learning about new cultures and people in college helped him realize that he couldn’t always please his family.



Eventually, his dad – after some convincing from his mom – came around to the idea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking another leap of faith by moving to the United States</h2>



“Life is about taking risks to achieve your dreams.” – Anwar, 2020



In 2018, Anwar, his wife – a whirlwind of a romance that deserves a separate post in itself – and their dog, Abhi, realized that they’d need to <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/reasons-move-to-another-country/">leave India to pursue their dreams</a>, they took another leap of faith. They moved to the United States.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Anwar-Blog-Body-Image-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42412"/><figcaption>Anwar and Abhi, an Indian Spitz who came all the way from India.</figcaption></figure></div>



Once again, Anwar worked hard to achieve greatness. He quickly landed a job as a Business Development Manager at Ria thanks to his experience in business and his talent for forming lasting relationships. He was promoted in November 2019 and now specializes in expanding business from the US to South Asia on the west coast. He didn’t know anyone besides his wife when he moved here, but now he has friends in 15 states because of everyone he meets on business trips.



“I’m blessed to work with my own people and grow with Ria,” he explains.



Although he misses sarson da saag and makki di roti, a Punjabi dish his mom has perfected, friends, and especially his family, he believes he’s found opportunities in the US that were not available to him in India at the time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What a money transfer means to Anwar and his family</h2>



“It’s a blessing to be connected.” – Anwar, 2020



Throughout the years, Anwar used the <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/how-to-get-a-job-abroad/">opportunity to work abroad</a> to give back to his family back home. Years ago, Anwar’s father and started to build a house, but he sadly passed away in 2017 and construction was put on hold. Now, thanks to Anwar’s hard work, construction is back on track, and the house is expected to be completed in March 2021!



“I can’t wait to go back and see my home,” he says.



For Anwar, it’s important his family grows with him. And it’s a money transfer that allows them all to grow together and live comfortably.



He explains: “I live 8,000 miles away. I can’t be there physically, but I can be there in another way.”



And this is true beyond financing the home. There’s an extended family wedding coming up, and he can still be there in spirit by sending a transfer to help them celebrate. It’s his way of staying connected to his loved ones.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="500" src="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Anwars-Family.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42409" srcset="https://riablog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Anwars-Family.jpg 800w, https://riablog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Anwars-Family-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Anwar’s family in front of their new home that’s under construction.</figcaption></figure></div>



Just like Anwar, we hope a money transfer helps you feel connected too. A transfer doesn’t just allow loved ones to buy something; it allows friends and family to live and enjoy life.



This month, it’s even easier to spread joy to those you love. It’s $0 fee December, because we know that giving a little goes a long way. It’s the least we can do.



Learn more about our <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/ria-money-transfer-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holiday campaign</a>, or download the <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.onelink.me/v0fi/d2b06fe7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ria Money Transfer app</a> to get started.

A man in a red quilted jacket and black shirt smiles while holding up a framed photograph of two people. The background is light blue with an orange circle behind him.

Work Hard, Dream Big: What a Money Transfer Means to Anwar Mohammad

Towards the end of the year, Mexicans flock in large numbers to congregate in cemeteries and gravesites all over the country. Rather than a harrowing tragedy, it is a nationwide celebration called Dia de los Muertos &#8211; or Day of the Dead, and a part of <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/what-is-hispanic-heritage-month/">hispanic culture and tradition</a> in the United States as well.



If you look closely at your own customs around death, you may discover striking parallels that contain many of the same elements that Mexicans believe. But what does Día de los Muertos mean? Is it similar to Halloween? And how exactly is it celebrated in the United States? Let’s try to cover these (and some other) questions here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When is Día de Los Muertos celebrated?</h2>



The eve of Día de los Muertos begins on October 31st—a date that much of the secular sphere associates with <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/power-of-branding-halloween/">Halloween</a>—and extends up to November 1st and 2nd, when Catholics around the world observe All Saints Day and All Souls Day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why would anyone celebrate death?&nbsp;</h2>



In a country that is very much acquainted with the realities of life, death is just another part of the cycle that confronts us who walk on this mortal realm. Instead of shying away from it, Mexicans have decided throughout the course of their shared history to confront it, and Día de los Muertos has come about as a natural result of this cultural introspection.



To the untrained eye, it’s easy to mistake Día de los Muertos as a copycat of many existing traditions, but it has actually taken on a unique twist of its own that separates it from every other event in the planet, so much so that it has been designated as one of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.



Three of these Mexican peculiarities include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>No sadness allowed – unlike the more solemn observances of Christians, Dia de los Muertos involves feasting, partying, and storytelling. The practitioners are not so much memorializing the deceased as they are invoking them to awaken from their slumber! Obviously, this does not mean that graves will be upturned and bodies resurrected in the physical sense, but rather the spirits of the dead are rumored to leave their spiritual realm and allowed to visit their loved ones only during this particular timeframe. The celebration is therefore considered the best family reunion of sorts, with living members here on earth and dead members in the afterlife gathering once again in solidarity with each other. To that end, it is common to see celebrations on the streets where people are dressed up as skeletons and wear special Día de Los Muertos makeup for the occasion. </li>



<li>Time to wake the dead – it’s often been said that the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, but Día de los Muertos is taking things to the next level. To help rouse the spirits and assist them in reaching the plane of the living, festival goers will often work on remarkable Día de los Muertos decorations, creating altars dedicated to the deceased and filling them with all kinds of sentimental trinkets, especially their favorite foods. The scents are rumored to attract the ghost, invoking memories of his or her past, and hopefully encourage a visit so he or she can chow down once more. In other cases, younger participants will even perform a ritual dance while wearing shell-covered necklaces, hoping that the noisy rattling will wake the dead.</li>



<li>A night at the cemetery – graves are often cleaned and prepared prior to the festival so that on the arrival of the Day of the Dead, family members can congregate around the burial site. This union reinforces kinship ties—the whole affair is spent with plenty of food, drinks, and stories to go around. One of the predominant beliefs is that the dead can hear what is being said, even though they may not be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, relatives will trade humorous memories about their loved ones who’ve passed away, contributing to the overall bliss of the situation. This helps ease pains of loss and ensures that their legacy lives on, if not here on earth, then at least in the thoughts of those whom they have left behind.</li>
</ul>



Intermingling with the nations&nbsp;



Because Mexico is a country that contains a wide mixture of <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/culture/">cultures</a> and customs, it’s inevitable that foreign influence will eventually shape the way&nbsp;Dia&nbsp;de los Muertos is celebrated. For instance, the nation’s&nbsp;proximity with the United States has resulted in Halloween&nbsp;penetrating&nbsp;the country’s climate, resulting in kids in large cities taking on a westernized “trick-or-treat” approach to this age-old practice. Similarly, a lot of Mexicans are Catholics, which means that, in addition to celebrating the traditional Day of the Dead, they also incorporate many Christian practices such as praying for souls’ eternal repose and setting up shrines and altars containing images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do Mexicans celebrate&nbsp;Dia&nbsp;de los Muertos&nbsp;outside of Mexico?&nbsp;</h2>



Mexicans living outside of Mexico, especially those in the United States, can still celebrate the holiday and partake in local festivities despite not being physically present with their families and loved ones. For example, San Francisco’s Mission District holds a Day of the Dead parade every year, complete with skeleton-costumed attendees. Likewise, San Antonio’s&nbsp;Muerto Fest&nbsp;is an extravagant event that features live music, food, parades, performances, and other Americanisms mixed in with the Mexican roots.&nbsp;Nevertheless, despite trying hard to capture the essence of their native soil, Mexican expats still wish to be transported back to Mexico and share the joy with their relatives – both dead and alive.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Dia de los Muertos is one of the times every year when Latinos working abroad <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/send-money-to-mexico/">send money to their families</a> in order to pay for the expenses of the festival. Ria is honored to help make that possible and will continue to serve those assisting with the needs of the living by making sure that they get their daily sustenance, and carry on the legacy of their deceased.



Ready to send money online? <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/ihEzrE6jcib">Download our app today</a> for iOS or Android to get started. And, if you are receiving money, you can track your transfer using our app as well.

Illustration of six colorful sugar skulls arranged in two rows of three. Each skull features unique decorative patterns in various colors, including flowers, hearts, and other ornate designs, symbolizing the Dia de los Muertos celebration.

Día de los Muertos Traditions in the USA

The smell of bibingka wafts from the local bakery as churchgoers leave the cathedral at the crack of dawn amidst excited chatter and the voice of Jose Mari Chan crooning in the airwaves. Sound familiar? It should if you live in the Philippines! Come advent season, the festivities are in full swing, and everyone is gearing up for the familiar yet always unique experience of the&nbsp;unique Filipino Christmas Celebration!&nbsp;&nbsp;



Which, by the way, starts in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">But why does Christmas in the Philippines start in September?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



A little too early, don’t you think? Not really.&nbsp;Officially, Christmas celebrations are supposed to begin on December 16, a day known as&nbsp;Simbang Gabi, or Night Mass.&nbsp;However, the reason why the Christmas bug bites the Filipinos when the “ber” months hit is because there are no intervening holidays that come before it. Unlike the United States and other countries that celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and so on, the Philippines only has Christmas to look forward to during the last stretch of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;



It also helps that the country is 90 percent Christian, so the birth of Jesus is kind of a big deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;



So, now that we know the “why,” how do they celebrate Christmas in the Philippines? Let’s find out more.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Philippines Christmas traditions:&nbsp;500 years in the making&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



Many of the traditions in the country come from its colonial heritage. When the Spaniards landed in 1521, they not only named the archipelago after King Philip, but also bought with them an entire fleet of Catholic missionaries. The native Filipinos were surprisingly open to the faith, and it wasn’t long before much of the population began celebrating the holidays according to Spanish customs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Unlike other nations, the Philippines has largely safeguarded the season’s religious significance and kept the march of commercialization at bay. Attending mass is virtually a requirement for a successful celebration or else it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas. Nine days prior to December 25th, Filipinos get up before the crack of dawn and haul their tired feet and bleary eyes to the nearest church (legend has it that completing all nine masses grants you a wish from the Virgin Mary). On Christmas eve, everyone, whether rich or poor, puts on their best clothes and sits shoulder-to-shoulder in the pews as they attend the&nbsp;Misa de Gallo&nbsp;or Rooster’s Mass, a special mass celebrated at midnight that incorporates lots of festive hymns as well as a yearly reenactment of Jesus’ birth played by volunteers in the community. What follows next is the best part: a gut-busting feast called the&nbsp;Noche Buena&nbsp;(literally “The Good Night”), which features local delicacies such as&nbsp;pancit, queso de bola, adobo, lumpia,&nbsp;tsokolate, and of course, the unofficial national meal, lechon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Another interesting Filipino Christmas tradition happens on Christmas Day, when it is common for family members to visit each other. This occasion is also unique because senior family members give their blessings to younger relatives. In this custom called&nbsp;Págmamáno, elders offer the back of their hands, placing it on the foreheads of their younger relatives and sometimes even offering money (called&nbsp;Aguinaldo). On this day, older members of each&nbsp;Filipino&nbsp;family are revered.&nbsp;&nbsp;



These&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;traditions are so ingrained in the culture that finding a family who doesn’t celebrate it in exactly this manner is rare. For customs that were established half a millennium ago, they have truly stood the test of time.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Filipino Christmas celebration:&nbsp;the best time to come home&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



Christmas in the Philippines is often the only time of the year where&nbsp;many parents&nbsp;can come home. There aren’t a lot of opportunities in the country, so one parent often leaves his or her family to work abroad from January to November, saving all their vacation days so that they can spend it with their&nbsp;minamahal&nbsp;in the last month of the year.&nbsp;These are the<a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/share-ofw-life-abroad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;OFWs &#8211; Overseas Filipino Workers</a>, who regularly send money to their loved ones from abroad. Thus,&nbsp;Christmas is not just about presents, but the reunification of families that are forced to stay apart due to financial difficulties. No wonder the happiest people during this season are kids!&nbsp;&nbsp;



Sometimes, a loved one may not be able to make the trip, but the Filipinos are remarkably resilient. In the past, international calls allowed voices to be sent through the wire, giving parents a sense of comfort in hearing their children talk even if they can’t see their expectant faces. These were expensive, so they had to be saved for special occasions like Christmas and New Year, but with video conferencing now cheap and accessible, it’s become more common for virtual reunions to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/stay-connected-with-family-abroad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep families connected</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp; heal the rift between&nbsp;them.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Remittances: a labor of sweat, tears,&nbsp;and love&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/remittances-why-people-send-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Remittances</a>&nbsp;are a lifeblood of the Philippine economy. There are currently 10 million Filipino expats working abroad, and most of the money that they earn&nbsp;is&nbsp;sent back to their relatives in the Philippines. This amounts&nbsp;to billions&nbsp;of dollars every year, comprising&nbsp;a percentage that may amount to&nbsp;about 10 percent of the country’s GDP.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The dedication that Filipinos have to their families is on full display here. That amount of money can be spent living a comfortable lifestyle overseas, but they always prioritize their kin back at home. A popular saying in the Philippines is “Ang&nbsp;hindi&nbsp;marunong&nbsp;lumingon&nbsp;sa&nbsp;pinanggalingan&nbsp;ay&nbsp;hindi&nbsp;makararating&nbsp;sa&nbsp;paroroonan”&nbsp; (Those who do not look back to where they came from will never arrive to where they’re going), which is another way of reminding people to appreciate their humble beginnings lest they get carried away by success, and Filipinos do this by their dogged determination to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/6-inventions-that-fight-poverty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lift their own communities out of poverty</a>.&nbsp;Christmas in the Philippines is a special time for everyone to be reminded of this.&nbsp;&nbsp;



It is,&nbsp;after all, a noble mission and a worthwhile journey &#8211; one of which&nbsp;Ria Money Transfer&nbsp;wants to be a part of.&nbsp;



Ready to send money to the Philippines? We&#8217;re here for you. <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/7cx58QpGhib">Download our Ria Money Transfer App</a> for iOS or Android today and let&#8217;s get started!

A glowing star-shaped lantern hangs on a wall, illuminated warmly in the evening. Behind it, more star-shaped lanterns glow softly, creating a cozy and festive ambiance. The dark background emphasizes the warm light emitted from the lanterns.

Christmas in the Philippines: a Very Long Season

Every year for a month, over a billion Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink until sundown. Ramadan, as this time in the Islamic calendar is called, commemorates the month in which the first revelations of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, were received by the prophet Muhammad.



But, what is the meaning of the month of Ramadan for Islam? And why is the founding of the Quran celebrated through fasting? We’ll try to answer these and other questions here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the month of Ramadan?</h2>



The month of Ramadan is the most sacred month for Islamic <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/culture/">culture</a>. Ramadan is considered a time of reflection, worship, and self-restraint by the Muslim world. Time is dedicated to self-improving, praying, and fasting &#8211; one of the Five Pillars of Islam (more on this later).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When is Ramadan celebrated? </h2>



The month of Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, and as such its first and last dates coincide with the coming and going of the crescent moon.&nbsp;This means that the actual dates&nbsp;fluctuate, and, as a result,&nbsp;Ramadan starts on a different day each year.&nbsp;There’s also&nbsp;the fact that the Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian.&nbsp;In 2019, for instance, fasting began on May 5th and&nbsp;ended&nbsp;on June 4th.&nbsp;



Ramadan lasts between 29 and 30 days. The first sight of the new crescent moon marks the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal, which is the lunar month that follows Ramadan. If the moon cannot be seen, then the completion of the 30 days of fasting marks its ending.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramadan’s place within Islam</h2>



According to Muslim belief, it all began when the angel Gabriel appeared before Muhammad. The archangel delivered revelations sent from Allah (God), which Muhammad then used to write the Quran.



At its core, the Quran details key ideals, from prayer to fasting, every Muslim should uphold. These are known as the Five Pillars of Islam and also include shadada (a declaration of faith), zakat (charity) and pilgrimage (to Muhammad’s native city of Mecca).



Ramadan is not only about self-restraint, reflection, and spiritual growth: it also about family and unity. At dusk, family and community members come together to break their fast. The meal offers a valuable opportunity for participants to discuss what they’ve learned through abstinence.



The most important dates in Ramadan are the beginning, being established with the viewing of crescent moon; the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), considered to be the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and the world; and the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival with which Ramadan ends, where fasting is officially broken, and when communities organize celebrations. During this time, Muslims may wear new clothes or visit the graves of relatives.



&#8220;Ramadan Mubarak&#8221;, which can be translated as &#8220;blessed Ramadan&#8221; or &#8220;have a blessed celebration&#8221;, is a greeting to mark its ending, as well as the conclusion of the fasting period. The common response to Ramadan Mubarak is &#8220;Khair Mubarak&#8221;, returning the blessed greeting to the person who first emitted it. Another response that is sometimes used is &#8220;Ramadan Kareem&#8221;, meaning &#8220;generous Ramadan&#8221;, further wishing blessings during the celebration of Ramadan.



As Ramadan approaches its end and Eid al-Fitr arrives, it is usual to greet others with “Eid Mubarak”, which can be translated as “Blessed Festival”.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Ramadan means to our customers</h2>



The largest Muslim populations are located in Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey, which are all countries with high levels of <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/life-abroad/">immigration</a>.



For this reason, many Muslims end up celebrating Ramadan far from their loved ones.



Our services offer <a href="https://blog.riamoneytransfer.com/en/stay-connected-with-family-abroad/">a way to connect with those far away</a>, to fund charity work and contribute to the preparations for Eid al-Fitr.



We are also active participants of Ramadan, preparing different initiatives all over the world. The activities may vary from sponsoring breakfast at local mosques to raffling prayer rugs and Tasbihs (rosaries) at our stores.&nbsp;



At Ria Money Transfer, we’re always looking forward to Ramadan season because it is another great opportunity to connect with our loyal Muslim customers. Through getting involved in the festivities, we learn more about their wants and needs and are able to foster a stronger kinship with our Muslim family.



Ramadan is a time for coming together, and we take that responsibility very seriously.



Need to send money? We&#8217;ve got you covered. Transfer money safely, easily and almost instantly with the Ria Money Transfer app &#8211; <a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/sjfqvuFDkpb">download it for iOS or Android</a> today to get started.

Illustration of a mosque with three domes against an orange crescent moon. Two small clouds and two hanging ornaments (a lantern and a star) add to the scene, evoking the serene atmosphere of Ramadan. The background is light blue.