Christmas 2024 is set to be marked by significant increases in food prices, impacting families as they plan their traditional holiday dinners. According to Cuauhtémoc Rivera, president of the National Consumer Agency (ANPEC), the overall increase since the pandemic has averaged around 30%, translating to financial strain for many families.
Specifically, Rivera noted, "Desde la pandemia, el balance de incremento de precio es de un promedio de 30%. Ha sido una factura económica que los consumidores han tenido que padecer" (Since the pandemic, the price increase balance is around 30%. It has been an economic bill consumers have had to bear). With this year's holiday approaching, families can expect to pay 25% more than last year for their festive meal.
The cost of preparing a traditional Christmas dinner for 15 people is projected to reach approximately 6,000 pesos for main dishes such as turkey and romeritos. Including desserts, appetizers, drinks, and decorations, the total cost could soar to 14,000 pesos. Rivera elaborated, "Respecto al año anterior, una cena para 15 personas se encarece un 25%. Este año, el costo de una cena tradicional de Navidad... total llegará a 14 mil pesos" (Compared to last year, dinner for 15 people has increased 25%. This year, the cost of a traditional Christmas dinner... will total around 14 thousand pesos).
Restaurants are also feeling the pinch, with meal prices ranging from 5,000 to 900 pesos. Rivera cautioned families to explore more economical alternatives, pointing out, "En los restaurantes, los precios también se han incrementado" (At restaurants, prices have also increased), and suggested many families may find dining out to be less feasible.
Many households are struggling with the rising costs, particularly those with limited resources. Rivera explained, "Algunos hogares no tendrán opción de una cena especial debido a la falta de recursos... algunos hacen platillos con pollo, nopales o camarón" (Some households will not have the option of a special dinner due to lack of resources... some prepare dishes with chicken, nopal, or shrimp). This depicts the growing challenge for families to embrace traditions amid tightening budgets.
Meanwhile, local markets, such as those found throughout Bogotá, offer fresh produce at competitive prices, helping consumers navigate the economic turbulence. Vendors are striving to keep prices manageable, with fresh vegetables and fruits ready for holiday preparations. María Virginia, one of the market vendors, emphasized the commitment to quality by stating, "Todo bueno, bonito y barato" (Everything good, beautiful, and cheap).
The market environment reflects how vendors are adapting to the challenging circumstances, ensuring a steady supply of ingredients necessary for traditional holiday dishes. Other items, such as avocados, remain affordable as well, providing opportunities for families to create festive salads and guacamole.
Despite the strain on household budgets, the importance of family and communal celebrations remains central to Mexican culture during the holidays. Rivera remarked, "La familia es muy importante para los mexicanos" (Family is very important for Mexicans), highlighting the cultural value placed on togetherness even when financial means may influence the scale of celebration.
With many traditional ingredients, such as turkey and ham, seeing price hikes due to heightened demand, Rivera warned shoppers to prepare for these seasonal fluctuations. "El mercado es una entidad viva que reacciona de acuerdo a la ocasión... los precios de productos como el bacalao, el pavo... se encarecen" (The market is a living entity responding to the occasion... the prices of products like cod, turkey... increase).
Looking forward to Christmas 2024, families are encouraged to plan their holiday dinners with foresight, as the increased costs have made it necessary to embrace alternatives to traditional fare without sacrificing the spirit of the season. The dedication to maintaining traditions amid such adversity reflects resilience, as families gather around their tables, not just to eat, but to celebrate the unity and love inherent in their shared lives.
