Christmas Around Latin America

Here are some Links to different traditions

Christmas in South America

Native Bolivians celebrate Christmas more as a harvest festival. Thanks are given for completion of the year's work. They give an account of the work done during the year and propose what is to be done the next year. Christmas tends to become a feast of adoration of the Goddess Mother Earth, who is asked to bring a fruitful harvest, to keep away plagues, and to give a prosperous year.

In Brazil Santa Claus is little known and those who do know of the jolly fellow call him Papa Noel.

The children have no Christmas trees, but they do have a crèche or Presepio, representing the Christ-child's birth. Gifts and toys are exchanged during the holidays after which the Presepio is put away until the following Christmas.

In Ecuador the children write letters to the Christ-child and place shoes in the window in which he may place toys as he passes by on Christmas Eve. Noise-making toys are common and are used with much energy on the streets on Christmas morning.

Since the weather is very warm, most celebrations are in the streets. There are firecrackers, brass bands, and dancing. At midnight everyone goes to Mass. after which the family dinner is enjoyed.

taken from Christmas Traditions Around the World

Holiday Traditions Imported From Bolivia

Christmas in Bolivia

Submitted by a reader

In Bolivia they have a Nacimiento instead of a Christmas tree.

The tradition started when everyone in the town would bring an offering to the Christ child in the crèche at the church. Towns people would bring a miniature version of their trade or specialty as a gift to baby Jesus. For example a shoemaker would bring a miniature pair of shoes, a dressmaker would sew miniature dress, a baker might bring a miniature loaf of bread.

The tradition has evolved and now there is a Nacimiento in many homes. It is a tiered type of pyramid-like display. The baby Jesus is in a crèche at the top surrounded by lower tiers of miniature figurines of carved wood, blown glass, paper mache... representing gifts. The miniatures can be of almost anything at all: animals, food, clothing, toys, paintings, utensils...

Throughout South America and Spain Christmas is celebrated in a deeply religious way. But there are peculiar and interesting differences in each country.

ARGENTINA URUGUAY

Argentina and Uruguay are countries with many cultural influences. So their Christmas traditions are diverse and it is very difficult to generalize. Following are some broad local traditions. Both countries have a summer time Christmas unlike that of the United States. Despite this, their traditions are quite similar. People celebrate it with devotion and joy. The tradition of Nativity scene and Xmas tree, gift-giving, banquets and picnics, and fireworks at around midnight. People usually select any artificial or live tree to display at home. These trees are decorated with colored lights, ornaments and candles. All Christmas gifts are placed under the tree. Many set up the Nativity scene, a model of the manger where Jesus Christ was born. The devout also attend a Christmas church service, if this is part of their family's holiday tradition. Many plan a barbecue or picnic, as their Christmas meal, to take advantage of the pleasant weather. Along with the special and usual holiday items, pan dulce (a Christmas bread filled with candies) and sidra (cider) or champagne are served with dessert. FOr more click here Imágenes navideñas Click to see pictures of various countries and how they celebrate Navidad La Navidad- Great kids site with music, games etc. NAVIDAD VILLANCICOS