The Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America and Europe have a rich cultural heritage full of celebrations and holidays. Perhaps one of the most important and the most awaited every year is Christmas. It is a time of family gatherings, abundant meals, and Christmas songs.

This blog will show you how Spanish-speaking countries celebrate their Christmas traditions and how each country finds a way to make Christmas a little more their own.

SPAIN

12 Grapes on New Year’s Eve

After dinner, the main squares of the cities are filled with people waiting for the twelve bells that indicate the arrival of the New Year. The most important tradition of that night is to eat twelve grapes to the rhythm of the chimes of the clock.

Los Reyes Magos

In December, children write a letter to the Three Wise Men telling them about how they have behaved during the year while also asking for toys.

On the evening of January 5th, all cities have a parade with floats, lighting, music, and the Three Wise Men. That night, before going to bed, the children prepare food to leave for the Three Kings and their camels.

On January 6th, they have gifts in the living room and, if they have misbehaved, they will have sugar coal. It is also a tradition to eat “roscón de Reyes” a sweet shaped like a donut on the 6th.

MEXICO

Las Posadas

Children and adults dress up as Mary and Joseph in small processions that take place during the nine days before Christmas. These Posadas are a re-enactment of the search for lodging by Joseph and Mary ("Los Peregrinos") on their way to Bethlehem. "Los Peregrinos" sing for shelter, and the hosts respond singing before opening the door to offer hot punch, fried rosette cookies, and steaming tamales. The party ends with breaking a piñata in the shape of a Christmas star.

Radish Night

This celebration is held every year on December 23rd in the main square of the city of Oaxaca. Artisans carve radishes and turn them into elaborate scenes and human figures resembling Jesus and other nativity scene characters. There is traditional music, dancing, and flavorful food.

PUERTO RICO

Parrandas

Parrandas is the Puerto Rican version of caroling! During this celebration, people gather to "raid" the homes of their friends with Christmas cheer. Parrandas are spontaneous, so every home must be prepared at all hours to receive guests. Rum and a variety of traditional food are always present to welcome guests.

Nochebuena

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is celebrated every year on December 24th. Families around the country gather for a traditional dinner accompanied by music and the exchanging of gifts.

Some also attend a midnight mass known as Misa de Gallo to welcome Christmas and to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

COLOMBIA

La Noche de Velas

This day is celebrated on December 7th marking the beginning of the Christmas season. Families, friends, and neighbors light candles in public areas and neighborhoods in honor of the Virgin Mary and Immaculate Conception.

The Novena de Aguinaldo

Between December 16th and 24th family members, friends, and neighbors gather to pray together. The nine-day religious celebration is filled with carol singing and delicious food such as buñuelos (a traditional Colombian Christmas treat).

VENEZUELA

Aguinaldo Masses

Locals attend early morning mass for the nine days before Christmas. These masses are a chance for families and friends to gather in church as the clergyman leads the mass which is accompanied by Aguinaldo songs, a folk genre of Christmas music. Bread is shared in the church and at the end of the mass, fireworks are launched.

PERÚ

Southern Black Christmas

This tradition is celebrated in Cañete, a province in the south of Peru. The locals celebrate through dance and songs to welcome the birth of Jesus. Children kick start the celebration by tapping their shoes which is a way to call their ancestors. The festivities are full of joy with music played from instruments such as the "quijada de burro" (a jawbone) and the "cajón" ( a box-shaped percussion instrument).

Santurantikuy

Santurantikuy ("the sale of the saints") takes place in Cusco on December 23rd and 24th of every year. Artisians from all over the area gather at the Plaza de Armas to exhibit their colorful creations at the Santurantikuy. It is one of the biggest arts and crafts fairs in the whole country as it attracts locals and tourists alike from all over the world.

Final Thoughts

Most Hispanic countries may have different holiday traditions, but they are all filled with family, delicious food, and good music! We hope your holidays are filled with the same: Happy Holidays from everyone at Comligo!