Christmas is a magical time all over the world, can you imagine living it in Latin America? In this region of the world, the celebration of the Christmas holidays combines deep religious roots, indigenous traditions, vibrant music and a rich gastronomy that make it a unique experience.
Each country has its own particularities, but they all share something in common: community spirit, joy and faith. That's why Enforex takes you on a tour of emblematic Christmas traditions in countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica and Peru, among other corners of Latin America.
1. Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas begins on December 16 with Las Posadas, a tradition that recreates the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph in search of a place to stay. Every night until December 24, processions are held with songs, candles and piñatas, culminating in a great celebration with typical food such as tamales, buñuelos and punch.
On December 24, families gather to celebrate Christmas Eve, an abundant dinner that includes dishes such as stuffed turkey, romeritos or codfish. After the rooster mass, children await the arrival of the Niño Dios (Christ Child), who leaves presents under the tree, although in some homes Santa Claus also appears.
2. Argentina
Now we travel to Argentina. Christmas on this side of the world is celebrated in the middle of summer, which gives it a very special touch. Families decorate their homes with lights, Christmas trees and nativity scenes, but the most anticipated part is the Christmas Eve dinner, which includes delicacies such as asado, vitel toné and fresh salads.
The highlight comes at midnight on December 24, when fireworks light up the sky all over the city. In many homes, Santa Claus leaves presents for the children. In some inland locations, celebrations continue on December 25 with outdoor family luncheons.
3. Costa Rica
Moving on to Costa Rica, where Christmas has a strong religious component. Families devote special attention to the construction of the Portal, a traditional nativity scene that often includes handmade figures and personalized details.
Christmas Eve dinner is a key moment and usually includes tamales wrapped in banana leaves, pork leg and typical sweets such as Christmas cake. Throughout the season, the streets are filled with parades, lights and Christmas music, highlighting events such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose.
4. Peru
Christmas in Peru has a deep spiritual meaning. On December 24, families gather to share a hearty dinner that includes baked turkey, salads, panetón and hot chocolate, even in the middle of summer!
After dinner, the Adoración del Niño Jesús (Adoration of the Child Jesus) takes place, a moment in which the youngest children place the Child in the manger. In the Andean regions, this tradition is mixed with dances and rituals that reflect the fusion of indigenous and Catholic cultures.
5. Colombia
On December 7, Christmas officially begins in Colombia with the celebration of El Día de las Velitas (Candlelight Day). This tradition is a magical night where families illuminate their homes and streets with candles and lanterns in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Starting on December 16, the Novena de Aguinaldos is celebrated, a daily ritual that gathers friends and family to pray, sing Christmas carols and share meals such as fritters, custard and empanadas. And on December 24, it culminates with the Christmas Eve dinner, where children wait for the presents brought by the Christ Child.
6. Ecuador
Christmas celebrations in Ecuador also have a strong religious component. On December 24, the Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass) is celebrated and, in many communities, processions and dramatizations of the birth of Jesus are organized.
One of the most traditional dishes is hornado (roast pork) accompanied by rice, salads and ripe plantains. In addition, families often exchange presents called “amigo invisible” (secret Santa), fostering solidarity and fellowship.
7. Chile
Christmas is also known as Pascua (Easter) in Chile. Here, the protagonist is El Viejito Pascuero (or Santa Claus), who arrives with presents for the children. The celebration takes place on the night of December 24 with a dinner that includes Easter bread, fresh salads and dishes such as turkey or lamb.
In the weeks prior, the streets and squares are filled with Christmas fairs, where decorations, sweets and presents are sold. Midnight is marked with hugs and the opening of presents.
8. Bolivia
A Christmas that mixes spirituality and indigenous traditions is what you will find in Bolivia. One of the most beautiful customs is the Bendición del Niño Jesús (Blessing of the Child Jesus), in which families take the figures from their nativity scenes to the church to be blessed.
In addition, on December 24, masses are celebrated, and in some regions, there are theatrical representations of the birth of Jesus with local actors who perform in the so-called live nativity scenes. On the Christmas table there is no shortage of fritters with honey, accompanied by hot chocolate.
9. Cuba
In Cuba, Christmas was restricted for several decades, but since the 1990s it has been recovered as a family celebration. On December 24, families gather to dine on typical dishes such as roast suckling pig, congrí (rice with black beans) and yucca with mojo.
Although Santa Claus is not as popular, children enjoy decorations and small presents on this date. The holiday is more about family togetherness than consumerism.
10. Guatemala
As in Mexico, in Guatemala the Posadas are one of the central traditions. Families participate in processions and songs that culminate in parties filled with typical food such as tamales and fruit punch.
On December 24, the Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) is celebrated, a ritual in which figures representing evil are burned to purify the home and welcome the spirit of Christmas. At midnight, the skies are filled with fireworks to welcome the Christ Child.
As you have seen, Christmas in South America is very different. However, despite the differences, Christmas in Latin America shares a common element: family togetherness, faith and the desire to share with others.
Each country has its own unique way of living these dates, but they all reflect the cultural richness and joy that characterizes this region of the world.
If you want to experience Christmas first-hand in one of these destinations, you can learn Spanish in South America with Enforex. Discover and experience a different kind of Christmas by learning Spanish!