One of the most beautiful times of the year has arrived! And, as with every important event, this celebration brings with it special customs that vary from country to country.
If you are studying Spanish and are interested in Hispanic culture, you cannot leave out the merry Christmas celebrations of the most Spanish speaking countries from your studies.
Undoubtedly, Christmas in Spanish Speaking Countries is a date honored in style, with a variety of traditions that is sure to impress you.
With us, you can learn about the most fascinating celebrations and the fusion of cultures that unites a variety of nations.
Put on your Christmas hat and join us on this cultural journey!
Christmas in Spain and Latin America
North America
We will begin our Spanish Christmas traditions in Mexico, where the celebration starts on December 16 with the 9 posadas. This is a countdown that marks the first day of Mary’s search for a place to give birth to Jesus.
From December 16 through to December 25, the posadas festivities are celebrated. Families take turns hosting parties as the days go by. Large processions are held, the famous 7-pointed piñata is broken and candles are lit to pray for prosperity.
Once the count is finished, a big dinner is held with traditional dishes of the holiday season. That night is known as Nochebuena.
In some parts of northern Mexico, Santa Claus brings gifts on the 25th. However, in southern regions, they usually wait until Epifanía, which is celebrated on the same day as the arrival of the Three Wise Men, January 6th.
Christmas decor varies from nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus to the gaily decorated Christmas tree.
In general, it is a family celebration where the religious factor predominates, a recurrent theme throughout the Hispanic culture.
Central America and the Caribbean
Similarly to Mexico; Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua also celebrate las posadas.
The difference here is that there are only two big parties, one on December 16th to celebrate the beginning and the other on December 25 to celebrate the end of las posadas.
Besides, while there is a great display of Christmas decorations in every house within Panama, Guatemala instead celebrates the burning of the devil; A piñata in the shape of a devil is incinerated at Christmas as a symbol of destruction of evil.
Nicaragua, El Salvador, and the rest of the Central American countries share almost the same customs. Christmas decorations range from nativity scenes with the holy family to Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures.
Families gather on December 25th, and Spanish children wake up with presents under the tree. The night closes with fireworks and a big christmas dinner with traditional christmas food from the countries.
Undoubtedly, these are celebrations that preserve a religious side but do not leave behind the fun of Christmas in Spanish Speaking World.
South America
In the Southern Hemisphere, the celebrations are quite similar to each other. Christmas day celebrations begin with decorations in early December.
Arrangements of Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves can easily be found. The predominant colors are usually red, green, and gold. Christmas trees are a must, and ornaments fill them until it is difficult to see their branches.
Of course, this decoration is combined with religion. In many of these countries, large nativity scenes can be found next to the tree.
In fact, in Colombia and Venezuela, some people dedicate themselves to making nativity scenes that occupy the entire patio of their homes. They frequently appear on newscasts due to this custom.
Family Gatherings and Festive Traditions
On the 24th, families get together and share the traditional food of the season. Fireworks are the order of the day and there is always a mass, which is attended by those who practice the Catholic religion.
The diverse celebrations of Christmas holidays in many spanish speaking countries are overwhelming, but above all, moving and very special.
Spain
The Immaculate Conception opens the celebration of Christmas in Spain on December 8th. This day is marked as a holiday, and people usually gather with relatives or attend mass.
Another important day of the Christmas celebration in Spain is El Gordo. This event encompasses the culmination of a special December lottery.
It takes place on December 22nd, and the lucky winner is announced the same day, thus receiving the prize a few days before Christmas Eve.
Enjoy Nochebuena Traditions
Christmas Eve arrives on December 24th… On this date, known in the country as Nochebuena, people gather at home to have dinner and share a very special night with family and other loved ones. Food and drink are the main protagonists of the evening.
After dinner, those who are religious usually go to mass, and after it, people make a procession through the streets. This happens only in some cities.
Epifania Christmas Eve
Finally, it is Christmas! On the morning of the 25th, the presents left by Santa Claus appear. Although some children receive gifts on the 25th, many waits for the Epifanía on January 6th, as in Mexico, when the Three Wise Men also arrive. It is customary to leave food for the Three Kings, the most magical day of the year!
As you can see, this union of traditions is an explosive presentation of culture. Christmas season in Spain and Latin America confirms that, despite the differences in customs and distances between countries, sometimes the same language can bring many traditions together.
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FAQs
How is Christmas in Argentina?
Christmas in Argentina is a magical time celebrated with elaborate nativity scenes, paper lanterns, and fireworks. Families often enjoy a traditional dinner that includes roast pig and gather for La Misa del Gallo (midnight mass) to mark the birth of Baby Jesus.
What is the most popular holiday in Spanish-speaking countries?
Kings Day (Día de Reyes) is one of the most celebrated holidays in many countries. It features traditions like the Roscón de Reyes, parades where people walk and throw candy, and leaving gifts for Baby Jesus.
Is Spain good for Christmas?
Yes, Spain is perfect for Christmas time, with its long history of traditions like El Gordo lottery, misa del gallo, and elaborate nativity scenes in many cities. Christmas lights and festive markets create an unforgettable experience.
How is Christmas in the US different from other countries?
In the US, Christmas lights and decorations are grand, but traditions like elaborate nativity scenes and La Misa del Gallo are less common. Unlike many countries, New Year’s celebrations often overshadow Kings Day, and April Fool’s Day traditions don’t align with Christmas.
What is the day before Christmas called in Spanish?
The day before Christmas is called Nochebuena in Spanish. It is marked by family dinners, attending La Misa del Gallo, and playing instruments during processions celebrating Joseph’s search for a place for Baby Jesus.
