Fun Facts About Latino Christmas Traditions

Latino Christmas traditions have not gained the mainstream levels but it is about time people try them out to experience something new. Like in any Christmas tradition, Hispanics and Latino community have their own way of celebration and interpretation.

They love to spread the Christmas vibes early and seeing decorations and lights outside their homes should not surprise anyone. The peak of the celebration would have to be the "Nochebuena" where families and friends celebrate on Christmas eve. They share a festive spread and exchange gifts after. This is in contrast with how some American families spend their day with loved ones and celebrate on the day itself, December 25, Santillana USA reported.

In Ecuador, people go to church starting from December 16 to fulfill 9 days of singing. It is locally called Novena de Navidad. It is also widely practiced in Colombia. Guatemalans, on the other hand, have Posadas which is also commences on December 16. People would be lining up the streets to re-enact some bible scenes. This tradition is deeply religious and family and friends enjoy some drinks afterwards.

The Mexicans also practice Posadas but added a twist of their own. On December 23, they celebrate Night of Radishes especially in Oaxaca. A contest is held to determine who can create the most stylish and lavish radish carvings. Tourists are also invited to witness this event. Uruguay does not treat Christmas as holiday but they call it as Day of the Family and people can still gather and share food and festivities. This is due to the fact that Uruguay is a secular country.

According to Hip Latina, workers and wage earners in Brazil and Costa Rica are happiest during December because they are mandated by law to receive Christmas bonus, which is called Aguinaldo or 13th month bonus.

The Latino Christmas tradition will never be complete without heartwarming meals that are prepared only on special occasions. In Chile, a holiday feast would normally be composed of roasted chicken, turkey, and pan de pascua or commonly known as fruitcake. Tostones, or fried banana chips, are also a staple. They are either enjoyed on its own or used as tacos to scoop up other food, per The Miami News Times.

Additionally, there is coquito (eggnog with rum), lechon, Holiday tamales, and Caja China which is usually different types of meat cooked in a special way to ensure juiciness. The Cubans, on the other hand, love their Moros y Cristianos which is black beans and white rice. The black beans represent the Moros while the white rice represent the Christians. The holiday food for Hispanics and Latino are rich not only in flavor but also on historical aspects.

What are holiday traditions without music? The Latino Christmas songs are often child-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family, Fluent U reported. The most popular one is Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano. It has a catchy tune and popular all over the world. Mi burrito sabanero is also sung when December comes. This song has different versions depending on locations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

In Spain, Oscar Athie is credited for La marimorena. Children are not only enjoying this song but also learning from it because of the different vocabulary in the lyrics.