Christmas
in Central and South American Nations
In Central and South American nations, which have a
fairly large Christian population, the Nativity or
Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at
Christmas time. In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also
be set up in some homes along with the Nativity
scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a
small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also
be as simple as a branch cut from a special type of
tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally
decorated.
The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is
called La Posada. It is a religious procession that
dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place
where Jesus could be born. During the procession,
the participants carry images of Mary and Joseph and
go from house to house seeking a place to stay.
During Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del
gallo or 'rooster's mass,' those in attendance sing
lullabies to Jesus. On Christmas Day children
receive gifts as well as candies that are stuffed
into a piņata. This may be one or more sculptures
made of papier mache that are hung from the ceiling.
Children are
blindfolded and take turns hitting the piņata until
it breaks and scatters the candies on the floor. All
the children then scamper around as they try to get
as much candy as they can. Children also receive a
gift on Jan. 6 from the Three Wise Men, if they were
good.
People in Venezuela usually put out pesebres, which
show the Nativity
scene, on Dec. 16. Early morning church services,
called Misa de Aguinaldo, are also common from Dec.
16 to Christmas Eve. After Mass on Christmas Eve, a
grand dinner is traditionally enjoyed.
In Argentina, red and white garlands are used to
decorate houses. After attending Midnight Mass,
Argentinians have a meal, toast each other, dance
and go out to see fireworks. The meal may be roasted
pork or turkey, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies,
Christmas bread and puddings. Drinks such as cider
and juice made from different fruits are used for
the toast. Christmas gifts are opened on Christmas
Eve just before the family retires to bed.
In Chile, Santa Claus is Father Christmas and is
known as 'Viejito
Pascuero.' He arrives in a similar but slightly
different manner than Santa Claus because his
reindeer is pulled by a taxicab. Chileans use small
figures made from clay to place near the Christmas
tree in a display called pesebre to show the
Nativity story. The traditional Christmas dinner
includes chicken soup with stuffed potatoes, onions
and corn on the cob. Another favorite item is a
Christmas bread that is called pan de pasqua and
which is made with candies and fruits.
Christmas customs in Brazil originate from the many
different ethnic groups who make up the country. The
Nativity scene is called the Presepio and can
commonly be found displayed in homes, churches and
stores. Papai Noel, or Father Noel, resides in
Greenland and brings gifts at Christmas. He is said
to wear silk clothing because Christmas occurs
during summer when it is very hot in Brazil.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Missa do
Gallo, because the coming day is announced by the
rooster and the Mass finishes at 1 am on the
following day.
A traditional Christmas dinner, called Ceia de
Natal, includes ham, turkey, colored rice, a variety
of vegetables and fruit dishes. Christmas Day Mass
at Catholic churches are mainly held in the late
afternoon because people enjoy sleeping late or
going to the beach after having Christmas dinner.
Christmas festivities, which include folk dancing
and singing, continue until January 6th, which is
called Three Kings Day.