Everywhere in the world, the celebrations of Christmas do not only pertain to the Christian community, but all come forward to celebrate it in equal fervor. Therefore it has gained so much importance that the festivities start prior to the actual day and carry on till about the arrival of the New Year. Great festivities and merry making take place to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus here. The quintessence of the celebration in all of South America is very sacred.
The various nations across the continent of South America have been under the rule of different masters. The Spanish, the Portuguese and even the Britishers have ruled this continent. With them they brought in different traditions, customs, language and also festivals and variations in observing these festivals. Customs in celebrating Christmas in South America have also been subjected to much change. Though the essence of the day remains the same, the slight variations make it even more fascinating for an on looker.
Like in Chile, Christmas falls in the summers and the weather here is quite warm during this time. Therefore the old man Christmas or the ‘Viejo Pascuero’ as he is popularly called climbs in through the windows of the house rather than down the Chimneys! In Brazil, the celebrations are much more European in nature and the event in the most traditional regions are marked by procession that take place between 24th December and 6th January, where the entire city joins and sings Christmas Carols to honor ‘Baby Jesus’.
Christmas festival in South America however is also a very religious event and the people here visit churches and cathedrals in large numbers on this day. The most common trend seen in almost all the countries here is the decoration and the ‘Nativity Scene’ in every household as well as many public places. Depicting the scene of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the families also adorn this area with figures of ‘Papa Noel’, who they believe bring in gifts and presents. The celebrations of Christmas in South America is incomplete without feasting and therefore lavish spreads of mouth watering cuisines are prepared in every household and the family relish on them after attending the “Misa de Gallo” or the Rooster’s Mass on the night of 24th December.
Travel.mapsofworld offers online information on Christmas in South America. For more information, visit Travel.mapsofworld .
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