We will discuss the Christmas related traditions and customs in three
Central American countries - Guatemala, Latin America and Nicaragua.
Here are some of the highlights:
In Guatemala, an elaborate procession is take out on all days of
Christmas season with several religious statues and an image of a
white bearded image representing God at the end of the parade. He
might look similar to Santa Claus. Marimbas and Chirimias accompany
the procession. On Christmas Eve, Christ child is added to the
procession. Manger scenes known as Nacimientos are displayed in
churches and public arenas. Midnight Mass known as Misa de Gallo or
the Mass of the Rooster marks the end of the festival.
In Latin America, Christmas is known by several names such as Las
Posadas, Navidad and Dia de los Tres Reyes. Homes and churches are
decorated during holiday season with lights and bright colored
flowers. There is abundance of food and music and people sing
Christmas songs throughout the season. Some of the songs still
retain the Latin influence of the Roman Catholicism. Christmas is a
religious holiday that revolves around Nacimiento, the Christ Child.
Latin American culture extends to Mexico and Venezuela.
In Nicaragua, Christmas officially starts on 6th of December but
practically festivities start from 16th of December when the search
of Mary and Joseph for a shelter is re-enacted. All homes have a
manger scene and the home that provides lodging to the couple is the
one to supply wine and food. From then on until Christmas Eve Mass,
there are prayers at home each evening, followed by refreshments and
singing of carols. Christmas dinner is arranged only for adults and
Christmas cards that are exchanged are kept white and plain. There
are feasts, fireworks and dances on Christmas Day and streets are
decorated for Christmas and loudspeakers broadcast Christmas carols.
