With majority of population being Christian, Nativity and Manger Scene continue as the central themes of Christmas decoration in almost every home in Central and South America. Besides Nativity Scene – also known as Nacimiento – Christmas trees can be also be noticed in few of the homes in Mexico. Christmas tree, known as Arbolito, is generally a small artificial tree. It could as well be a synthetic tree – made from a small shrub or a branch cut out from special types of trees – without much decoration. Christmas celebration in Mexico primarily goes with its famous tradition ‘La Posada”.
Essentially, La Posada depicts how Joseph and Mary searched around for a place suitable for the birth of Jesus. The event is performed in the style of a procession with the performers carrying the images of Joseph and Mary and moving around from one house to another house in the street in search of a place to stay. Midnight mass – ‘Misa Del Galo’ or ‘Rooster’ Mass’ – is marked by the attendees singing lullabies for Jesus. Candies are often stuffed into a Pinata, which are to be later on distributed as gifts to the children.
Pinata – a sculpture made from ‘Papier Mache – can be found in many houses. Most of the houses hang at least one or two Pinanta from ceiling. Children with handkerchief tied over the eyes move around the house in search of Pinata with an objective to locate and hit Pinanta until it breaks down and the candies scatter on the floor. Children scuttle over the floor in their zest for grabbing maximum number of candies. As the legend goes, nice children eagerly await for January 6 to receive gifts and candies from ‘Three Wise Men’.
Venezuela is known for ‘Misa De Aguinaldo’, early morning Church services, that start right from 16 December and end on the Eve of Christmas. All the family members gather for Christmas Eve mass to be followed by lavish dinner. December 16 also marks the time when the natives put out ‘Pesebres’ that displays the Nativity Scene’.
Natives of Argentina make ample use of red and white wreaths and garlands in decorating their houses. People attend midnight mass and then go out for la carte meals, wine, dance, partying and fireworks. Roasted pork or Turkey, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies, bread and pudding are the standard dishes in Christmas dinner. Besides the fruit juices, Cider is the most favorite drink for toast. Before going to bed, the family members open their gifts and show to each other.
In Chile, ‘Viejito Pascuero’ is the popular name for Santa Claus or Father Christmas, whose reindeer is belived to have been pulled by a taxicab. The nativity story is displayed by placing small icons or statues made from clay – display being known as ‘Pesebre” – near the Christmas tree. Chicken soup, stuffed potatoes, onions, corn on the cob and ‘Pan De Pasqua’ – Christmas bread made from candies and fruits – are the major dishes of Christmas dinner.
Brazil is one the few countries that has several ethnic groups. Christmas traditions are different for different ethnic groups. Nativity Scene, named as ‘Presepio’, is a common sight at most of the homes, stores and Churches. As per the local fairy-tale, Papai Noel or Father Noel who resides in Greenland arrives in silk clothes to disburse gifts, candies and sweets. Brazil celebrates Christmas in its summer, which is extremely hot, and hence Father Noel wears silk clothes.
‘Missa Do Gallo’, midnight mass of Christmas Eve gets over by 1.00 am the next day. Traditional Christmas dinner, known as ‘Ceia De Natal’, consists of ham, turkey, colored rice, assorted vegetables and fresh fruits. Christmas Day mass takes place late in the afternoon to allow all the people to attend the mass after a late night sleep. Christmas festivities, celebrations, folk dance and singing go on until January 6 ‘Three Kings Day’.