iven that the majority of the Peruvian population practices Catholicism, it comes as no surprise that they have a long and celebrated history of Christmas traditions. Some Christmas traditions in Peru are similar to those practiced in the United States and Europe, while others are very different. Here is a look at how Peruvians celebrate a typical Christmas holiday.
Well, Peruvians don't actually in July celebrate Christmas in July, but December is the first month of summer in Peru. As of matter of fact, the first day of summer comes just shortly before Christmas, on December 21. So, while students in the northern hemisphere are on their Christmas or winter break, in Peru they are actually on summer break.
So, just as many of those who live in climates that have the four seasons cannot imagine Christmas without snow, Peruvians cannot imagine (well, the climate doesn't allow it) a Christmas with snow…unless they live in the Andes of course. This is why the traditional Santa Claus, dressed in his boots and heavy red coat and hat, is not an old tradition in Peru, but an adaptation from western cultures. As a matter of fact, the Peruvian government banned Santa Claus and presumably his likeness because they believed that he was a depiction of western capitalism and greed.
For those who celebrate Christmas, December 25 is the big day for gift giving and receiving. In Peru, the big day is Noche Buena or "Good Night", on December 24. On this night, after mass (for practicing Catholics) everybody goes home to open gifts and feast on an elaborately prepared Christmas meal of traditional roasted turkey. At midnight, the adults toast with champagne and children raise their glasses of hot chocolate as fireworks shine in the night sky.
Though many western countries may give and receive gifts the same way, it is typical in Peru that when each gift is given to the person, the two people hug, kiss each other on the cheek and say thank you (or in this case, gracias) before the person receiving the gift tears into the wrapping paper.
In Andean regions of Peru, gifts are typically exchanged on January 6 after the celebration of the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
After the smaller children are put to bed, the adults continue the Noche Buena celebration until the wee hours of the morning. Many families have big house parties that include music and dancing. In order to prepare their homes for the festivities, many families will clear their living room and dining rooms of furniture in order to transform them into dance floors. Of course, after celebrating all night long, most sleep in on the morning of December 25.
Most Christmas meals served in Peru include the traditional turkey as well as tamales, salads, applesauce and a sweet bread called Panettone. The hot chocolate is usually made from scratch from melted rich Dark Chocolate, cinnamon and cloves.
The Nativity manger is a focal point of Christmas decorations in a typical Peruvian household. Most mangers feature intricate detailing and are carved out of pottery, wood or huamanga stone. The manger is what the gifts are spread around on Christmas Eve. Another tradition is for the Nativity manger to feature native animals such as llamas and alpacas instead of sheep and goats.
On Noche Buena , a child is chosen to put the figurine of Christ into the manger.
Though all that celebrate Christmas hold fast to their old and new traditions, it is always interesting to learn how other cultures celebrate the holiday. You might find that Christmas traditions in Peru work well in your home, too.
eating a big bell box meal at taco bell
people in Peru generally listen to Music such as from Switzerland.
Basically the same as in the US with only few different details: Inside the homes a representation of Jesus' nativity and a Christmas tree with Christmas balls, the star at the top, etc. Outside there's usually Christmas lights with shapes of angels, Jesus' nativity, Santa Claus and his reindeer, etc. During the Spaniard's stay in Peru during the Viceroyalty of Peru, which lasted from the early 16th century until around the 1820s, peruvian people became were converted to catholicism and took several catholic traditions for example Christmas. More recently, American movies and TV shows have had some degree of influence in other countries' cultures throughout the world like Peru.
One of the traditions in Peru is to honor Saints with festivals. Dance is another popular tradition in Peru. There are many different dances that are traditionally done in Peru.
the Peru Christmas colors are red and green.
Snow is unlikely in most parts of Peru during Christmas as it is located in the Southern Hemisphere and experiences summer during this time. However, in the high-altitude Andean regions like Cusco and Puno, there may be a chance of snowfall during this time.
Yes, Peruvians do have Christmas trees as part of their holiday traditions. Many families decorate their trees with ornaments, lights, and traditional items such as handmade decorations. In addition to the tree, it's common to see nativity scenes, known as "Nacimiento," which hold significant cultural importance during Christmas celebrations in Peru.
Papa Noel brings the gifts for Christmas in Peru. His name simply means Father Christmas.
Yes.
Turkey, panetone, hot chocolate.
I'm not sure
by having a beer