Our Fox Rent A Car Christmas Around the World series is now taking you on the South America continent to discover the Christmas traditions in Argentina. So keep reading to see, if you would want to celebrate Christmas on the southern hemisphere.
Christmas in Argentina: Traditions
Christmas in Argentina is very festive. Though the family time is very important, first, Christmas Eve is dedicated to the religion part of Christmas. Practically everybody goes to church and celebrates the birthday of Jesus in mass. Then, the families get together. While adults celebrate with a lot of dancing and singing, children celebrate with fireworks. Before going to bed, “globos” are sent into the sky. Globos are paper balloons that are light up inside, which makes them fly away.
The next important celebration finishing the Christmas holidays is January 6th, Epiphany, the day of the 3 kings. This is also the day, when the presents are exchanged.
Christmas in Argentina: Decorations
In Argentina the decorations for Christmas appear quite early. The entire house is decorated. The main colors are red, white, green and gold. Decorations consist of the similar garlands we find in the US as well as white flowers. The tree is also decorated with Christmas ornaments, lights, bows and candles. Cotton balls are often used to imitate snow on the branches. The nativity scene is also recreated underneath the Christmas tree.
Christmas in Argentina: Food
The Christmas tradition in Argentina is to stay up and eat until midnight, after returning from mass on Christmas Eve. Tables are covered with delicious food and a variety of dishes. Usually, family members bring different dishes, sort of like a Christmas pot luck. You find roasted turkey, sweet and sour pig, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies, salads and a lot of sugary snacks. Grilled meat, called parrillada, is the most traditional dish served. You can also find a lot of diverse drinks such as cold cider, beer and juices. Remember that December is summer time in Argentina, so lot of dishes and drinks are cold, as it is warm. For dessert you eat panettone, a sweet bread with dry fruits and nuts in it. A special drink made of fruit juice and cider, with chopped fruits is made for the Christmas toast.
Christmas in Argentina: Songs
Christmas Carols are very important on Christmas Day, the 25th. Families usually sing together at home to celebrate Christmas and you can also see Christmas choirs going from house to house to perform. Small gifts are usually offered to them for their singing.
Christmas in Argentina: Presents
The presents are put under the tree before hand, and exchanged after midnight on Christmas Eve. Before then present exchange starts the head of the family gives a toast (it can be the Grand mother, dad or mother). Then they wait for Santa Clause – Papa Noel, by spending time together, talking, dancing and playing games. In Argentina there are no stockings, but they put their shoes in front of the door. Sweets and small toys appear in these shoes over night. But children mainly receive their presents over the night of January 6th.
Christmas in Argentina is a long and colorful process. It is very family oriented. It involves a lot of food, family time, gifts and presents!
