By PI ILLIOS 
 

Las Navidades, La Navidad or Las Pascuas; these are three names for Hispanic Christmas. We tend to direct our attention toward the spiritual aspect of it, but we also love to “parrandear” or “las fiestas,” to celebrate the season and enjoy the gift-giving tradition.

“Feliz Navidad” are the words spoken most often in any Spanish-speaking country when Christmas season arrives. Christmas, a Christian festival celebrated in different ways by different countries, is a beautiful celebration that is very meaningful and full of symbolism for Hispanic-American People. The Christmas season and the expectation of a new year are a reason for celebration anywhere in the world, but some of the most colorful and festive celebrations are those that take place in Spain and the countries colonized by the Spaniards. The Hispanic-American Christmas is in some ways very similar to that of the old countries from whence we came, yet we differ from our forefathers in many others ways.

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, every Spanish-speaking country has its own Christmas traditions and customs which at the same time are interrelated and similar. They are rich, colorful, and centered in strong religious feelings and roots. We will concentrate on those similarities which unite us as Hispanics.

The Christmas season begins, for Hispanics at the same time as it does for most other Catholics, with the first day of Advent and lasts through the day which celebrates the baptism of Jesus after the Epiphany. The Christmas celebrations are a fantastic mix of overflowing joy and deep religious faith. As Advent starts the season, the Hispanic family focuses on much merry making, good food, and family traditions.

All symbols, imagery, and traditions are related with the birth of the Holy Child and the Bible. The Posadas in Mexico are famous. They begin nine days before Christmas and represent the pilgrimage of Jose and Maria looking for an inn in which she can give birth to her son. Children and adults dress up as Mary and Joseph, and the participants carry the images of them in a semi-procession during the nine days before “Nochebuena.” Mary and Joseph’s efforts in finding lodging are rejected during the first eight nights, but the last night they finally find a place and that night Jesus is born.

The Parrandas are Puerto Rico’s version of The Posadas.

Christmas in the countries of Central America is quite similar to the one of Mexico, with very slight differences. On Christmas Eve, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, as well as many countries in Hispanic America, celebrate La Misa de Gallo, or “Mass of the Rooster.” Church bells ring to call families to mass at midnight to commemorate the birth of baby Jesus. The legend says the first rooster flew on “Nochebuena” above the manger announcing “Christ has been born,” and the second one crowed “In Bethlehem.” The Christmas feasting, “La cena de Nochebuena,” begins with traditional food when everyone returns home from La Misa de Gallo.

On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, it is the Three Kings who bring gifts for the children. On the night before Epiphany, children set out their shoe boxes with letters to the kings and grass for the camels. The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in the majority of Spanish-speaking countries.

The traditional decoration in all Hispanic households is the Natividad or nativity. Each and every one of the Americas’ Hispanic countries celebrates the season with the traditional representation of the Nativity of Christ in the Manger. Each figure in the manger has a particular meaning:

• Hut: It represents simplicity and humility.
• Jose: He who inspires obedience and strength.
• Maria: She represents the fidelity and the love God, a compassionate and kind woman.
• The boy Jesus: Spiritual guide, who lodges in the heart of the man to transmit the love of God to the world.
• Ox: His mission was to maintain warmth with his breath, for the cradle of baby Jesus. It serves as an example for men, so that they maintain in their homes a warm and loving atmosphere.
• Donkey: One of creation’s more humble animals, which is why he was the one chosen to accompany Maria in the stable.
• The angel: He symbolizes kindness, love, and mercy.
• Three Wise Kings: Through their flatteries (gold, incense and myrrh), they show Jesus his real, divine nature.
• Shepherds: They represent humility, simplicity, service, helpfulness, and joy of humans who lovingly take care of their flock.

Although we all don’t celebrate Hispanic Christmas exactly the same, some things are constant. There is a strong religious influence on Nochebuena with the representation of the Nativity. The family celebrations, including popular music and “villancicos,” drinks made from representative ingredients of the region, and traditional foods from each country are abundant and a strong part of the typical Hispanic Christmas traditions. Second Life celebrates Christmas in a beautiful way too. Make sure and visit the Christmas exhibits and celebrations on Info Island International.

Dec 1, 2008 – Jan 6, 2009

Mi Pueblo Cantina, Info Island International (map)

Come browse our Spanish Traditions exhibit!

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