Christmas in Venezuela is one of the most colourful in Latin America and the whole world!
This time of the year is extremely significant for the average Venezuelan, since it is a time of unity and celebration. 92% of the population is Roman Catholic, therefore most people celebrate Christmas. Close to Christmas day, people go to church to pray to Jesus, and celebrate his birth, but there is more to this festivity than just religion.
Venezuelan food plays an important role in the Christmas tradition. The most important meal are the hallacas. They are traditional Venezuelan meat pies with a cornmeal crust that are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for a couple of hours, however fillings may vary. This traditional dish is typically only eaten during this time of the year, since they take so long to make, and they require work from the whole family. Another typical Christmas meal that usually serves as a side dish for the hallaca is “pan de jamon,” which is a bread filled with cooked ham and raisins.
Decorations are also very important for Christmas. You can see that most houses are decorated for the event, and there are two things that are extremely important. One is to have the Christmas tree, which is where presents will be put for the children. Second, it is also important to have a pesebre, which depicts baby Jesus being born.
All these makes Christmas a very special time to come together with all the family, and reunite with people that you have not seen in a long time. It is also a time to be generous. Some families will do “secret santa” where people exchange gives, and you do not know who is going to give you a present, but you only know who you are giving to. This is a fun activity to do, and I personally have a great time doing it.
By: Jesus Rodriguez