The Año Viejo tradition is popular in South American countries. Most of the Christmas rituals in Latin America begin on December 16th. This 9-day period represents Mary's pregnancy and the events leading up to Jesus's birth. A Visit from Saint Nicholas- Best known as The Night Before Christmas, the reading of this classic by poet Clement Moore is an American holiday tradition. In every home, the Nativity Scene is beautifully constructed and displayed. JUMP TO blog post titled: "Don’t Miss These 12 Latin American Christmas and New Year’s Traditions".. Search our blog about all things Panama! “La Purísima” or Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, held on December 8th, is perhaps one of the most important festivities. The food. Christmas in South America. The focus of the celebrations here is the "Presepio" (manger). 1. ... Tamales are holiday staples in many parts of Latin America. Popular Traditions. Latin American Christmas Traditions. In my family, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a posada. A posada is half religious, half celebratory and all fun. Here are some of the most special Latin American Christmas traditions that are unique to the holiday season. The Christmas season has arrived and around the world many people are getting ready to celebrate the most joyful holiday of the year. Tamales prepared for the holidays are seen at Delicious Tamales in San Antonio, Texas, December 14, 2012. 1/21. December 4, 2017 by Erika Aguilar Leave a Comment. In Argentina, for both Christmas and New Year, people eat lamb, pork, and lots of sweets — the pan dulce (a vanilla bread with nuts, almonds, raisins, chocolate chips, and dried fruits) being the thing you have to eat. Although Christmas in Nicaragua is celebrated on the 24th, this Latin America country starts Christmas celebrations as early as the 6th of December. People in Ecuador participate in a Novena--nine days of praying, singing, and gathering to eat--usually around a nativity scene. A Mexican-American tradition, tamale sales spike during the Christmas … Some of the most puzzling differences in the two holiday traditions are: Christmas Parties. The Christmas celebrations here are inspired mainly from Roman Catholic traditions. As one of the few Latin American countries celebrating the end of the year during winter, Christmas traditions and celebrations in Mexico are focused on family and friends. iStock. Christmas Posadas are most popular in Mexico, Guatemala and parts of the southwest United States. The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and generosity. In Ecuador, Christmas starts on December 16, nine days before the actual holiday. Ecuadorians enjoy a rich diet too: pristiños, buñuelos con miel with chocolate milk, tamales, and humitas, among other traditional dishes. Christmas In South America or Latin America is predominantly a religious occassion.