What does Christmas mean for Venezuelans?

Christmas in Venezuela is synonymous with joy, hope, memories, love, laughter, tears, delicious food, bagpipes, and family. I think it is one of the most anticipated times by children and adults throughout our territory. It is the time where the whole family meets after a year full of highs and low to share joy and remember good times. In Venezuela we have many traditions to celebrate Christmas and spread that same spirit to those around us, these are some of them.

Turning on the Lights.

In each city of Venezuela, in mid-November, the streets are adorned with Christmas lights and arrangements in preparation for the holiday season. But in particular, a special square is chosen to carry out the lighting of lights, a kind of inauguration for Christmas, in which all people and enjoy the lighting show, take photos and share with the family.

Piper Sunrise.

The Venezuelan bagpipe is music originating from our country, especially from the state of Zulia, it is a tradition to listen to it during the Christmas months throughout the national territory, its songs are full of common feelings that we Venezuelans share and praises that foster a spirit of love and joy. During the month of November and December, free presentations of piper ensembles, to fill the cities with songs and joy, anyone can attend and share family moments in addition to being infected with the feeling that transmits this rhythm. The spirit of Christmas. Our ancestors say that the spirit of Christmas arrives on December 21 at 12:00 am, so it is traditional for families to meet at home to make dishes specials such as Hallas, Ham bread, cream punch, and sweets that will be shared in the Christmas dinner, while they wait for the entrance of the Christmas spirit.

Christmas dinner.

 Our Christmas dinner is held on December 24, each family has its time and way to perform it, but it is usually done on a long table that is decorated with tablecloths of Christmas motif and flowers of the time, in addition to all the dishes that have been prepared. The basic Christmas dish is composed of the Hallaca, ham bread, pork leg and chicken salad, each region of the country has its own style of preparing and accompanying it, but the purpose is always the same, to be able to share as a family. That day each of the family members makes the effort to be present, all they are really important at dinner. Before starting dinner, some of the meeting Offer a prayer to thank for the food and pray for blessings for the family. It is a special moment, difficult to forget.

Secret friend.

 In our country, it is also a tradition to play a game between friends and family called “Secret friend”. It consists of making a raffle between the people who will participate and each who will have a friend to whom he must give, the commitment is that he must keep the secret until December 24 after dinner, which is the time when will deliver the gifts. It is a quite fun dynamic to share feelings, make jokes, give details, and laugh a lot.

Gift of the child Jesus.

As in other countries, children in Venezuela write letters to ask for gifts at Christmas, but in this case, it will not be Santa Claus but baby Jesus. We have the tradition that the child Jesus is the one who gives gifts to all children in our country, it is exciting to see the little ones wake up very early in December to open their presents under the Christmas tree.

Share with family.

After dinner and sharing the good night, the families meet on the 25th of December to go to the pool, rivers, or beaches, to share with family games like dominoes or card games (trick, load the donkey, Romi). Something that I admire about my nation is that despite what we have lived and the high cost of living we experience today, we maintain our spirit of love and optimism. I wish that together with your family you can enjoy these holidays, that you take advantage of every moment to tell them how much you love them and to cultivate memories that will strengthen you in moments difficult.

Merry Christmas and success in all your goals!

Daniel Moreno