Christmas Around the World: Venezuelan Culture, Food & Music
By Victoria Gonzalez
Christmas is a huge celebration for many families. The holiday season is especially bright, lively and colourful in Latin American cultures. I was born in Maracaibo, a city in Venezuela which prides itself in its various traditions, customs and parties attributed to Christmas. Since I’ve been unable to visit my hometown for many holiday seasons, I thought I’d share some of our prized cultural practices to feel closer to home. Like most Latin American countries, Catholic customs are closely connected to the holidays. Presents are brought to children by San Nicolas and Niño Jesus (St. Nicholas and Baby Jesus), instead of Santa. Though Christmas trees and decorations are common, nativity scenes can be spotted all over the country during the holiday season. The 21st of December also marks a special time for Latinos recognized as El Espíritu De Navidad, or ‘The Spirit of Christmas’. During this day, those who believe in this entity ponder their wishes and hopes for the upcoming year. It is believed that the Spirit of Christmas visits those of good standing between 10 pm-12 am that day, bringing blessings, peace and good fortune to your family and home. Noche Buena or ‘Good Night’ also refers to our Christmas Eve! Feasts are of major importance! In my Venezuelan household, we always make Hallacas – a mixture of beef, chicken, olives, raisins and capers wrapped up in maize and tied in a plantain leaf. These are incredibly popular, made alongside family and in large quantities or batches. Pan De Jamon – a bread filled with ham, bacon, olives and raisins rolled together- is a common side dish. Finally, Ensalada de Gallina, otherwise known as chicken salad, consists of egg, potato, chicken, carrots and mayo. Like North American Christmas dinners, this meal is something we all look forward to, leaving the dinner table especially full and satisfied. Since Christmas is a crazy and lively celebration for Latin Americans, parties are common all over the continent. In Venezuela, you could be singing, dancing and eating easily until 4-5 am. Traditional Christmas music is called Gaita sung by Gaiteros who join friends and families as they sing and dance into the next morning. This folk music is a huge part of our history and continues into the modern day with the arrival of Christmas. Instruments used in gaita’s include: a Cuatro – a small guitar with four strings, and a Tambora – Venezuelan drums played with sticks. The Furro – a distinct drum with a wooden stick that comes through its middle and vibrates, and finally the Charrasca, a tube-like rhythm instrument played with a metal rod. Most of this music is dedicated to La Chinita – the virgin patron of Maracaibo and a major religious figure. Christmas is over a month-long celebration filled with music, good food and lots of alcohol too! In the midst of the immigration crisis, many Venezuelans are spending Christmas away from home. It's increasingly important to share and maintain our traditions during this time, no matter where you are in the world. Feliz Navidad!
