Christmas Traditions in Ecuador and Peru

Ecuador:

1. La Novena: In the lead-up to Christmas, many families participate in 'La Novena,' a nine-day devotional event that begins on December 16. Family and friends gather to pray, sing carols, and share food each evening.

2. Nochebuena: On Christmas Eve, families hold a festive meal known as “Nochebuena,” traditionally featuring roast pig, turkey, or ham. After the meal, many attend midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

3. 'Pase del Niño': In early January, communities celebrate this vibrant festival with street parades, music, and dance, culminating in the blessing of baby Jesus figures.

4. Nativity Scenes: Ecuadorians take pride in elaborate nativity scenes, often featuring local animals and cultural elements, highlighting the regional significance of Christmas.

Peru:

1. Misa de Gallo: Similar to Ecuador, the main Christmas celebration occurs on Christmas Eve, where families attend the "Misa de Gallo" or "Rooster's Mass" at midnight, followed by a festive dinner.

2. Panetón and Champán: A typical holiday treat is 'panetón,' a sweet bread filled with fruits and nuts. This is often enjoyed alongside champagne or 'sidra' (a type of cider).

3. Los Reyes Magos: The celebration of the Three Wise Men on January 6 marks the end of the Christmas season. Kids receive gifts, and families share a special cake known as 'Rosca de Reyes.'

4. Christmas Villages: Many towns create beautiful Christmas displays, known as 'villancicos,' that depict the nativity scene and local folklore, showcasing the melding of traditions.

Conclusion

Both Ecuador and Peru showcase a rich tapestry of Christmas traditions that blend religious significance with cultural practices. Celebrations often extend beyond December, reflecting the spirit of community and family inherent in this festive season. These unique customs offer insight into the local culture and create an unforgettable experience for anyone celebrating in these vibrant countries.

In Ecuador, December is the warmest time of year, which means outdoor activities and festivals abound. Sure, they largely decorate like we do in the United States, but they are much more traditional about it with Christmas being probably the most important holiday of the year. Nine days before Christmas Ecuadorians celebrate their own version of Novenas (like in Chile), where they spend each evening touring neighbor’s homes to view their creative nativity scenes. Carols are popular during this time as residents gear up for Christmas Eve, which is essentially a giant family reunion. Children put their Christmas wish lists in old shoes and Papa Noel replaces them with new shoes and gifts for Christmas Day.

A very important part of Christmas in most Ecuadorian households is the nativity or nacimiento, a representation of the birth of Christ. But it’s not quite the same as what you would see in North America. It has stable covered in grass and straw with Mary and Joseph. Outside of the stable you will find farm animal figurines – sheep, cows, farm birds, and the Three Wise Men, all surrounded by blinking Christmas lights. However, in Ecuador baby Jesus does not appear in his crib until midnight on Christmas Eve. This household tradition also happens on a larger scale with contests happening in cities for the best nativity scene.

Don’t Miss: The Christmas Eve festival in Cuenca. It’s very religion and family-oriented and totally amazing. You’ll be blown away; If you have a chance to try the maple cookies (called Prstinos) made especially for Christmas, you won’t regret it.

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