As in many parts of South America, Christmas in Peru begins several weeks before the birth of Baby Jesus. Its traditions make Christmas in this country something unique and different from what is done in other continents.
Below you can learn more about some of the typical celebrations of Peruvians during Christmas and perhaps you will realize that it has some similarities to the way Christmas is celebrated in some of its neighboring countries.
Christmas baskets:
Christmas baskets are a tradition in many Peruvian companies. During Christmas, several companies spread the Christmas spirit and take the opportunity to thank their employees for the effort made during the year with the typical Christmas baskets. In them you can find typical Christmas foods such as wine, panettone, cookies, chocolates and more.
Christmas dinner:
Christmas dinner is something typical in several South American countries during Christmas and in Peru, as in many other parts of the continent, something happens that makes Christmas in South America something special. During the night of December 24, families stay up until midnight waiting for the arrival of Baby Jesus to be able to open the presents, however, before starting to distribute presents, families delight themselves with a Christmas dinner.
The menu may vary depending on the Peruvian region, but the most typical dishes that can be found at one of these dinners are roast turkey, champagne, pisco, chocolate and the inevitable panettone.
Birth of Baby Jesus:
The birth of Baby Jesus is the most important event of all Christmas, that is why in Peru families wait until December 24 until midnight to officially celebrate the arrival of Christmas. When the hour is up, families celebrate with kisses, toasts and hugs, but to commemorate the birth of the Child Jesus they make the youngest member of the family place the figure of the newborn in the manger. Later they start the Christmas dinner and then, one of the most anticipated moments for children, they begin to open the presents.
In other countries Christmas can be something very different from what we are used to, learn more about the different Christmas celebrations around the world.
4 Peruvian customs that are celebrated at Christmas
Have a fantastic time in Peru with these traditions.
There are various customs that were adopted from abroad. Some with slight changes to make them more bearable in the Peruvian day to day. So, today we will learn about the traditions that are celebrated in Peru during the Christmas season. Can you imagine a place where you can find gifts for the whole family and that only opens in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco? Or maybe ask Mother Earth about what the future holds for you? Get to know them in detail here.
Santurantikuy (Cusco)
On December 24th, the traditional Santurantikuy folk art fair is held, where hundreds of renowned and new artisans exhibit their works and the central character is Niño Manuelito. On September 22, 2009, this traditional fair was proclaimed as Cultural Heritage of Peru.
Artists present Christmas works made based on various techniques such as ceramics, silverware, tinsmithing, imagery and others. These handcrafted pieces accompany the Cusco nativity scenes that are assembled in small natural mangers decorated with native flora.
The imagery area is very popular, where dresses for the Baby Jesus are sold in all sizes, styles and colors. Another place that stands out is Pucará, located in the lower part of the Cathedral of Cusco, where artisans from Puno exhibit and sell artistic pieces with the characteristics of this area of ??Peru. Next to it are the San Blas artisans, where the greatest artists of this traditional neighborhood that for generations has left art as a legacy in many of its expressions are concentrated.
Black Christmas
This festivity in the district of El Carmen, province of Chincha in Ica, takes on a unique and special meaning with Black Christmas. This event is distinguished by its Afro-Peruvian cultural roots, which is manifested through a live nativity scene. To the rhythm of the zapateo, a vibrant and energetic dance, the arrival of Baby Jesus is celebrated in a way that reflects the rich cultural heritage of this community.
In this small corner of Peru, Black Christmas becomes a tribute to ancestors, where the little ones start tapping their feet as a promise to commemorate birth in an authentic and meaningful way. The palpable joy of the children, the applause of the adults and the accompaniment of musical instruments such as the donkey jaw and the cajón create a unique festive atmosphere that combines Creole tradition with Afro-Peruvian essence.
On this date, the complementary dances of the Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are presented. Both are biblical representations of the visit of the shepherds to Baby Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
A very Peruvian Christmas dinner
It is possible that, if you spend Christmas in Peru, the Christmas Eve dinner is made up of the traditional stuffed turkey, panettone and hot chocolate. However, families try to innovate every year by integrating the various Peruvian dishes during this celebration.
It is more common to see in the Andes that there is no ostentatious baked bird in the middle of the table. And it is more often seen that they share with stuffed guinea pigs, pachamanca or roast suckling pig as the main dish. Would you dare to change a traditional meal and try the charms of Peruvian seasoning? Rest assured that you will not regret it.
On the one hand, men perform the dance of the Hatajo de Negritos, marking the rhythm with footwork accompanied by violin and bells, while singing songs. On the other hand, women perform the dance of "Las Pallitas", stomping their feet and singing to the beat of a guitar.
Symbols of religious devotion, these dances, considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, are carried out in public squares, churches and homes during the months of December and January.
Midnight Mass
We had already mentioned that in Peru there is a strong religious current. The religion with the most followers is Catholicism, and the traditional Midnight Mass is celebrated in its churches. This takes place on the 24th (at the end of Christmas Eve) or the 25th (for those who cannot attend at midnight, they do so before starting their daily routine).
During the ceremony, readings related to the arrival of the baby Jesus are professed, in addition to the Gospel. It bears this curious name because the Romans related the crowing of the rooster to the beginning of a new day.
In short, Christmas traditions in Peru are a reflection of the country's wide cultural diversity. At this time, Peruvians find the opportune occasion to renew hope, express gratitude, and strengthen the emotional ties that unite them with those they love the most.
