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Latina Moms

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Five Unique Christmas Traditions From Latin America

Posted by Latina Moms in Celebrations, Culture on 12/17/21

Christmas Traditions Latin America Latina Moms
Photo courtesy of Latina Moms.

Christmas in Latin America, as in many countries around the world, is one of the most important celebrations of the year. It is a moment full of traditions that, although mostly inherited from the Spanish during colonization, have merged with each region’s native traditions and are still practiced. 

Being a mostly catholic region, South America honors through traditions and Christmas celebrations the birth of Jesus Christ. In most Latin American homes, small figures of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus are kept at home on an altar during the festivities.

There are many traditions and all equally unique, family meals and gatherings, special masses, and symbolism about the year that is leaving and the beginning. Let’s explore some of the most peculiar ones throughout this beautiful region.

Velas Christmas Traditions in Latin America Latina Moms

Día de las Velitas (Candlelight Day) 

El Día de las Velitas is a celebration held in several Latin American countries to anticipate the arrival of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and the beginning of Christmas. In Colombia the celebration begins on December 7, candles are lit on the doors of homes, and these will guide the path of the Virgin; in other regions the celebration begins on December 8, such as Venezuela, specifically in the region of Merida in a small town high in the mountains called Mucurubá, a celebration attended by hundreds of people and around 17,000 candles are lit.

Novenas Christmas Traditions in Latin America Latina Moms

Las Posadas

Celebrated mostly in Mexico for nine days before December 24, the Posadas symbolize the Virgin Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the arrival of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. A procession of people accompanies them through the streets while singing. There are always candles, sparklers, piñatas, and a good meal.

Año Viejo Christmas Traditions in Latin America Latina Moms

El Año Viejo (Burning the old year)

This tradition originated in Ecuador and is celebrated throughout many countries in Latin America. The custom is to make a big straw doll, dress it up, and burn it on December 31st with the last bell. It symbolizes burning all the bad energies of the year ending and giving way to new things.

Patinatas Christmas Traditions in Latin America Latina Moms

Patinatas or Christmas Carts

In Venezuela, every December 25 after the arrival of the Baby Jesus, cities close streets and avenues for people to enjoy on bicycles, skates, or sleds built with recycled materials. People enjoy with their families to the sound of the typical Gaitas venezolanas, with food in street stalls and gifts.

Doce Uvas Christmas Traditions in Latin America Latina Moms

The 12 grapes

The twelve grapes are one of the Spanish traditions that persist in Latin America. It involves serving glasses of champagne with twelve grapes, one for each month of the year. At the sound of the chimes, one grape should be eaten per wish for each month of the year that is about to begin.

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A new year has begun, and we're all ready to pack A new year has begun, and we're all ready to pack our closets with the latest fashion trends. 2022 will be a year of change for everyone, and fashion will be no exception as we will see the return of some daring styles while maintaining the comfort of life working from home — thank you, COVID 🙄🙄.⠀
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From daring catsuits to comfortable oversized jackets, 2022 will be the year to spice up our closet. Visit the link in our bio for more!⠀
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At Latina Moms, we've kicked off the year in the b At Latina Moms, we've kicked off the year in the best possible way: by returning to Hogwarts. Twenty years after the Harry Potter saga conquered our hearts, we’ve enjoyed a new adventure with our children -- and boy, was it worth it! Our favorite characters -- who are now our children's favorites -- have taken us on a trip to the magical world wrapping ourselves in goodies this time as a family. Now streaming on @HBOMax. Did you watch the Return to Hogwarts Special? How did it feel?

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We are already diving into 2022, and it is time to We are already diving into 2022, and it is time to start working on all those resolutions we promised ourselves before the year began. ⠀
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But let's be honest, most resolutions are often forgotten on a piece of paper in some drawer, and that needs to change!⠀
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These simple-but-effective steps will help you stay true to your resolutions!⠀
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Yoga has gained tremendous popularity over the yea Yoga has gained tremendous popularity over the years, especially during the pandemic — it became the meditation method of choice for many. ⠀
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A practice that combines physical exercise with meditation to achieve a greater connection with your body, mind, and soul, perfect to start this year, right? 🧘🏽‍♀️🧘🏽⠀
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‍Learn about our fav yoga routines to start the year in the link in our bio!⠀
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The best thing about returning to the magical worl The best thing about returning to the magical world of Harry Potter has been being able to enjoy it as a family. We enjoyed our own version of the Sorting Hat at home, and we had a member of each house in our living room! From the bravery of Gryffindor to the loyalty of Hufflepuff and the intelligence of Ravenclaw to the ambition of Slytherin, we have reminisced together about our favorite saga. And you? Which house do you belong to?⠀
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Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: #ReturnToHogwarts is now streaming on @HBOMax. @PalanteHBOMax  #ReturnToHogwarts #PalanteHBOMax #hbomaxpartner
We start 2022 on the right foot with a new lunar c We start 2022 on the right foot with a new lunar cycle that will recharge our energies and push us to achieve our purposes. 🌑⠀
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We’re talking about the New Moon that begins this January 2nd in Capricorn, the sign of discipline.⠀
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Find out everything you need to know in the link in our bio!⠀
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Taking spirituality into account can help you star Taking spirituality into account can help you start the New Year with determinations — all you need to do is tweak your spiritual ritual. 🔮⠀
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We want to share our easy-to-follow rituals, at least a few of them, so that you can bring light and peace into 2022. We all could use some of that, don’t you agree? 💫⠀
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Check them out in the link in our bio!⠀
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The beginning of a new year might be a bit confusi The beginning of a new year might be a bit confusing. If you’re like us, you might go through brief panics when you try to determine whether a particular task is part of your daily to-do list or is part of your New Year’s resolutions. ⠀
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