The Holiday season is here officially, and Hispanics celebrate as they know.

For us the night before Christmas is the most important of our celebrations, and it’s called Noche Buena, which refers to Christmas Eve. A huge event for most Latinos. While most Americans will come together on Christmas Day to open presents and enjoy a turkey feast.

How do we celebrate? and more Traditions

Nochebuena dinner often features roast pork, known as lechón in Spanish, as the centerpiece of the meal. Food is perhaps the most important part of Noche Buena, family gathering all together to open gifts, play games, make wishes and of course..Celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

Many revelers put out nativity scenes to celebrate the occasion and remind family members about the religious importance of this event. 

“In Mexico, for example, dinner can include homemade tamales, atole, bacalao (cod) a la Vizcaina or romeritos en revoltijo (a dish made with Mexican greens) accompanied by buñuelos (small donuts) for dessert and ponche (punch) to toast.”

“In other Latin American countries, especially those in the Caribbean, the main dish is roast pork with rice and beans, pasteles (tamales) and different salads. Plus, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Coquito, an alcoholic beverage made with coconut milk, condensed milk and white rum.”

In Spain, a traditional Nochebuena dinner will see people gathering to feast on seafood, soup and other dishes with their families after attending the annual Christmas parade. 

It’s all very festive, super fun, and something everyone looks forward to all year. It’s the one time a year where we all come together, and that’s more valuable than any present or dish or tradition combined.

¡Feliz Navidad!