Hello everyone!
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a time filled with joy, traditions, and festivities across the globe. Each country adds its own unique flavour to the celebrations, making Christmas Eve a truly international festival. Let's take a journey around the world to see how different cultures celebrate this magical night.
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Malta - Procession of Baby Jesus
In Malta, on Christmas Eve, many towns and villages hold processions where children carry a statue of Baby Jesus through the streets while singing traditional Maltese carols, including the popular "Ninni La Tibkix Izjed." This tradition, which began in 1921 in Hamrun and was led by Saint George Preca, uses various types of lamps due to the historically poor street lighting, making it a magical sight with participants carrying lanterns, oil lamps, and Venetian lights. If you want to know more about Christmas in Malta, read this post.
Germany - The Night of Candlelight
In Germany, the Christmas Eve celebration starts with the Heiligabend, or Holy Evening. Families gather around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, often lit with real candles, lending a warm, enchanting glow to the room. The highlight of the evening is the Bescherung, the gift-giving, after which families enjoy a traditional meal that often includes carp, goose, or sauerbraten.
Mexico - Las Posadas
In Mexico, Christmas Eve is the culmination of Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas. On this night, known as Nochebuena, families reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, ending with a joyous party where piñatas are broken and a feast of tamales, bacalao (cod), and pozole is served. Midnight Mass, or Misa de Gallo, is a pivotal part of the celebration.
Italy - Feast of the Seven Fishes
Italians celebrate with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Christmas Eve tradition where families gather to eat a multi-course meal featuring various seafood dishes. This feast is symbolic, with each fish representing one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. After the meal, many attend the Messa di Mezzanotte (Midnight Mass).
Philippines - Simbang Gabi
In the Philippines, the Christmas spirit is felt throughout the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. On Noche Buena, Filipinos enjoy a midnight feast that can include lechon (roast pig), pancit, and bibingka. The streets are alive with paróls; star-shaped lanterns symbolising the star of Bethlehem.
Sweden - Julbord and Santa's Arrival
Swedes celebrate with a Julbord, a buffet table laden with traditional foods like pickled herring, meatballs, and ham. A unique Swedish tradition is watching Disney's Donald Duck Christmas special at 3 PM. The evening is marked by the arrival of Jultomten (Santa Claus), who brings gifts to the children.
Russia - Grandfather Frost
In Russia, though Christmas was not publicly celebrated during the Soviet era, the traditions have seen a revival. Christmas Eve includes a strict fast until the first star appears in the sky, after which a feast featuring kutya (a porridge of wheat or rice) is enjoyed. Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) and his granddaughter Snegurochka deliver presents, often at New Year's but increasingly on Christmas Eve.
Brazil - Beach Celebrations
Given Brazil's summery December, Christmas Eve can often be celebrated on the beach. Families gather for a barbecue or a seafood dinner, and in some areas, fireworks light up the sky at midnight. A midnight Mass, complete with lively carols, is a staple.
As we can see, Christmas Eve is a tapestry of traditions, each thread woven with cultural significance and joy. Whether through feasting, attending midnight Mass, or simply being with loved ones, the universal message is one of peace, love, and the joy of giving. From all corners of the world, the essence of Christmas Eve is a celebration of light, hope, and community.
Merry Christmas, everyone, and may your celebrations be filled with magic and joy!
