How do Chileans celebrate holidays like Christmas and New Year's?
Post ByAdequate Travel
Summary
Chileans love any excuse to celebrate something special - their Christmas and New Year's celebrations are no exception! Learn more about how Chileans celebrate these holidays with traditional dinners, gatherings, and festivities - and get inspired to incorporate some of these experiences into your own celebrations! The place is known for its rich history and culture, welcomes tourists with open arms. However, be sure to review the travel advisory and travel warnings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.Christmas celebration in Chile:
1. Christmas Eve meal: Chileans typically celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, and families gather for a special dinner called "Cena de Navidad." This meal often includes traditional dishes such as roasted turkey or pork, pan de Pascua (a Christmas fruitcake), and cola de mono (a traditional alcoholic drink made with aguardiente, milk, coffee, spices, and sugar).
2. Midnight Mass: After the Christmas Eve dinner, many Chileans attend a midnight Mass called "Misa del Gallo" (Rooster's Mass) to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the Mass is filled with religious hymns and prayers.
3. Fireworks and parties: In Chile, it is a common tradition to celebrate the arrival of Christmas with fireworks at midnight. People gather in parks or public spaces to witness the fireworks display. Afterward, families and friends often continue the celebration with parties, music, dancing, and exchanging of gifts.
New Year's celebration in Chile:
1. Fireworks and parties: Similar to Christmas, Chileans welcome the New Year with spectacular fireworks displays. People gather in parks, beaches, or rooftops to watch the fireworks and cheer as the clock strikes midnight. It is a festive atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and celebration.
2. Auld Lang Syne: As in many other countries, Chileans also sing the traditional New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne" to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. It is common to hold hands with loved ones and sing this song together.
3. Eating 12 grapes: Another New Year's tradition in Chile involves eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. Each grape represents good luck for every month of the coming year.
4. Champagne toast: It is customary for Chileans to raise a toast with champagne or sparkling wine right after midnight to celebrate the New Year. Families and friends clink their glasses, exchange hugs, and wish each other a prosperous year ahead.
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