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Why should you celebrate Christmas in Argentina?
"Nochebuena" is the name for Christmas Eve in Latin American countries. But the country is not only worth a winter visit at Christmas. There are many things to do during your trip:
Christmas traditions in Argentina
In Argentina, Christmas celebrations begin on December 8 with the "Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary". This day usually marks the beginning of Christmas decorations, including the placement of the Christmas tree.
Argentines decorate their homes with garlands in shades of green, gold and red, and decorate the main entrance with a wreath of white flowers. Elements such as the nativity scene and white cotton snowflakes cannot be missing in the decoration.
On Christmas Eve, a big family party is celebrated starting around 10 pm. Given the favorable weather, the celebration is often held outdoors, in the garden. The country's strong Catholic tradition is reflected in church attendance during the evening of December 24 or in participation in the "Misa del Gallo", the midnight mass. After mass, it is common for Argentines to release colorful "globos", which are paper lanterns similar to Chinese lanterns. The evening culminates with an impressive fireworks display.
In the days that follow, Argentine families continue to celebrate with meals, gift exchanges and, in some cases, trips to the beach. For many, the Christmas festivities mark the beginning of the summer vacations.
The table is completed with traditional desserts such as panettone (cake with almonds and other fruits), sweet bread, fruit salad, ice cream, mantecol (soft nougat) and nougat (hard nougat). Drinks include cider, champagne, wine and liqueurs.
On January 6, children bring their shoes to the door to receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. To do this, children place the shoes by the bed or door or under the Christmas tree. Instead of milk and cookies, they put hay and water in front of the door for the saints' horses.
"Nochebuena" is the name for Christmas Eve in Latin American countries. But the country is not only worth a winter visit at Christmas. There are many things to do during your trip:
- Dance Tango at a Milonga
- Taste the delicacies of Argentine cuisine, from beef with chimichurri sauce to empanadas and sweet alfajores.
- Visit Argentine gaucho cowboys in the endless expanses of the Patagonian steppe.
- Experience the primeval rainforests of the north.
- Marvel at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls.
- Be enchanted by decorated houses
- Celebrate New Year's Eve in Buenos Aires with a lively atmosphere
Christmas traditions in Argentina
In Argentina, Christmas celebrations begin on December 8 with the "Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary". This day usually marks the beginning of Christmas decorations, including the placement of the Christmas tree.
Argentines decorate their homes with garlands in shades of green, gold and red, and decorate the main entrance with a wreath of white flowers. Elements such as the nativity scene and white cotton snowflakes cannot be missing in the decoration.
On Christmas Eve, a big family party is celebrated starting around 10 pm. Given the favorable weather, the celebration is often held outdoors, in the garden. The country's strong Catholic tradition is reflected in church attendance during the evening of December 24 or in participation in the "Misa del Gallo", the midnight mass. After mass, it is common for Argentines to release colorful "globos", which are paper lanterns similar to Chinese lanterns. The evening culminates with an impressive fireworks display.
In the days that follow, Argentine families continue to celebrate with meals, gift exchanges and, in some cases, trips to the beach. For many, the Christmas festivities mark the beginning of the summer vacations.
Christmas dishes
Delicious food also plays an important role in Argentina at Christmas. At the richly arranged tables you will find a wide selection of meats, breads and desserts. Among the most common dishes are asado (various meats cooked on the grill), vitel toné (veal with tuna cream), deviled eggs, sandwiches with tuna and other ingredients, stuffed tomatoes and a variety of salads.The table is completed with traditional desserts such as panettone (cake with almonds and other fruits), sweet bread, fruit salad, ice cream, mantecol (soft nougat) and nougat (hard nougat). Drinks include cider, champagne, wine and liqueurs.
Christmas gifts in Argentina
On the night of December 24-25, presents are delivered. While everyone is out, one of the adults places the presents under the Christmas tree. When the children return after the fireworks, they are delighted with the gifts from "Santa Claus". Often, the youngsters move on afterwards to join their friends and celebrate.On January 6, children bring their shoes to the door to receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. To do this, children place the shoes by the bed or door or under the Christmas tree. Instead of milk and cookies, they put hay and water in front of the door for the saints' horses.
