( Christmas in Chile)
Written in Chilean roots, many of the holidays celebrated in the country are religious in many ways and also follow Spanish and Indian traditions.
One of the many countless holidays that are heavily religious in the culture’s roots is Easter and Christmas. Many Chileans belong to the Catholic Church and hence celebrate the Easter holiday all weekend long. Beginning with Good Friday, Holy Saturday and of course, Easter Sunday. Following the holiday, on Monday, Chileans also observe “Domingo de Cuasimodo” and celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Christmas celebrations begin in the heat of the country’s Summer. While Chilean Christmas traditions are similar to an average American, they differ in many ways. The holiday is normally celebrated outdoors, with lively music, bright Christmas colors, decor, and an array of delicious traditional foods such as fruit cake. The fiesta begins on Christmas Eve with many families and friends celebrating all throughout the night. When the clock strikes midnight, they open their gifts and attend something known as the “midnight mass,” commonly called “Misa de Gallo.” In celebration of the birth of Jesus. Misa de Gallo is also commonly celebrated all throughout the region as well as in Spain.
The Chilean region also celebrates a few more religious holidays celebrating many religious figures such as Feast of Saint Peter and Paul, Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, Assumption of Virgin Mary- in remembrance of Mary’s passage to heaven, and All Saints Day, celebrating and remembering the dead. With these celebrations, there is always a bright and colorful theme. Rather than allowing these days to be sad and mournful, they remember, reflect, and celebrate on the good, the memories.
One thing to be noted about Chile is that they know how to throw a fiesta no matter the holiday or occasion. It is a time for families to reunite and celebrate the things they value and are passionate about. Happy Holidays!
Ava Helling
