Christmas Traditions In Bolivia: Unique Holiday Customs Explained

Christmas in Bolivia is a unique and special time. With a high population of Christians, the majority of whom are Catholic, Christmas is one of Bolivia's most important holidays. The country's indigenous heritage also influences its Christmas rituals, many of which are different from those in the rest of the world. From the 24th of December until the 6th of January, Bolivians celebrate with religious processions, nativity scenes, and traditional food.

Midnight Mass

Christmas in Bolivia is a colourful, vibrant affair, steeped in the country's religious and indigenous heritage. With Christmas Eve being the most important time of the season, Midnight Mass, or 'Misa de Gallo' (Mass of the Rooster), is a key part of the celebrations.

The name 'Mass of the Rooster' comes from the fact that churchgoers return home from the service at dawn, as the roosters are awakening. The candlelit service is extremely popular, with thousands of people attending, and most churches overflowing with visitors. The service is marked by the sound of firecrackers filling the streets at midnight.

One unique Christmas tradition in Bolivia is to bring two offerings to the Midnight Mass service: a small baby Jesus figurine and something reflecting one's profession. For example, a baker might bring a tiny loaf of bread, or a cobbler, a pair of miniature shoes.

The religious procession through the streets is an integral part of the build-up to Midnight Mass. Men carry a heavy altar bearing a statue of Jesus Christ, with hundreds of people singing and dancing alongside it, through every street of the town or city, until it reaches the main church.

After the Midnight Mass service, families return home to enjoy a traditional Bolivian dinner and festivities. The meal, usually eaten no earlier than 1 am, is an early-morning feast. Families eat 'picana', a soup made with chicken, beef, red wine, potatoes, carrots, corn on the cob, and other vegetables, accompanied by salads, roast pork or beef, and fresh fruit.

Christmas decorations

Gourds are also carved and decorated to create small nativity scenes. In bigger towns and cities, European- and US-style decorations have begun to accompany the traditional items, and Christmas trees have become more popular. However, it is still uncommon to see homes decorated with lights, tinsel or Christmas trees.

Christmas dinner

Christmas in Bolivia is a time for families to come together and celebrate. The main Christmas meal is often eaten after the midnight 'Misa de Gallo' (Mass of the Rooster) on Christmas Eve. The traditional meal is 'picana', a stew or soup made from chicken, beef (or lamb) and pork, served with potatoes and corn.

The soup is accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including salads, roast pork (lechón) or roast beef, and lots of tropical fruit. The meal is washed down with cold drinks, as Christmas in Bolivia occurs during the summertime. Families may also toast with champagne or wine and eat turrón, a type of wafer cookie filled with taffy. Another popular drink is cola de mono, a beverage similar to eggnog.

On Christmas morning, hot chocolate and buñuelos, a type of sweetbread or pastry drizzled with syrup, are enjoyed.

In recent years, some families have started to adopt more Western Christmas traditions, such as eating turkey for the main Christmas meal. However, picana remains the most popular dish for Bolivian families during the festive season.

Gift-giving

However, there is a tradition of giving a "canasta" or "canastón" (a gift basket) to employees. Employers give their staff members a basket filled with staple foods and Christmas treats such as cookies and candies. This is usually done on the last working day before the Christmas holidays.

Although Bolivians are slowly adopting Western Christmas traditions, such as gift exchanges, the practice of giving gifts during the Epiphany remains strong.

Christmas for employers and employees

Christmas is the second most celebrated holiday in Bolivia, after Carnaval. The holiday is observed from Christmas Eve, 24 December, until Epiphany on 6 January. With a large Catholic population, Christmas is a deeply religious holiday in Bolivia, marked by Mass, processions, and acts of kindness towards employees.

In Bolivia, it is customary for employers to show their gratitude to their staff by giving them a "canasta" or "Canastón de fin de Año" (a large basket of goods) on the last working day before the Christmas break. This gift basket typically contains cooking essentials such as flour, corn, eggs, salt, and sweet treats like candies, fruit, honey, or wine, which are meant to be shared with the employee's family on Christmas Eve.

Additionally, as per the government law "El Aguinaldo", employers are required to pay their employees double or triple their usual salary for the month of December. This practice reflects the importance of giving back and showing appreciation during the holiday season in Bolivia.

On Christmas Eve, the festivities often begin with a religious procession through the streets, where men carry a heavy altar bearing a statue of Jesus Christ. This is followed by the popular midnight "Misa de Gallo" (Mass of the Rooster), so named because devotees return home in the early morning, coinciding with the rooster's crowing.

The Christmas celebrations in Bolivia are not focused on excessive spending or extravagant decorations. Instead, the emphasis is on showing gratitude, spending time with family, and celebrating with traditional food and festivities.

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