Christmas Eve Traditions Of Bolivian Children Explained

Christmas in Bolivia is a deeply religious affair, with the majority of the country's population being Catholic. The holiday is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on the 6th of January, with Christmas Eve being the most important time during the season. On this day, Bolivian children take part in a religious procession through the streets, carrying a huge altar bearing a statue of Jesus Christ. They then attend the midnight Misa del Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) and return home in the early morning, around the time the roosters start crowing. After returning from the mass, families sit down to their Christmas meal and children sing villancicos - holiday songs.

Attending the religious procession and midnight mass, Misa del Gallo

The festivities kick off with a religious procession through the streets, where men carry a large, heavy altar bearing a statue of Jesus Christ. The altar makes its way down every street in the town or city, with hundreds of people singing and dancing alongside it. The procession eventually makes its way to the main church, where the midnight mass, or Misa del Gallo, takes place.

Misa del Gallo, or Mass of the Rooster, is so named because the service takes place quite late at night, usually at midnight, and lasts into the early morning—the time when roosters start crowing to greet the new day. The candlelit service attracts thousands of people, with most churches in every town and city overflowing with visitors. Families attend the mass together, and the service is followed by the sound of firecrackers filling the streets.

It is a Bolivian tradition to bring two small presents to the midnight mass: a figurine of the Niño Manuelito (Baby Jesus) and an accompanying gift representing the person's trade or profession. For example, a baker might bring a loaf of bread, or a cobbler a new pair of shoes. These gifts are an offering and an appeal for abundance in the New Year.

Exchanging gifts

The most important time for gift-giving in Bolivia is during the Epiphany on 6 January, when children receive presents. On the night before, they place their shoes outside their door, and the Three Kings leave gifts in their shoes overnight. This tradition is similar to the European custom of hanging Christmas stockings by the chimney.

In addition, employers show their gratitude to their employees by giving them a "canasta" or "canastón", a large basket filled with cooking essentials, sweet treats, and sometimes a "panetón" (a traditional holiday sweetbread with raisins and nuts). This gift is usually given on the last working day before the Christmas holidays.

Eating the traditional meal, picana

Picana is a hearty and nourishing meal, perfect for the summertime when Christmas is celebrated in Bolivia. The soup is also symbolic of the harvest, as Bolivians thank Mother Earth, or Pachamama, for her abundance and ask for a prosperous year ahead.

The preparation of picana can be a family affair, with everyone pitching in to chop, dice, and stir the various ingredients. The cooking process fills the house with delicious aromas, signalling that the holiday has arrived. The meal is a time for families to come together and connect, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoy the festive dish.

The table is often adorned with fresh flowers, and the meal is followed by a toast with champagne or wine, and turrón, taffy-filled wafer cookies. Children sing villancicos, or holiday songs, to add to the festive cheer.

The leftovers from the picana are also enjoyed the next day, on Christmas Day, when Bolivians take it easy after the festivities of the previous night.

Singing villancicos (holiday songs)

Christmas in Bolivia is a deeply religious affair, with the majority of the population being Catholic. The holiday is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on the 6th of January, with Christmas Eve being the most important time during the season.

On Christmas Eve, Bolivian children sing "villancicos", which are holiday songs. The songs are sung after the midnight "Misa del Gallo" (Mass of the Rooster) and the family feast. The mass is called "Misa del Gallo" because it takes place quite late at night, usually at midnight, and lasts possibly into the early morning, coinciding with the rooster's awakening. The candlelit service attracts thousands of people, with most churches in every town and city overflowing with visitors, many of whom listen from the steps outside.

The "villancicos" are an integral part of the Christmas celebration in Bolivia, bringing joy and cheer to the festivities. Children sing a variety of traditional and popular holiday songs, filling the air with music and celebration. The songs are often accompanied by dancing and instruments, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

In addition to the singing of "villancicos", Bolivian children also participate in other Christmas Eve traditions. They attend the "Misa del Gallo" with their families, where they bring small offerings such as a baby Jesus figurine and something reflecting their profession. After the mass, families gather for a traditional feast, which includes picana, a soup made with meat, potatoes, corn, and other vegetables. The table is also set with salads, roast pork or beef, and an abundance of tropical fruit.

The singing of "villancicos" is a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a beloved part of the Christmas celebration in Bolivia today. It brings families and communities together, creating a sense of unity and joy during the holiday season.

Leaving shoes out for gifts

In Bolivia, Christmas is a deeply religious affair, with the majority of the population being Catholic. The holiday is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on the 6th of January.

Christmas Eve is the most important time of the season in Bolivia. Families attend a midnight mass called the "Misa del Gallo" or "Mass of the Rooster" because locals return home early in the morning when the roosters are awakening.

One unique Christmas tradition in Bolivia is to bring two offerings to the midnight mass: a small baby Jesus figurine and something reflecting one's profession. For example, a baker may bring a small loaf of bread, while a cobbler may bring a pair of shoes.

The holiday continues through to the Epiphany on January 6th, when children receive gifts. On the night before Epiphany, children place their shoes outside their door, and the Three Kings or Wise Men leave presents in their shoes overnight. This is similar to the European tradition of hanging Christmas stockings by the chimney.

The type of gifts children receive varies. Their shoes might be filled with candy and pastries, or they could receive a new set of clothes for the New Year.

Although Western Christmas traditions are being incorporated into Bolivian celebrations, gift-giving is not a common practice on Christmas Day. Instead, children anticipate the arrival of the Three Kings by leaving their shoes out, ready to be filled with gifts.

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