Santa's Name Game: Bolivia's Unique Nickname For Saint Nicholas

Santa Claus is known by many names around the world, and in Bolivia, he is called Papa Noel. In Latin America, the delivery of children's Christmas gifts is highly contested, with Baby Jesus, or Niño Jesús, being a popular gift-giver in Bolivia, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

Santa Claus is known as Papa Noel in Bolivia

The choice of gift-giver is not a trivial matter. It represents a nationalist pushback against outside influences, from Spanish imperialism to American consumerism. In Bolivia, Papa Noel is a relatively recent phenomenon, having arrived in the country via an American department store chain, but he has rapidly spread. There have been attempts to unseat him, such as in the 1970s when the country's military dictatorship tried to replace him with El Niño Manuelito, a poncho-clad version of El Niño who delivered locally made toys. However, Papa Noel has prevailed, and he now proudly wears the colors of Bolivia's flag: red and white.

In Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany (6th January). Most of the population is Catholic, and many attend a Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve called the 'Misa de Gallo' (Mass of the Rooster). After the service, families often share the main Christmas meal, which is traditionally picana, a stew/soup made from chicken, beef, or lamb, and pork, served with potatoes and corn. There may also be salads, roast pork or beef, and an abundance of tropical fruit. Following the meal, families may exchange gifts, although gift-giving is not a common practice. Some people wait until Epiphany, remembering the Wise Men who brought presents to Jesus. Children may also receive a set of new clothes at New Year's.

Nativity scenes ('pesebre', meaning 'stable', or 'nacimientos', meaning 'nativity scenes') are popular Christmas decorations in Bolivia. Churches often have large displays outside. The baby Jesus is placed in the manger after the Misa de Gallo. Christmas trees are becoming more common, but usually only in large towns and cities.

Papa Noel brings gifts to Bolivian children on Christmas Eve

In Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until the 6th of January, with most of the population being Catholic. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a meal of picana, a soup or stew made from chicken, beef, or lamb, and pork, served with potatoes and corn. After the meal, families may exchange gifts, though this is not very common.

In Bolivia, Santa Claus is known as Papa Noel. Papa Noel brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve, and it is customary for children to put their shoes under the Christmas tree before they go to sleep. The next morning, they wake up to find new shoes in their place, along with toys and other presents.

The tradition of Papa Noel bringing gifts to children on Christmas Eve is a blend of Bolivian and American cultures. While Papa Noel is based on the American figure of Santa Claus, who is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve, the tradition of putting shoes under the tree and receiving new shoes in return is uniquely Bolivian.

The image of Santa Claus that we know today, with his red suit, white beard, and black belt, was popularized by Haddon Sundblom's illustrations for The Coca-Cola Company's Christmas advertisements in the 1930s. However, the character of Santa Claus has its roots in the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, brought to New Amsterdam (now New York City) by Dutch immigrants in the 19th century.

Bolivian children leave their shoes under the tree for Papa Noel

In Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany (6th January). Most Bolivians are Catholic and many attend a Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve, followed by firecrackers and a meal. The traditional meal is 'picana', a stew/soup made from chicken, beef or lamb, and pork, served with potatoes and corn.

In Bolivia, gift-giving is usually limited to parents giving to children. Bolivian children know Santa Claus as Papa Noel. Children leave their shoes under the tree before they go to sleep and the next morning, they wake up to find new shoes in their place.

Christmas Trees are becoming more popular in Bolivia, although often only in large towns and cities. Nativity Scenes ('pesebre' meaning 'stable' or 'nacimientos' meaning 'nativity scenes') are also common Christmas decorations.

For many poor people and those in rural areas, Christmas is just a normal working day. However, by law, workers in Bolivia get double or triple their normal salary in December. This is called 'El Aguinaldo' and must be paid for by employers.

Papa Noel brings children new shoes

In Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until the 6th of January, with most of the population being Catholic and observing several traditions. One such tradition is the giving of gifts, which is limited to parents giving gifts to their children.

In Bolivia, Santa Claus is known as Papa Noel, and he brings children new shoes in addition to toys. This custom is described by a girl named Jessica, who moved to the United States from Bolivia at the age of eight. She recalls the excitement of putting her shoes under the tree before going to sleep and finding new shoes in their place the next morning.

Jessica's family maintains this tradition even after moving to the United States. Along with their toys, Jessica and her siblings receive new shoes from Papa Noel during their Christmas Eve celebration.

The Bolivian Christmas Eve dinner is also a significant part of the holiday season. The traditional meal is picana, a hearty soup or stew made from a combination of beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables. Bunuelos, doughnut-like treats, are served with the picana and again on Christmas morning, drizzled with honey or syrup.

The Bolivian Christmas season is a festive and joyful time for families, with carolling, nativity scenes, and the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) being common practices.

Some Latin American children receive gifts from Baby Jesus instead of Santa Claus

In Latin America, Christmas is a highly anticipated celebration, with festivities beginning on Christmas Eve and lasting until Epiphany on the 6th of January. Bolivia is no exception, with most of the population being Catholic and observing traditions such as attending Midnight Mass and exchanging gifts.

While Santa Claus, or Papa Noel as he is known in Bolivia, is a popular gift-giver for children in many parts of Latin America, this is not the case in all countries in the region. In fact, in some Latin American countries, Baby Jesus or Niño Jesús is the one who brings the presents. This tradition is particularly prevalent in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Bolivia.

The choice of gift-giver is not simply a matter of preference but often carries cultural and historical significance. For example, in the 1930s, a Mexican president attempted to replace Santa Claus with Quetzacoátl, the pre-Hispanic plumed serpent god, during a nationalist period. While this idea did not catch on, it illustrates how the selection of a gift-giving figure can be influenced by a desire to promote specific cultural or ideological values.

In Latin America, the competition between Baby Jesus and Santa Claus for children's affection and belief is complex and multifaceted. Santa Claus, with his red suit and jolly demeanor, has made significant inroads in countries like Mexico and Peru. However, Baby Jesus continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Latin American children, and each year, advocates for both figures make their cases in newspaper columns and Catholic websites.

The debate surrounding gift-giving traditions in Latin America reflects the region's diverse cultural influences, from Spanish imperialism to American consumerism. Ultimately, the choice of whether gifts come from Santa Claus or Baby Jesus depends on a variety of factors, including family traditions, cultural background, and personal beliefs.

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