Christmas in Brazil

While the weather outside may be frightful in North America, Christmas in Brazil is celebrated in a string bikini and Havaiana flip flops, recognizing that it is the middle of summer. Even Santa Claus (Papai Noel) sheds his big furry attire for a cool silk ensemble to beat the heat.

Much like their Latin American neighbors, Brazilians decorate the holidays with fresh flowers from the garden and announce the celebration with the explosion of firecrackers. However, in keeping with their Portuguese heritage, Brazilians have adapted some traditions from the old world including the Presépio, which is more commonly recognized throughout North America as the Nativity Scene. And of course, the international influence has brought a Christmas tree (decorated with little white cotton balls), lights and stockings (although without the need for chimneys the stockings are generally hung by the back door with care). The full turkey dinner is also generally served on Christmas Eve – despite the heat. Those who are not attending Missa do Galo (midnight mass) after dinner are taking a siesta so they can hit the beach bright and early the next day.

In Northern Brazil, particularly Salvador de Bahia, the festivities are as lively as ever. A traditional Christmas play, ‘Los Pastores’ (the sheperds) is presented along with concerts and dances and the event is capped off by a sound and light show in Pelourino’s Praça de Sé.

Boas Festas!

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