Panama Christmas: Feliz Navidad

Panama Christmas Traditions suggest a weird agglomeration of the Spanish and the American influences which can be adequately attributed to its topography. Since the major portion of the population lives in the Panama City therefore it is central to the country’s Christmas festivities. The festivities begin in the second weekend of December that is marked by a Christmas parade, what is amazing about the celebrations is that the festivities are centred on the poor children who can also be a part of the festivities and enjoy the celebrations as well. This actually implies that the true Christian spirit of humanity is adhered to while celebrating the festival. Both men and women dress up in their traditional Panamanian attire called the ‘monunos’ and ‘polleras’ to mark the occasion, and wishing each other Feliz Navidad, the Panamanian Christmas Greetings

Usually in the Panama City beach a huge Christmas tree is lighted up and the caroller’s sing the popular carol ‘Navidad villanciaos’. In addition to the hot cocoa and cookies that are served, there are fireworks on display that enhance the festive jubilations all around. To top it all there is a boat parade which further shows the excellent display of lights in the boats further highlight the event.

Panama Christmas traditions also involves people dressing up as Mary and Joseph for nine days, they search for an ideal place in the inn while going around from house to house and the final place that they decided to settle there are major feasting with them singing and also hitting piñatas to mark the occasion of Christmas.   There are also extravagant display of lights and nativity scene to further enjoy the occasion with full fervour. The holiday spirit is so predominant that on the eve of Christmas, there are fabulous fireworks to announce the coming of Jesus, nobody misses this occasion, there are feasts held at nights and also dancing in the streets. In the morning people go to Church to pray and the rest of the day they enjoy with their families and friends. There are feasting all around and everyone enjoys home cooked special meals.  Panamanian Christmas Recipes entail making home cooked foods ranging from, Arroz con Pollo rice and chicken, chicken tamales, relleno and pavo turkey. Traditional desserts served at this time include servings of fruits and fruit cakes. This is also accompanied by a special form of eggnog drink called Ron Ponche; that is also called a spiked drink owing to its texture. It is made by beating eggs and mixing in with milk and rum, with some flavouring added by nutmeg. This is kept in the fridge till the time it is ready to be served. This special recipe marks the special occasion and is fully enjoyed by all the revellers.