Paraguay Traditional Christmas

Paraguay Traditional Christmas has deep religious intonations; there is major focus on the nativity scene or pesebre, which is followed both at homes and in The Church. Since December is summer time in South America, therefore flowers are at full bloom. The entire neighbourhood, church and homes are totally covered with flowers that are bright and in full bloom. Homes are decorated in colour schemes that match the blooming flowers and it seems that the nature is also resonating with the true spirit of Christmas. It is often said that “Christmas in PARAGUAY is Christmas of the Coco Flower” that is because this flower is in its full bloom in December and there is mild coco smell in the air all around during this time.

The celebrations start on Christmas Eve when the Church bells resonate with the La Misa Del Gallo or the Midnight mass of the Rooster. When the families come back home after the mass there is Christmas feasting. There are jubilations in the air with everyone wishing each other ‘Feliz Navidad….Jesus Nacio’ i.e. Merry Xmas Jesus is born! The extended Christmas celebrations go up to January 6, with the feast of Epiphany when the 3 kings are believed to bring home gifts for their children, the night before Epiphany children keep their shoes out with letters written to  the kings. This is just a tradition that shows the holiday spirit in full celebrations.  There is music and dance resonating in the entire surroundings, Paraguay Christmas Music is played and people dance to its beats. There is music in the air, there is music everywhere.

Christmas Food in Paraguay shows a lot of variety. There are lots of influences in the food; there are the Spanish influences, European as well as indigenous amalgamation that bring out the flavour of food that is simply to die for. But intrinsically the food in Paraguay is firmly grounded to the cultures over there. The two staple grains of Paraguay, corn and cassava, are used to make most of the preparations here. There is the traditional Chipa made with the help of Cassava, and then there is Bori Bori which is the famous soup in Paraguay that is made using various things amongst along with corn and cheese. Even the National Dish of Paraguay is ‘sopa paraguaya’ which though named as a ‘soup’ is not a soup it is a dish of corn bread that has onions and cheese in it. This sumptuous dish is certainly a true reflection of the traditions and cultures of Paraguay which though having many influences in itself, is able to maintain its individuality and stand apart. Paraguay Christmas therefore is a major festival that is thoroughly enjoyed by all!