Monthly Newsletter - November 2008

The only place in Peru – other than the highest of the Andes - where a “white Christmas” might be found will be in “the White City” of Arequipa. But do not expect snow there; you can admire the beautiful white bricks from which Arequipa derives its moniker. While globalization has made some Christmas traditions universally standard, a Peruvian Christmas is still its own unique experience.

One of the most poignant differences between the typical white Christmas of the United States is that Peru has beautiful sunny weather this time of the year, though this does not prevent some people from putting lights up on their homes. The private homes of Lima’s Velasco Astete Avenue in Chacarilla are known for competing with each other over who has the most elaborate Christmas displays. Such elaborate decorations are also found in more affluent malls and shopping centers. However, while many Peruvian families have Christmas trees decorating their home, there is a much more important and noteworthy decoration.

The nativity scene is one of the most prominent parts of most Peruvian homes at Christmas. They can be very intricate endeavors and are known to take up of almost half of living rooms in some homes. While all depict Christ in the manger, some depict earlier parts of Joseph and Mary’s journey through Egypt. In the Andes, these nativity scenes often use Huamanga stones and pottery with depictions of the nativity scene to decorate their homes. To stay true to Peruvian imagery, most homes have llamas or alpacas figures instead of sheep and goats to decorate the manger.

Most of Peru’s population is Catholic so Christmas is a very important holiday. Unlike the United States, where the more important time to celebrate Christmas is morning the 25th of December, in Peru more emphasis is given to la Buena Noche, the night of December 24th. An elaborate dinner of roast turkey is a typical meal eaten by Peruvians. Children will patiently try to wait until midnight for presents to be opened. Often small children will be allowed to open one beforehand. Some families will start dinner as late as 11pm and the feast can go on until early morning. The stroke of midnight is a time for great celebration. Champagne glasses are toasted, gifts are exchanged and fireworks light the night. Panettone and hot chocolate are served and the merriment continues.

Brought generations ago by Italian immigrants, the Panettone has transformed itself into one of Peru’s most delicious and typical treats around Christmas time. This dessert contains dried and candied fruit. In major cities, one can buy this treat at regular supermarket or opt for a more gourmet kind from specialty bakeries. Giving Panettone is expected around December: corporations will reward employees, guests will thank hosts and families will give the pastry to their domestic helpers. Thick hot chocolate made by melting pure cocoa bars, sugar and milk - while perhaps not the most refreshing drink for a Christmas below the Equator - is usually served with Panettone.

In the Andes of Peru, it is more typical to place great emphasis on La Bajada de los Reyes on January 6th which celebrates the arrival of the three kings. This tradition is especially significant in mountain cities like Arequipa and Cuzco. It is believed that some Peruvians still relate to the rural nature of the nativity scene. On this day, a big party is thrown and some gifts are often exchanged as the nativity scene is put away and stored for next year. Some Peruvians even claim that this night is even more memorable than the December festivities.

Fun Christmas in Peru Facts

• During military regimes of the 1970’s Santa Claus was banned because he was seen as a symbol of American capitalism.
• School children do not need to worry about going back to school right after Christmas as school is out during the Peruvian summer.
• Christmas was first celebrated in Peru when Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima in 1535
• A procession of the statue of the Virgin Mary is a typical Christmas Day activity.
• Peruvians of European descent will sometimes follow traditions of their ancestors’ country.
• Rosca de Reyes is another festive food eaten during this time of the year.

By
Kelly Leech

Written by Kelly Leech and Alex Seeger.

If you would like Kelly to help you arrange a Christmas trip to an exciting Latin American destination, contact her at kelly@argentinaforless.com.

Sources
Christmas in Peru
From Cold Turkeys to White Kangaroos
Peru’s Festivals and Holidays
Eleanor Griffis’s “Christmas in Lima”
Eleanor Griffis’s “Feasts at Christmas”
Christmas In Cuzco, Peru

PAST NEWSLETTERS:

• Newsletter October 2008
• Newsletter September 2008
• Newsletter August 2008
• Newsletter July 2008
• Newsletter June 2008
• Newsletter May 2008
• Newsletter April 2008
• Newsletter February 2008
• Newsletter January 2008