Beyond the palm-fringed shores and beneath the bluest skies, Christmas in the coastal paradise of Venezuela is a captivating blend of long standing customs, culinary delights, and lively music. Join us as we explore the Christmas traditions that grace the shores, where the warmth of the season is not just felt in the sun, but also in the hearts of its people.

Venezuela, the heart of South America, doesn’t just celebrate Christmas; it transforms into a land of joy and festivity. It is a celebration that immerses locals and visitors alike in a blend of rich traditions and the laid-back charm of seaside living. Let’s unwrap the layers of folklore, music, and culinary delights that make Navidad en la playa so enchanting.

Because of the many rich cultural and religious traditions, Christmas in Venezuela is one of the most vibrant and enthusiastic celebrations in the world. For example, the streets start to come alive earlier than in most countries.  In October and November, residents are known to paint their homes in preparation of the holidays.  So, fresh paint, strings of lights, and ornaments all around reflect their excitement.

WE WANT A TREE!

Although, more and more Venezuelans are choosing to add a Christmas tree at home, the well-established custom of creating an authentic nativity scene or nacimiento will likely always be the most popular decoration. Families gather together to create these intricate displays carefully. This time-consuming project is a sentimental favorite to all who participate. It is one of the most anticipated activities of the season.

AWAY IN A MANGER

In addition, a more sophisticated version of a nacimiento is called a pesebre.  These scenes are even more intricate, some painted and others displaying mountains, valleys, and occasionally running water. There is often competition for these in neighborhoods.  Truly, the more embellished ones are considered works of art.  In either approach, the center of the scenery is a manger with the Baby Jesus. 

Given that about 96% of Venezuelans practice Catholicism, many of their Christmas celebrations center around the birth of Christ. They have nine religious carol services from which they can choose, including one held at dawn. Whether they live in a small community or a large city, there is a service for everyone.  Bells will ring and firecrackers will fill the air early to announce that it is time for church. 

NO CARS ALLOWED

However, a new and unique trend is growing in the capital city of Caracas.  Participants of all ages gather in the parks and roller-skate to church!  It feels like a fiesta with music, singing, and an abundance of Christmas cheer.  Now, many streets must be closed to car traffic so there’s room for the parade of skaters. What a fascinating sight this must be!

TUG ON THE TOES

Moreover, before the service at midnight, the skaters pass by many homes on their way.  The children in the neighborhoods place a string around their toe that hangs outside of the window of their bedroom.  Skaters cruise closely and give a slight tug on the strings to make sure the kids are awake for church.

SHARE A MEAL

Following the Midnight Mass or Miso de Gallo, Venezuelans celebrate with an enormous feast with loved ones. Held on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) the most common dishes typically include:

ALL WRAPPED UP

Hallacas:  This type of tamale includes a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, raisins, capers, and olives wrapped in corn or plant leaves, held together with string.  Then they are either boiled or steamed.  These are the most popular dishes for Christmas meals.

HAM BREAD

Pan de Jamon: This is like a puff pastry that is filled with ham, raisins, olives, and sometimes cheese. 

ALWAYS ROOM FOR CAKE

Tres Leches: This cake contains evaporated milk, regular milk, and condensed milk along with meringue and a touch of cinnamon.  This wonderful dessert is enjoyed worldwide.

LIKE A PUNCH 

Ponche de Crema:  This traditional Venezuelan Christmas beverage is similar to our eggnog. It looks so appealing; let’s make some together:

PONCHE DE CREMA

INGREDIENTS:

GAITERO RHYTHM

Along with these amazing holiday feasts, music plays an important role in their celebrations. First and most popular, Gaita is traditional Christmas music in a folk style. It involves four-string guitars, maracas, and a drum known as a tambora. Gaita music originated in Maracaibo. In early November, a ceremony known as El Encendido de Bella Vista announces that the lighting is the start of the holiday season. 

DANCING IN THE STREETS

Despite religion’s big part of the holiday for Venezuelans, much of their Christmas music is also secular.  Depending on the region, there will be a mixture of all genres adding to the festivities. And once the music begins, it doesn’t take long for those listening to become active participants. This joyful and frequent singing and dancing is another example of the people in their communities sharing their spirit in the season.

Similar to our tradition of caroling, Venezuela has another custom involving sharing Christmas music as a community. Revelers sing Christmas carols, known as aguinaldos, door-to-door parranda-style and are rewarded with food and drinks. Children and adults are eager to participate until well into the night.

OUT WITH THE OLD

Like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in grand style and tradition.  There will be more festivals with parradas, musical performances, dancing, and even costume parties to welcome in the new year. 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

12…11…10…9…8…

Subsequently, once Navidad en la Playa passes and the year comes to an end, there are still several more traditions to be observed in Venezuela. Interestingly, there are a number of particular customs that Venezuelans observe for good health, happiness, and prosperity in the year to come. Here are a few:

IT’S ONLY A DOZEN

At midnight, make a wish and eat a grape as you count down each of the last 12 seconds of the old year.  They even have a song, Las Uvas en Tiempo (The Grapes of Time) that goes along with this practice.

READY TO GO 

If you hope to travel in the upcoming year, have your suitcase packed and ready to go before midnight.  Some people go on a walk (indoors or outdoors) with the suitcase as well, just to insure the journey. 

KEEP THE CASH

Be sure to keep some money in your pocket at the strike of midnight, suggesting that you won’t have empty pockets in the new year.

CHEERS

Make a toast with a glass of champagne while enjoying traditional music during the last hour of the year.  Año Nuevo by La Billos Caracas Boys is a favorite. 

LENTIL BIT IN YOUR POCKET   

Eat lentils for dinner and also make sure to have some in your pocket when the clock strikes midnight for good luck.

NO TIDY WHITIES   

And last but not least are the customs that involve your, um…your…underwear:

*Wear yellow underwear for new wealth in the new year.

^Wear red underwear to attract a new love interest in the new year. 

+And wearing your underwear backwards / sdrawkcab will ward off bad luck or evil headed your way.

DIA DE REYES

Then, on January 6, Venezuelans will enjoy another significant celebration. Families gather together to honor the Three Wise Men, on Dia de Reyes or Epiphany. There will be a special meal, of course, and children are anxious to receive gifts from the Three Kings.  No one minds more Hallacas, more cake or more Ponche…

From the lively gathering of musicians and singers echoing through the streets to the culinary specialties that grace the festive tables, Christmas in Venezuela weaves a tale of community, joy, and cultural richness.  

Navidad en la playa is truly a celebration that transcends borders and invites us all to embrace the universal magic of the holiday season.  

¡FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO!

Follow along on our 12 Days of Christmas Journeys:

Finland (North Pole) Day 1 

Mexico – Day 2

Japan – Day 3

Iceland – Day 4

Barbados – Day 5

Greece – Day 6 

Venezuela – Day 7 (This Post)