Hispanic Christmas Traditions

Celebrations

100

This Tradition includes giving kids and others gifts. This is not done by Santa but by 3 people, these people are...

The Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos)

200

This tradition is Celebrated mainly in Mexico, where people honor Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe, this day is...

Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe)

300

The night before Christmas Day, people celebrate it and have a feast with family, friend, etc.

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Feast)

400

Another Holiday and feast which is used to commemorate Jesus Christ, also contains the la Rosca de Reyes, Tamales, etc. Typically held on February 2. 

Candlemas (Candelaria)

500

Another way of Celebrating Christmas Eve in Puerto Rico, however it is used to also commemorate the birth of Jesus, the name stems from the belief that a rooster was the first to announce the arrival of Jesus.

Misa de Gallo

Characters

100

The main person who is known to give gifts to children on Christmas Day

Santa Claus (Papa Noel)

200

3 people that were known to have brought gifts to baby Jesus, this is not held on Christmas Day, but on January 6th, this is essentially the Santa Claus for many kids in Latina America

Los Reyes Magos (The Three Wise Men)

300

A log in which is decorated and filled with candy, most commonly celebrated in Spain, many people call the log, "uncle."

Tio de Nadal (Caga Tio)

400

This is the Chilean adaptation of Santa Claus

Viejito Pascuero

500

Another character from Spain, this mountain coal burner visits children on the day of Christmas Eve, to make sure their bellies are filled. He leaves sweet treats like chestnuts and small gifts.

El Apalpador

Food

100

This food contains a corn-based dough, typically mixed with lard. It has meat inside, and in other countries, they add rice, potatoes, carrots, and raisins. This is then either wrapped in corn husks, or banana tree leaves.

Tamales

200

This cake has powderec sugar on top, the rinds of oranges, and other caramelized fruits. Sometimes it contains a little baby Jesus

La Rosca De Reyes

300

This soup contains garbanzo beans, cow tripe/pork, and goes great with shredded cabbage and chopped raddishes.

Pozole

400

This food is like a puff pastry and can be filled with either meat, olives, carrots, or can filled with a sweet filling like guava and cheese. This is either baked or deep fried.

Empanadas

500

This drink was originated from the Aztec and Mayans, and was originally spicy and not a enjoyable drink for many. However, now it is sweet, contains cocoa, and some add marshmallows on top.

Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente)

Gift meanings

100

These objects are pointy and can mean that you want to cut ties with someone. HINT: cut

Knifes/Scissors

200

This object can mean that the individual must start watching their time before they die. HINT: TIME

Watch/Clock

300

While these items are helpful for times of sadness, they can signify time of malfortune are coming soon or sad times. HINT: Tears

Handkerchief/Tissues

400

In some cultures, giving this item may signify that the person may want you to walk out of their lives. HINT: walk

Shoes

500

Giving this to a person with superstitions may be bad, as these items are known to act as portals or lead to other dimensions, or bring negative energy. HINT: reflection

Mirror