| Christmas Traditions in Guatemala |
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| Posadas are processions that pass through streets and are carried out for nine days before Christmas in Guatemala. The figures of Mary and Joseph are carried to a friend’s house accompanied by the beating of drums and the crackle of fireworks. In the friends house a carol is sung asking for the lodging for the holy family. | |
The nacimiento or manger scene is the place where Joseph and Mary remain until the next night of Christmas before they go out seeking shelter. The people who accompany the figures dance with punch and hot tamales.
The last of the nine houses to receive the holy family have the figure of the Christ child added to the nacimiento on Christmas Eve.
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The Christmas tree is regarded as an important part of the Christmas celebrations in Guatemala. On the Christmas morning the Christ child leaves Christmas gifts for children under the Christmas trees. Christmas gifts are not exchanged by parents and adults until the New Year’s Day.
On Christmas Eve the Posada is followed by the Midnight Mass, which is in turn followed by a full Christmas supper.
The Christmas celebrations in Guatemala follow a procession where many religious statues are taken. At the end of the procession is a white bearded man that represents Santa Claus. The procession is also followed by Marimbas and chirimias.
The Christmas Eve celebrations in Guatemala end at midnight with Misa de Gallo or the Mass of the Rooster. The people in Guatemala go to church on Christmas Eve and also visit family and friends.
At the stroke of midnight the young people set off firecrackers. The traditional Christmas recipe is the tamal, made of corn and rice, filled with turkey, prunes, raisins, and a sauce made with local spices. The C Christmas celebration in Guatemala continues with great joy. The children in Guatemala play an important part in the Christmas celebrations.
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