| Christmas Traditions in Vanezuela |
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| The Christmas traditions in Venezuela include the Christmas celebration with many religious and traditional customs. Venezuela being a catholic country celebrates Christmas as the birth of Christ. The Christmas celebrations in Venezuela begin from December 16th. The religious service is called the Misa de Gallo, which is held at midnight. | Christmas Eve is called "Noche Buena" in Spanish. The most important and main celebration of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve. |
Hallacas," "pan de jamón," and "dulce de lechoza" are traditional Christmas meals that are enjoyed by the people in Venezuela on Christmas. The pan de "jamón" is long bread filled with cooked ham and raisins. The "dulce de lechoza" is a dessert made of green papaya and brown sugar, slowly cooked for hours and served cold.
Although decoration the Christmas tree is an important Christmas tradition in Venezuela people take out pesebres that are designed in a special manner to depict the nativity scene. The pesebre represents regions with mountains, plains and valleys. The pesebre is regarded as a real work of art. The structure is covered with canvas and painted beautifully.
The Christmas tree is called the Nacimiento. December 25th being Christmas the children awake to find the Christmas gifts around the Christmas tree. The people in Venezuela believe in the Christmas tradition that instead of Santa Claus who brings Christmas gifts it is the child Jesus who brings the Christmas gifts.
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The Christmas celebrations come to a close on January 6th. This day is called the Day of the Reyes Magos when the three wise kings came to visit Mary and Jesus. Christmas in Venezuela is a day when children receive toys and candies. Christmas is also a day when families and friends get together and enjoy the Christmas celebration.
Aguinaldos are the traditional songs that are sung specially on Christmas. Music plays an important role in the Christmas celebrations. In Caracas, which is a capital city of Venezuela, it is a Christmas tradition to roller-skate. |
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