Las Navidades




	Las Navidades are celebrated throughout the Spanish-speaking world with family gatherings and special meals. Celebrations start in mid-December and, in some countries, extend to January 6. Many families gather the night of December 24, or la Nochebuena, to share a special meal of traditional foods and drinks that vary depending on the country. Tamales, empanadas, and buñuelos are served in many countries. In Spain, there is turkey, or pavo, and turrón. In Argentina and Chile, where it is summer, people eat cold foods and salads. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts also forms a part of las Navidades. In some countries, families exchange gifts at midnight on la Nochebuena, while in others children receive gifts the morning of December 25, and in other countries the gifts appear the morning of January 6. Often gifts are given primarily to children.

Vocabulario para celebrar
la Nochebuena	Christmas Eve
los Reyes Magos	Three Kings
la rosca de reyes	sweet bread eaten on January 6
el turrón	almond nougat candy
los villancicos	seasonal children’s songs


	Activity
	Which images of Christmas in the Spanish-speaking world are also seen in the United States? Which ones are unique to the region?

	*Un desfile navideño* The holiday parade in Panama City takes place in mid-December.

	*La noche de rábanos* On the night of December 23, elaborate carvings made from radishes, or rábanos, are on display in Oaxaca’s central plaza. The figures include people, animals, and even entire scenes. This unique tradition has been celebrated for over 100 years.

	*Las empanadas* Dancers dress as empanadas in Buenos Aires. These meat-filled pies are especially enjoyed during las Navidades.

El Día de los Reyes Magos In Peru, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and Spain, children receive presents on January 6 from los Reyes Magos. In anticipation, children leave out a snack for the Three Kings, carrots or grass for the camels, and a pair of empty shoes for the gifts.

	*Un desfile navideño* Circus elephants take part in Madrid’s holiday parade on January 5. In Spain, parades on January 5 or 6 celebrate the arrival of los Reyes Magos.

	1.		Do you and your family celebrate a holiday in December? If so, compare the traditions of your family to the traditions of las Navidades.
	2.		What special meals and foods do you associate with certain holidays? Describe the foods you traditionally enjoy on a holiday you celebrate.
	3.		What time of the year do you give or receive gifts and for what reason?