In Guatemala there are several traditions that are celebrated during the month of December, these traditions have many years of history and have been changing as time goes by but even so the essence of these traditions continues intact bringing together Guatemalans and visitors in an atmosphere of harmony and celebration for the birth of Jesus and for the new year that is about to start.
- Día de Guadalupe: The Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th, during this day you can see many children dressed in indigenous clothes in the streets to visit the Altar of La Virgen, many parents also bring their newborns to see the Virgin in order to present their children.
- Posadas: The Posadas begin on December 16th ton end on December 24th (nine nights before Christmas which symbolizes the nine months that Mary was pregnant.) Each night, a small procession is carried to different houses that are chosen in advance, the host receives the “travelers” with tamales, chuchitos, ponche, or other traditional Guatemalan foods.
- Nacimiento: One of the most beloved Christmas traditions in Guatemala is the Nacimiento -the nativity scene representing the birth of Christ child – It is also called Pesebre, and it is the main element of Christmas decorations in Guatemala.
- Midnight mass: Many people go to Midnight mass on Christmas Eve, known as La Misa Del Gallo. According to Catholic tradition, Pope Sixtus III began the custom of celebrating a Christmas vigil, “followed by the crowing of the cock”. This expression derives from the fact that the ancient Romans called the Crowing of the Rooster as the beginning of the day, that is, at midnight. Often the main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve, just before or just after the mass.
These are just some of the most popular traditions in Guatemala, Do you know about others? Which one is your favorite? let us know in the comments!
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