Learn To Celebrate Brazil Christmas Like The Locals!

Brazil Christmas is a special time of year for all those involved. It would be wise to learn about the various traditions and customs if you are planning a trip to Brazil during the Christmas season, or if you are just curious about how Brazilians celebrate the holiday.

The first thing to keep in mind is that Brazil is comprised of people from all around the world. However, due to its origins as a Portuguese colony so many years ago, Brazil Christmas customs have their roots in this Portuguese heritage. This sets the tone for many of the ways Christmas is celebrated there.

One major tradition is the crafting of the nativity scene, or as the natives call it, Prespio. This comes from the Hebrew word “presepium”, and it describes the straw bed where Jesus rested in Bethlehem. The making of the nativity scene is most popular in the northeast regions of Brazil, such as Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, Piaui, and Pernambuco.  Pernambuco is actually where the Presepio was first introduced way back in the 17th century. Today, Presepio displays are erected in December and displayed proudly in homes, storefronts, and churches.

The inhabitants of Northern Brazil also share with their Mexican neighbors a love of the folk play “Los Pastores.” More commonly known as “The Shepherds”, the Brazilian version of the play has a few special twists: namely, the presence of shepherdesses instead of shepherds and an element of suspense when a gypsy plots to kidnap baby Christ. These variations add to the uniqueness and pride of the Brazil Christmas tradition.

Most countries recognize Santa Claus as the bearer of gifts during the Christmas season. In Brazil, however, this responsibility falls into the hands of Papai Noel. Legend has it that Papai Noel resides in Greenland and wears silk clothes when he comes to Brazil to stay cool in the summer heat.

Food is an important part of Christmas in Brazil. A typical Christmas dinner is held during the hot summertime and consists of delicious Brazil turkey, colored rice, cooked ham, and fresh fruit and vegetable offerings.

Brazil is also home to many Catholics who take the religious aspect of Christmas very seriously. Such worshipers generally attend midnight mass services, which in Brazil are referred to as “Missa do Galo.” This name refers to a rooster whose crow announces the coming day of Christmas morning.

Christmas night in Brazil is a time of rapture and celebration, as fireworks light up the city skylines and the lights of Christmas trees can be seen for miles around. Fresh-picked flowers decorate homes and storefronts as far as the eye can see, making the joy of the Christmas season visible to all comers.

Brazil Christmas is a spectacle to behold and a terrific time to be in the country.

From Brazil Christmas back to Travel Brazil Guide

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