Christmas in Brazil

Christmas in Brazil

Being based in Brazil many of my friends and family ask me "what's Christmas like in Brazil"?

In the main,Christmas in Brazil, follows the European traditions, particularly, those of Portugal. It is essentially a time when families gather together most notably for Christmas supper, which is eaten at Midnight on December 24th. Although, lots of families eat earlier than this the tall dissimilarity to European and North American tradition is this is eaten on Christmas Eve, as opposed to Christmas Day.

The Christmas Supper will consist of turkey, chicken, pork, ham, rice, current vegetables and fruit dishes. However, poorer Brazilians, usually have to make-do with rice and chicken. conventional Catholic families may benefit Mass at Midnight (on the 24th), the Mass ends at 1.00am, and is known as The Rooster Mass or Missa do Galo.

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS

One of the main traditions is the nativity scene or Presepio.

The Presepio was introduced in the 17th century by a Franciscan friar named; Gaspar de Santo Agostinho. Most interestingly, he was from Olinda, which is also considered the birthplace of Brazilian nationality. Father Christmas, or; Papai Noel is the unsuprisingly, dilapidated gift bringer, originally hailing from Greenland (according to account) .

The Papai Noel conception came to Brazil during the 1950s, originating from The United States and was subsequently in the 60s and 70s commercialised as the Christmas gift bringer. The decorated Christmas tree is an principal Christmas ingredient, as are coloured, flashing electric lights, both adorn the main living room of houses and apartments, with the flashing lights being particularly current draped across and over balconies of the many millions of apartment buildings in Brazil.

Fireworks can be heard all hours of the day and night (mostly at night, and sometimes all through the night), and this typically Brazilian, pyrotechnic dimension to festivities, will continue until January 6th, otherwise known as Three Kings Day, which symbolizes the Three Wise Men, taking gifts to The Baby Jesus.

May you rep joy, peace and contentment, and I sincerely hope that 2008 will be a memorable, and very special year for you. if you would like to have a meaningful Christmas this year, why not occupy a volunteer program in Brazil over the festive period? You can find more information here; Volunteering Abroad at Christmas.