Celebrating Nochebuena
By Emerald Martinez
Celebrating Nochebuena
As the holiday season twinkles closer, families all over the world are getting ready for a special celebration called Nochebuena. It is like a magical Christmas Eve party that happens on December 24th! Let's explore the fun things people do and munch on during Nochebuena in Miami and compare it to what's happening in South American countries like Colombia.
Nochebuena in Miami
In the super lively city of Miami, Nochebuena is extra special for first, second, even third-generation Cuban people living in the city! Families have big feasts that bring everyone together with food and music. Imagine juicy roast pork, called "lechón," or with black beans, rice, and (my personal favorite) plantains. If you haven't seen plantains, they're like the cool cousins of bananas!
Families in Miami add their own twists to yummy Cuban recipes, mixing in flavors from their culture. One of my favorite treats are tasty pastries called pastelitos. It's like a mix of sweet and savory, and it's a super cool tradition that started a long time ago in Cuba. My favorite pastelito has guava and cream cheese in it! There are many different kinds, some with meat, different fruits, or even coconut.
Lots of families in Miami also go to something called midnight Mass, which is like a special Christmas Eve church party! They call it "Misa de Gallo" or "Rooster's Mass" because there's a rooster that crows at midnight! It's a joyful time for families and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus and make happy memories together.
Nochebuena in South America: A Super Fun Mix!
Nochebuena isn't just in Miami—it's also celebrated all over South America! Each country adds its own special twist to the celebration. In places like Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, families gather for a feast with yummy dishes like tamales, empanadas, and roasted meats. It's a big, tasty party with everyone enjoying their favorite treats!
In South America, some families exchange gifts at midnight, right when Christmas arrives. It's like a unique way of saying, "Merry Christmas!"
Discussion Time!
What special dishes does your family make during the holidays, and why are they important to your family's traditions?
Feel free to share your holiday traditions with the student community and learn cool stuff from your friends. Nochebuena is not just about the food, it's about the awesome connections we make and the stories we share.
Head to our instagram and send us a message about holiday traditions in your culture!