During the summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina celebrates Christmas as a significant occasion. Since around 90% of them are Roman Catholics, many Argentines observe Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, which begins in the latter half of November and continues until the first days of December. It is a time to enjoy the sunshine and pleasant weather for a winter event. On Christmas Eve, before heading to Mass in the late afternoon, the Argentine families gather for supper and other Christmas festivities, which include decorating and traditional foods that have been molded by the warm weather and European influence. Celebrated on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a significant part of Christmas for Argentines.
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How Christmas Is Celebrated in Argentina
Due to the country’s largely Roman Catholic population, Christmas in Argentina (called “Navidad”) is celebrated with a combination of European and South American customs and it’s celebrated more like a “family event”. Roman Catholicism permeates every aspect of Argentina’s life, from culture to politics. 92% of the population identifies as Catholic but fewer than 20% of them practice their religion (CIA Factbook). The Argentines still celebrate Christmas with joy.
- Advent: Christmas starts with the observance of Advent, which is four Sundays before Christmas Day. Argentines go to church to sing songs and light candles.
- Lights: They put warm lights on their homes while wreaths of verdant, golden, red, and white flowers adorn the doorways. The Christmas trees are often fake and may be any color other than green.
- Cotten Balls: The Argentines have a tradition of putting cotton balls on Christmas trees to symbolize snow. This is a reference to the fact that Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere occurs during the sweltering summer.
- Pesebre: Argentines put emphasis on the story of nativity and their nativity scenes are called pesebre. They are set up around the fake Christmas trees.
- Globos: On Christmas Eve, after church services and family gatherings, the most important part of Christmas begins: the lighting of “Globos,” little white paper balloons that light up the sky.
There are also those Argentines who would rather remain home, let off fireworks, and then unwrap gifts under the tree than attend midnight ceremonies at Christmas. Going out to nightclubs and parties late into the night is also on the rise due to the rising popularity of secular youth.
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Papá Noel and El Niño Diós (the Baby Jesus)
Both ‘Papá Noel’ (Spanish for Santa Claus) and ‘El Niño Diós’ are recognized figures associated with Christmas. Papá Noel is the typical legendary gift-bringer at Christmas and he is originally known as Père Noël in French. This figure was initially different than Santa Claus in history, but they are now the same.
On Christmas Eve, some Argentine children still leave their shoes by the fireplace filled with carrots and treats for Papá Noel’s donkey, Gui. When Papá Noel collects the offerings, he sometimes leaves gifts for the children who have been nice. Whether it’s candy, cash, or little toys, the gifts are usually small enough to fit in the shoes.
But Papá Noel isn’t the only one who started the gift-giving practice. A few Argentine kids are still taught to hope that El Niño Diós or Baby Jesus, will bring them presents. Since the birth of Jesus is the reason behind Christmas, this practice reflects their religious view.
The Globos Event at Christmas
It is against the law in Argentina to let off sky lanterns (“globos”), even during Christmas festivities and the reason for the ban is the possible dangers of fire. But this tradition is still part of Christmas Eve celebrations in various parts of the country.
- Tradition: One special aspect of the Argentine Christmas is the release of little white paper balloons, called “Globos,” into the sky on Christmas Eve. As the lantern ascends into the sky, people express their wishes for the next year and feel hopeful about what the future holds.
- Origin: No one has been able to pin down the exact historical roots of this ritual. Like many others, this practice may have developed over time as a special synthesis of foreign influence and local norms.
- How: Lighted from inside, the Globos are let loose into the sky to brighten the evening and amp up the party atmosphere. After the midnight fireworks, which signal the start of Christmas Day, this event happens. Seeing the sky lit up by all these luminous globos is a sight to see.
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The Origin of the Christmas Tree in Argentina
Preparations for Christmas in Argentina start as early as November. The formal date for putting up Christmas trees is December 8th, which is also a national holiday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This date is chosen because an Irish immigrant is known to adorn a pine tree in a public park on December 8th, 1807, marking the beginning of the practice of putting up a Christmas tree in Argentina, according to folk stories.
Traditional Argentine Christmas Meals
During the holiday season, several different foods are consumed at the most traditional Christmas dinners in Argentina and the significance of the warm weather influences what’s on people’s tables.
- Grilled Suckling Pig (piglet fed on mother’s milk)
- Asado (Argentinian barbecue)
- Stuffed Pionono (Spanish pastry)
- Vitel Toné (cold dish)
- Waldorf Salad (fruit and nut salad)
- Russian Salad
- Stuffed Tomatoes
On Christmas Eve, these delicacies are on the table in Argentina. Many traditional Christmas delicacies are served cold to offset the heat since Christmas occurs in the midst of summer, similar to 🎄 Christmas in Australia. In addition, empanadas (baked or fried), a classic Argentinean dish, are also a popular holiday snack.
Is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception More Important Than Christmas for Argentines?
Catholics believe that Mary, the Mother of God, was conceived without sin on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. On the same note, many households finish adorning their Christmas trees on this day and Christmas is actually a much-loved holiday in Argentina. Both holidays have great significance but Christmas is observed with more pomp and circumstance.
History of Christmas in Argentina
Because of the country’s high percentage of Roman Catholics, Christmas traditions in Argentina have developed over the years, drawing on a variety of European and South American traditions. Their practice of buying presents for infants and toddlers gave rise to the contemporary, commercialized Christmas of the 19th century. It was at this time that “Christmas shopping” started to have an impact on the country’s economy.
According to legend, the first Christmas tree was decorated on December 8 in a public park by an Irish immigrant in 1807 in keeping with his country’s traditions. Since then, the practice of putting up a tree in Argentina has persisted. The practice of Advent, the lighting of Christmas trees (sometimes man-made and decorated with a variety of Christmas lights), the arrival of Santa Claus, and the display of Nativity scenes all grew standard throughout the years.
A Midnight Mass is held for Catholics and several additional events are held on Christmas Eve, the most popular day for celebrations. On Christmas Eve, about 10 or 11 o’clock, the main course of the holiday is also eaten. It may be a garden party or a BBQ. Famous foods include roasted turkey and pig and Christmas breads and puddings like the Mexican “Pan Dulce” and Italian “Panetone” are all acceptable ‘dessert’ options. In Argentina, unlike in many other countries, most people celebrate Christmas Eve and spend most of Christmas Day sleeping.
