The Christmas and New Year festivities in Chile are moments full of joy, traditions and celebrations that unite families and communities throughout the country. These celebrations, deeply rooted in Chilean culture, combine religious, family and social influences, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the diversity and richness of the country's cultural heritage.
Christmas in Chile: Traditions and Customs
Christmas in Chile, like in many other countries, is a holiday celebrated on December 25. However, Christmas Eve, known as "Christmas Eve", is the most anticipated and celebrated moment by Chileans. Families come together to share a special dinner, exchange gifts, and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
Christmas decoration
Christmas decoration in Chile begins at the beginning of December. The houses and streets are filled with lights, garlands and decorations that create a festive atmosphere. The Christmas tree is a central element in home decoration. Although natural trees are not so common due to the country's climate and geography, artificial trees are widely used and decorated with spheres, lights and a star on top.
In addition to the Christmas tree, mangers or nativity scenes are an important tradition in many Chilean homes. These represent the birth of Jesus and are usually made with great detail, including figures of the Holy Family, the shepherds, the Three Wise Men and animals from the manger.
Christmas Eve dinner
Christmas Eve dinner is a significant event in the Chilean Christmas celebration. Families gather around a decorated table and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes. Among the most popular are roast turkey, lamb, seafood and, of course, various accompaniments such as salads, rice and potatoes. One of the most typical dishes is Easter bread, a sponge cake filled with candied fruits and nuts, similar to Italian panettone.
Wine and sparkling wine are also protagonists at the Christmas table, and it is common to toast the health and happiness of all those present. At the end of dinner, the arrival of "Viejito Pascuero", the Chilean figure of Santa Claus, is expected to arrive, who brings gifts for the children.
Midnight Mass
For many Chilean families, celebrating Christmas Eve is not complete without attending the Misa del Gallo, a Catholic tradition celebrated at midnight. This mass commemorates the birth of Jesus and is a time of reflection and prayer. The churches are filled with faithful who participate in the liturgy and sing Christmas carols, creating an atmosphere of meditation and spirituality.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
The end of the year in Chile is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and joy. New Year's Eve, also known as "New Year", is an occasion to bid farewell to the passing year and welcome the new year with renewed hope and expectations. New Year's traditions in Chile are full of symbolism and rituals intended to attract good luck and prosperity.
Preparations and Decorations
Preparations for the New Year celebration begin days before December 31. Houses are cleaned and decorated with festive motifs, and families prepare a special dinner to welcome the new year. The streets and squares are also illuminated with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
New year dinner
New Year's dinner in Chile is a feast similar to that on Christmas Eve, although with some variations on the menu. It is common for families to prepare dishes such as roast, empanadas, salads and a variety of desserts. The midnight toast is made with sparkling wine, and it is tradition to eat twelve grapes, one for each strike of the clock, making a wish for each grape.
Fireworks and Celebrations in the Street
One of the most anticipated New Year's traditions in Chile are the fireworks shows. The main cities of the country, such as Santiago, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, organize impressive pyrotechnic shows that light up the sky and attract thousands of spectators. Valparaíso, in particular, is famous for its fireworks show in the bay, considered one of the largest and most beautiful in Latin America.
In addition to the fireworks, many people take to the streets to celebrate with friends and neighbors. The squares and parks are filled with music, dance and joy, creating an atmosphere of party and camaraderie that lasts until the early hours of the morning.
New Year's Rituals and Superstitions
New Year's festivities in Chile are also full of rituals and superstitions that seek to attract good luck and prosperity in the new year. Some of the most popular include:
Yellow Underwear: Wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve is a common tradition in Chile. This color is believed to attract good luck and happiness.
Sweep the House: Many people sweep the house before midnight to symbolize the elimination of bad energy and the welcome of new and positive things.
Walking with a Suitcase: Going outside with a suitcase and taking a walk around the block is a ritual meant to attract travel and adventure in the new year.
Money in the Shoe: Placing a coin in the shoe or pocket is a practice that is believed to attract economic prosperity in the coming year.
Grape Lentils: Eating a lentil for each stroke of the clock at midnight is another popular ritual to attract abundance and good fortune.
Regional Differences in Celebrations
Chile is a country of great geographical and cultural diversity, and this is reflected in the different ways in which Christmas and New Year are celebrated in different regions.
North Zone
In the northern part of Chile, where the Atacama Desert and high temperatures predominate, Christmas and New Year's celebrations have a particular touch. The decorations are usually more modest due to the weather, but the festive spirit is not lacking. In some communities, it is common to celebrate Christmas with outdoor events and share typical foods of the region, such as roast goat and quinoa sweets.
Central zone
The central area of Chile, which includes the capital Santiago, is the epicenter of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Here, traditions are more influenced by European and North American customs. Families go to great lengths to decorate their homes and prepare festive feasts, and cities organize large fireworks displays and public events to ring in the New Year.
South Zone
In the southern part of Chile, where the climate is colder and more humid, Christmas celebrations have a special charm. Houses are decorated with lights and garlands, and families gather around the fireplace to share Christmas Eve dinner. New Year's traditions include many of the rituals and superstitions common in the rest of the country, but are also celebrated with outdoor activities, such as walks through the region's lakes and forests.
Easter Island
Easter Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, also celebrates Christmas and New Year with its own unique traditions. The island's inhabitants, known as Rapanui, combine Christian festivities with their own ancestral customs. Celebrations include traditional dances, songs and rituals that honor ancestors and nature spirits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Christmas and New Year celebrations in Chile, as well as in the rest of the world. Mobility restrictions and social distancing measures have led many families to adapt their traditions and find new ways to celebrate safely.
Virtual Celebrations
During the pandemic, many Chilean families have turned to virtual celebrations to stay connected with their loved ones. Video calls and online meetings have become an alternative to sharing Christmas Eve dinner and toasting the New Year, allowing families to celebrate together despite physical distance.
Reduction of Public Events
The restrictions have also affected public events and fireworks shows. In many cities, authorities have decided to cancel or reduce these events to avoid crowds and prevent the spread of the virus. However, some localities have chosen to broadcast the fireworks shows online or on television, allowing citizens to enjoy the spectacle from the safety of their homes.
The adaptation and resilience of Chileans, demonstrated during the pandemic, is a testament to the importance that these festivities have in people's lives. As the country moves towards safer times, Christmas and New Year celebrations are likely to regain their full splendor, continuing a rich tradition that fills the hearts of all Chileans with light and hope.