¡Salud y Saludos!

As we approach the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Latinos around North Carolina will once again be celebrating--adding their own unique touch. For starters, goat farmers will likely see a rise in sales. Many Latin Americans incorporate the roasting of a goat as part of their traditional holiday meal. Ditto on the swine. A roasted whole pig is part of the traditional Noche Buena--the name given to the Christmas Eve celebration--for any Cuban household, as well as others. In some parts of Miami, it can be impressive to see just how much pork is consumed on this day alone. It’s often cooked in a large box that’s designed just for this type of event. But that’s just some of the food that will fill many of the dining tables in Hispanic homes.

Other traditions that will be carried out include the singing of Spanish songs that are common to the native lands of many of the new residents. They’re called villancicos and are as popular with Hispanics as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is among Anglos. In addition to the songs, there are other ‘performances,’ of sorts...that may be played out at special events. One of these is called a Posada. This basically involves the re-enactment of the scene when Joseph and Mary were looking for lodging in the old tale about Jesus’ birth. This is often done to the delight of children and adults, alike. Afterwards, a meal featuring an abundance of the typical “tamales” may be had. This will bring people from all corners, anticipating the traditional feast of the cornmeal cooked in plantain leaves or cornhusks.

While Santa Claus will definitely play a role in the Latino Christmas holidays...so will the Three Wise Men or Tres Reyes Magos, as they are called in Spanish. In some countries, there is a separate celebration held on January 6th that prominently features these characters. But the major celebrations and partying undoubtedly take place on Noche Buena. On this date, families will gather around the plentiful food and drinks including a special egg nog punch that many Latinos make, called Crema de Vie or Rompope--and will enjoy the company of all the relatives they may only get to see during special occasions like this one. The music will be playing in the background, several of the men may likely be playing some rounds of dominoes, and others may even take to the dance floor before the night is over (which will extend well past midnight on Christmas Day).

El Año Nuevo or New Year’s will involve similar cuisine and similar partying. But this time, there are some traditions that will play out that some of my non-Hispanic friends have pointed out as “odd.” For starters, there will be a run on grapes. Why, you may ask...well, Latinos will be eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on the 1st of January. I’m not sure exactly how this tradition took hold. But this will be a natural part of any New Year’s celebration. Accompanying the grapes--both before and after--will be a healthy supply of Sangría. This is a punch made out of red wine and fruits that is often traced back to Spain. Above and beyond these traditions, however, Hispanics will most cherish the time they spend with their families. This is one experience that both the Latino and Anglo culture can share and value together.

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Last Modified: December 2, 2005