It is cold on one side of the Atlantic and, in many countries, it is the middle of summer on the other. But Christmas in Spain and Latin America shares the same heart: the nativity scene, family, and faith. These are some of the most beautiful traditions.
In Spain
- The nativity scene at home, in churches, and in town squares; in Madrid, the monumental nativity scenes are a route in their own right.
- Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass on December 24.
- All Saints' Day on the 28th, with its pranks.
- The Three Wise Men: the parade on January 5, shoes by the nativity scene, and the roscón on the 6th.
In Mexico: Las Posadas
From December 16 to 24, Las Posadas are celebrated, commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey seeking shelter in Bethlehem. Neighbors go from house to house singing the litany to ask for shelter, and the night ends with ponche, tamales, and the seven-pointed piñata.
In Colombia: Novena de Aguinaldos
Also from December 16 to 24, families gather every night before the nativity scene to pray the novena, sing Christmas carols, and share buñuelos and natilla. Before that, on December 7, the night of the candles lights up streets and balconies in honor of the Immaculate Conception. Here are our Immaculate Conception medals.
In the Southern Cone
In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, Christmas arrives in summer: outdoor dinners, midnight toasts, pan dulce or pan de pascua, and, in Chile, cola de mono.
A meaningful gift
At Christmas we celebrate a birth, so giving a medal, which is to entrust someone you love, makes perfect sense. Here are some ideas:
If you like Our Lady of Miracles, here are all our Our Lady of Miracles medals, handcrafted in Spain.
Find more ideas in our Christmas gifts and gift packs, with 24–72 h shipping, free from €65, and always gift-wrapped. We also ship to Europe, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada.
Marian and Bárbara