Christmas Traditions in Cuba Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Each country has different customs and traditions. Learn about the Christmas traditions in Cuba. Different countries celebrate in their own way including different dates, food, drinks which lead to a variety of diverse Christmas traditions around the World! This article features popular Cuban Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Cuba. We have even included some useful facts and information about the country, the flag and even the language!
Flag of Cuba
Christmas Traditions in Cuba A tradition is a specific practice of long standing in which unwritten customs and practices are passed from one generation to the next. Traditions and customs form part of a country's culture and heritage. The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about customs and Christmas traditions in Cuba:
Cuba as an atheist nation in 1962 and Christnas was removed from the holiday calendar in 1969. President Fidel Castro restored Christmas in 1997 in honor of the visit of Pope John Paul II
Festivities begin with the parrandas - a traditional carnival-like street party. Floats are displayed and there are massive firework displays
Many Cubans attend Midnight Mass.
Homes and public places are traditionally decorated with trees, lights, decorations etc.
Gift giving - Noche Buena meaning the "Good Night" is when Santa Claus, or Nino Jesus, comes to fill the stockings of children who have placed them near the manger scene
On the morning of January 6th the Three Kings, los Reyes Magos, also bring gifts for the children
Cuban Christmas traditions and customs
Christmas Traditions in Cuba - The Food! What do people eat in other countries at this special time of the year? Festive feasts and recipes are traditional for special occasions including family dinners and meals. Interesting facts about the special food eaten as part of the customs and Christmas traditions in Cuba:
A typical Christmas dinner in Cuba would be pit-roasted whole pig flavored with mojo. In Cuban cooking mojo applies to any sauce that is made with garlic, olive oil and a citrus juice, traditionally sour orange juice and this used as a sauce and a marinade. Yucca (similar to potato), rice and black beans. Plantains also accompany the feast. Platanos Maduros are a delicacy in Cuba and made from plantains (large banana-like fruit)
Desserts included flans, turrones, nuts and dates
Turron is a nougat desert made of honey, sugar and egg white which is topped with toasted almonds and popular throughout Latin America
Christmas traditions in Cuba
Cuban Christmas Vocabulary How do you say Merry Christmas in Cuba? If you have friends or family who live, or have ties with, a different country it is a nice gesture to add a seasons greetings in the language of the country. A practical addition to learning about Christmas traditions in Cuba:
How do you say Merry Christmas in Cuban? "Feliz Navidad!"
What is the name for Santa Claus? Papa Noel or Nino Jesus
Facts and Information about Cuba Learn a little about the country of Cuba, as well as its Christmas traditions! The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about Cuba:
Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida
Land Size of Cuba : 110,860 sq km
Cuban Climate / Weather : tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)
Cuban Capital City : Havana
Cuban Currency : Cuban peso (CUP)
Facts and Information about the Cuban Flag Facts and info about the flag of Cuba:
The history of the Cuban flag: The colors represent the following:
Blue stripes refer to the three old divisions of the island
White to the strength of the independent ideal
Red triangle stands for equality, fraternity and freedom and the blood split in the struggle for independence
The lone star symbolizes the absolute freedom among the Cuban people
Christmas Traditions in Cuba This article provides an overview of the country and the different Christmas traditions in Cuba. Lots of free, facts and information for kids, children and teachers! Popular Cuban Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Cuba.
Christmas Traditions in Cuba
Christmas Traditions in Cuba
Cuban Christmas traditions and customs
Festive greetings in Cuban
Interesting Facts and Info about Cuba - including the Flag of Cuba
Read about Christmas Traditions around the World
Christmas Traditions around the world
For teachers, kids and children
Free, useful facts and interesting information
Christmas Traditions in Cuba
Christmas Traditions in Cuba
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"