Although Chile shares many Christmas traditions with other Latin American countries, Chilean Christmas has its own special and unique charm. If you think you know all the ways to celebrate the end of the year, get ready to be surprised! In this post, we'll take you on a journey through the traditions and curiosities that make Christmas in Chile an unforgettable celebration, filled with flavor, family, and joy.
1. Navidad or Pascua?
In Chile, Christmas is often called "Pascua." This tradition comes from the Latin word "Pascha," which means Easter. The association exists because both holidays celebrate events of renewal and resurrection. In the case of Christmas, it’s the resurrection of hope represented by the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, the word "Pascua" became popular for referring to Christmas, while the term "Navidad" is more commonly used to describe the entire holiday season.
2. Who is Viejito Pascuero?
Viejito Pascuero is the Chilean version of Santa Claus. He is responsible for delivering presents to children on Christmas Eve. His appearance closely resembles Santa Claus, with a long white beard, a red coat, and a sack full of gifts. The tradition of Viejito Pascuero is very popular in Chile, and children love writing him letters and leaving cookies and milk for him on Christmas Eve.
3. Nativity Scene Without Baby Jesus
In Chile, there’s a tradition of placing the figure of Baby Jesus in the Nativity scene only after midnight on December 24th. This custom symbolizes the exact moment of Jesus’ birth. During the day on the 24th, the Nativity scene is set up with all the other figures, but Baby Jesus’ spot remains empty, waiting for the right moment to be filled.
4. Drinking Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono is a traditional Chilean alcoholic drink, widely consumed during Christmas. It’s made with coffee, condensed milk, aguardiente (a strong spirit), and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Cola de Mono is a warm and comforting beverage, perfect for heating up cold winter nights. There’s also a curious tradition associated with Cola de Mono: children often leave a piece of panettone (called Pan de Pascua in Chile) with a bit of Cola de Mono for Viejito Pascuero. It’s believed that this offering gives him energy to continue his journey delivering presents to children everywhere.
5. Christmas Walk
The Christmas walk, or paseo de Navidad, is a very popular tradition among Chilean children. During this tradition, children roam the streets of their towns singing Christmas carols and looking for Viejito Pascuero. The Christmas walk is a fun way to celebrate the holiday and strengthen community bonds. Often, children gather in groups and organize small performances for their neighbors.
Did you enjoy learning more about Chilean Christmas curiosities? If you ever have the chance to spend Christmas in Chile, don’t miss out on experiencing these traditions. Chile awaits you with open arms to celebrate this magical time of the year!