Nochebuena is a holiday prominent in Latin American culture that takes place on December 24th, the evening before Christmas. Known for its food, music, and unique activities, Nochebuena is a fun way to ring in the Christmas holiday.
What is Nochebuena Exactly?
The word “nochebuena” means “good night” in Spanish. Nochebuena is specifically used to reference the evening before Christmas Day when many individuals in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines hold a celebration commemorating the Christmas season as a whole.
How is Nochebuena Celebrated?
Nochebuena is a night of eating, drinking, and spending time with family. In many households, all Christmas gifts will be opened on Nochebuena. In religious homes, Nochebuena sometimes includes a church visit or mass service.
What Food is Cooked on Nochebuena?
The food enjoyed on Nochebuena will vary based on the country celebrating.
Cuba
Cubans ring in Nochebuena with a pork roast, rice, black beans, and sweet fried plantains.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Ricans also enjoy a pork roast, but they pair it with rice and peas, and coquito (a type of eggnog). After dinner, most Puerto Ricans enjoy several desserts, with everything from pudding to plantains.
Dominican Republic
In the DR, Nochebuena is a time to enjoy roasted pork leg called pernil, as well as rice and beans, and a potato salad.
Mexico
Mexicans celebrate Nochebuena by consuming enchiladas, tamales, empanadas, and a type of stew called posole. For dessert, there is buñelos (fried dough), and a sweet punch.
Spain
In Spain, it is most common to start Nochebuena with a visit to church, followed by consuming dishes native to your region. Coastal Spanish cities enjoy seafood dishes, while the more central part of the country consumes roast lamb, Christmas cookies, and nougat.
Philippines
The Philippines Nochebuena is a bit different, as the locals often incorporate local Philippine dishes. It is most common to consume ham, spaghetti, or rice cakes on the holiday, though in some areas, European cheese and fruit salad are also included in the spread.
What Are Nochebuena Activities?
The activities experienced on Nochebuena vary widely from family to family. Below are some examples of common Nochebuena activities.
- Drinking hot chocolate
- Opening gifts
- Watching Christmas movies
- Playing or listening to music as a family
- Breaking open a piñata
- Playing card games or dominoes
- Visiting friends or family
- Going to a midnight mass at church
Leave a Reply