Latino Foods & Traditions During the Holidays

Written By Jenny Castro

The holidays are a time to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate. Latino culture in particular has a rich history of sacred religious traditions that are highly emphasized and incorporated into their holiday celebrations. Whether religious or simply spreading holiday joy, Latinos all have their own unique way to throw a party and have a great time with friends and family. Some popular food items during the holidays include hearty meals such as tamales, menudo, pozole, rompope (eggnog), and sweets such as pan dulce, bunuelos, and flan. The following is a list of foods and traditions often incorporated into Latino/Hispanic households. Feliz Navidad! 

Rosca de Reyes

This traditional sweet bread is consumed on January 6th , known as “King’s Day” in many Latin American countries which commemorates the Three Kings who initially visited Jesus as a baby. The bread itself, often called “Three King’s Bread '' is shaped to appear like a crown, garnished and decorated with candied fruit, similar to a jeweled crown. The bread is typically filled with a sweet filling such as cream, along with a plastic figurine that represents Jesus inside.  As the bread is served, one lucky guest will find the figurine located in their slice of the rosca and is designated to make tamales for an upcoming party or the holiday Día de la Candelaria in February. You can find the bread most likely at a local pasteleria, or panaderia or home make one. This is certainly a symbolic and traditional dessert honoring religious faith post-Christmas, which is a festive way for families to get together in the new year. 

El Dia de Las Velitas &
Dulce de Nochebuena

On December 7th, Colombians celebrate “El Día de las Velitas (The Day of the Candles). This holiday is a celebration pre- Christmas which features lit candles that are placed outside people’s homes, along the streets, in parks, and pretty much anywhere that has room for candle décor. This festive day honors the Virgin Mary, and kicks off the Christmas season. One dessert that is highly popular during the month of December is the Dulce de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve dessert) which is often eaten before dinner on Christmas Eve. The dessert consists of fruits such as papaya, figs, and lime in syrup while served with cheese, bunuelos, or hojuelas, creating a sweet and savory combination. 

Champurrado

Extremely popular during fall and winter, and especially during the holiday season, Champurrado is a Mexican atole beverage served hot and consists of masa, Mexican chocolate, water, milk, cinnamon, and piloncillo (sugar). This hot drink is often seen within Mexican culture at holiday festivals or family gatherings during the season and is quite filling. The texture is thick and sweet and commonly served on Dia de los Muertos with pan dulce, and on Christmas along with tamales or churros.

Arroz con Gandules
(Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)

No party or holiday celebration in Puerto Rico is complete without Arroz con Gandules which is consumed often during the Christmas season and served as a side to roast pork shoulder, (pernil). This dish can feed large crowds so it’s perfect for any large gatherings. This dish is also consumed in other Caribbean cultures.  On Christmas Eve, Puerto Ricans will attend the Misa de Gallo at midnight, commemorating Jesus’ birth, along with candles, nativity plays, and singing. 

Roast Pig
(Lechon Asado)

In Cuban tradition, a whole roasted pig is served on Christmas Eve and is often roasted in a backyard oven. The pig serves as the main dinner course and is marinated with garlic and citrus flavors such as orange. Some families opt for a roast pork shoulder instead which is easier to cook and suitable for smaller family gatherings. Christmas in Cuba had been banned by the Castro regime from 1969 until 1998, therefore some generations of Cubans may not have experienced the wonders of the holiday. Today, it is celebrated amongst families, but less commercial than in the US and other countries. 

Corundas
(Michoacan)

Corundas are similar to tamales, and often contain no filling although sometimes they can be filled with cheese, vegetables, or beans. Corundas are a traditional dish from the indigenous   Purépecha tribe in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Smaller than tamales, they are typically triangular shaped and wrapped in milpa leaves instead of corn husks. The ingredients contain masa, water, salt, lard, and baking powder, and once finished are often served with champurrado for Christmas or special occasions. 

La Chocolatada

In Peru, Chocolatadas are held in the month of December, which are sponsored by local organizations that give out presents, sweet bread, and hot chocolate to the community. Included is also entertainment such as folklore dancing and games for children. Chocolatadas are a great chance to spread holiday cheer to disadvantaged people in the community. The hot chocolate itself can be made with semi-sweet chocolate pieces or cocoa powder, cinnamon, milk, water, ground cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Serve this cozy drink with Peruvian panettone and you’re ready for Christmas! 

Hallacas

The most popular dish during Christmas for Venezuelan’s are “Hallacas”, which are considered an iconic representation of the culture.  Similar to tamales, hallacas are prepared with corn meal that is typically pre-cooked instead of masa harina, and stuffed with a variety of fillings and herbs such as beef, chicken, raisins, peppers, onions, olives, and wrapped in plantain leaves. Parrandas is a holiday musical tradition in Venezuelan culture, (also popular in Puerto Rico), which consists of family and friends who go door to door to sing holiday carols to each other, and continues through the night until the party ends.  Masses are also held in the days leading up to Christmas, and Venezuelans may attend midnight mass on Christmas eve, and return home to feast and celebrate the Christmas holiday. 

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe


(Our Lady of Guadalupe)

Celebrated in Mexico, and in the United States by many Catholic Mexicans and other Hispanics, December 12th honors the Virgin Mary, who is highly worshiped in Mexican Catholic tradition. Known as a national holiday, it traces back hundreds of years and commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to peasant Juan Diego in 1531. In Mexico City, many attend the Basilica of Guadalupe church to celebrate, honor, and pay their respects. Thousands will bring flowers and candles, and prayers along with the rosary are recited to celebrate.  Following mass, a large feast and celebration take place with a variety of food, desserts, and drinks including bunuelos, carnitas, tamales, champurrado, pozole, raspados, tortas, atole, and much more. 

Las Posadas 

Celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America, this tradition is celebrated 9 days leading up to the Christmas holiday, between December 16th through the 24th, which reenacts Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem. In keeping with tradition, many will dress up as shepherds and angels to commemorate their journey. Each day will focus on different spiritual qualities such as humility and generosity. The celebration afterward features star-shaped pinatas, food, drinks, and desserts such as the Christmas drink ponche navideno, a hot fruit punch made with sugar, cinnamon, tamarind, water, fruits, and piloncillo.

Jenny Castro
Previous

Latinas Seeking Higher Education
Next

Latinas in Law