Christmas in Peru is a time of celebration and tradition.
In the weeks leading up to the holiday, people all across the country begin preparing for the festivities.
Homes are decorated with twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, and streets are lined with stalls selling all sorts of holiday-themed items.
One of the most beloved traditions of Christmas in Peru is the nativity scene, or "Belén." These miniature re-creations of the birthplace of Jesus are a common sight in homes and churches throughout the country.
People take great pride in setting up their Belénes, carefully arranging the figurines of Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus in a stable made of straw.
Another important part of Christmas in Peru is the food. It is customary to have a big feast on Christmas Eve, and the menu typically includes dishes like roast chicken or turkey, mashed potatoes, and "anticuchos," which are skewers of grilled meat.
Many families also prepare "turrón," a type of nougat made with almonds, honey, and spices.
After dinner, it is common for people to go to church to attend a special Christmas Mass, known as the "Misa de Gallo," or "Rooster's Mass."
This tradition gets its name from the belief that a rooster crowed the night that Jesus was born, announcing his arrival to the world.
After Mass, people often gather with friends and family to exchange gifts, sing carols, and play games. Children are especially excited on Christmas Eve, as they believe that the "Niño Dios," or Baby Jesus, will come and deliver presents to them while they sleep.
On Christmas Day, many families in Peru visit the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects and lay flowers. This is a way of honoring the memories of those who are no longer with us and remembering the true meaning of the holiday.
In the afternoon, it is common to have another big feast, this time with dishes like "lechón," which is roasted pork, or "pachamanca," a traditional Andean meal made with meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven.
In the evening, people often attend a special Christmas concert or go out to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations that adorn the streets. As the night wears on, the celebrations continue, with people dancing and singing well into the early hours of the morning.
Overall, Christmas in Peru is a time of joy, love, and togetherness. It is a special holiday that brings people together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gift of life. As I reflect on the past year and all that it has brought, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the future.
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