Recently updated on July 31st, 2023 at 02:38 pm
In Peru, nearly three quarters of the population identify as Catholic, meaning Christmas in Peru is deeply rooted in religious traditions. Many customs are quite similar to those you will find in other parts of the world, such as Africa, like attending church, feasting over a delicious meal and spending lots of quality time with friends and family, but Peruvians also add their own unique festive flair to the holiday. From the fireworks to fistfights (yes, you read that correctly), here’s how people celebrate Christmas in Peru.
La Noche Buena
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
While Christmas is observed on December 25 in many parts of the world, Peruvians, much like other Latin Americans, celebrate on December 24, also known as La Noche Buena or “Good Night”. “Good Night” is an accurate name, as the celebrations start after dark and go until the early hours of Christmas Day.
As Catholicism is the predominant religion in Peru, it’s custom for families to attend a midnight church service, or misa de gallo, to kick off the festivities. When the mass finishes, people go home to feast on Christmas dinner, exchange gifts and continue to celebrate with one another.
EXPERIENCE THIS ON: Highlights of Peru
The nativity scene
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
It’s during La Noche Buena where families, namely children, exchange gifts with one another. Although instead of gifts being displayed around a Christmas tree, some Peruvians place their gifts around a nativity scene.
The nativity scene is a pretty integral part of Christmas in Peru. Families will display the nativity scene in early December, decorated with lights, stars and figurines and when the clock strikes midnight on La Noche Buena, the youngest member of the family is to place the baby Jesus in the manger to signify that it’s Christmas Day. Fun fact: to make the nativity scene more representative of Peru, some nativity scenes will be displayed with alpaca or llama figurines instead of cattle.
RELATED CONTENT: The Peruvian women keeping ancient textile traditions alive
A display of fireworks
Once the nativity scene is complete, families go outside to enjoy a colourful fireworks show. This tradition is common across the country, so no matter which city or town you’re in, Christmas Eve in Peru will surely go out with a bang.
EXPERIENCE THIS ON: Icons of South America
A traditional La Noche Buena dinner
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Family and friends gather over a feast for their La Noche Buena meal, but different regions tend to eat different things as their main dish. In many areas, including Lima, roast turkey, lechon or suckling pig are common, whereas fish is more popular for coastal towns and wild chicken in the Andes.
The main meat dish is accompanied by an array of sides including, but not limited to, tamales, applesauce, rice, salads and puré de papas (potato purée). When it comes to beverages, it’s custom to cheers and make a toast over champagne or pisco sour on this special day.
Dessert, arguably the most important part of the meal, consists of panettone. Although this fruit and raisin filled sweet bread originally comes from Italy, it has become a staple in Peruvian cuisine around Christmastime. The panettone pairs perfectly with homemade hot chocolate, which is kicked up a notch with the addition of cloves, cinnamon and whisky.
RELATED CONTENT: The fascinating history behind Peru’s humble potato
Christmas Day traditions in Peru
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
After a busy, not to mention, late, day of celebrations on La Noche Buena, Christmas Day is the time to have some well-deserved rest and relaxation. The day consists of sleeping in, going to church, eating leftovers from the big meal the night before and continuing to spend time with family.
The festival of Takanakuy
In the Andes Mountains, Peruvians get together on December 25 for Takanakuy, a festival unlike anything else. Like most festivals, it’s complete with music, dancing, costumes, eating and drinking, but unlike most festivals, people are gathered together to fist fight.
The public, one-on-one fights are intended for people to let go of anything negative that might have happened in the year, settle disputes and clear the air for the new year ahead. The matches themselves are quick, civil and begin and end with either a handshake or a hug.
RELATED CONTENT: Icons, locals and beyond — Our top places to visit in Peru
Have you ever celebrated Christmas in Peru? Tell us what your favourite traditions are in the comments below!