Argentina

"Merry Christmas"

Christmas in Argentina is a cherished celebration, deeply rooted in the country's strong Roman Catholic traditions. It is a time for families to come together, attend religious services, enjoy festive gatherings, and share in the joy of the holiday season.

Decorations and Festivities 
Although Christmas in Argentina takes place during the peak of summer, many traditional holiday decorations reflect European winter themes. Cities and homes are adorned with vibrant colors like red, green, white, and gold, along with twinkling lights, flowers, wreaths, and Christmas trees. A prominent feature in most homes is the pesebre, or nativity scene, which is often placed near the Christmas tree as a symbol of faith and devotion. Despite the warm weather, it is common to see snow-themed decorations such as cotton snowballs on trees, snowmen figurines, and delicate papier-mâché snowflakes.

Family Gatherings and Religious Observance 
Many Argentine families start their holiday celebration with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, known as the Misa de Gallo. Afterward, families gather for a late-night dinner, filled with laughter, music, and an abundance of traditional dishes. Christmas Eve dinners are typically elaborate, featuring roasted turkey, pork, and traditional European dishes like mince pies, Christmas breads, and puddings. Some families incorporate local delicacies such as Niños Envuelttas, thin slices of beef rolled with onions, hard-boiled eggs, and spices.

New Year's Celebrations 
The festivities don't stop on Christmas Day. New Year's Eve is a lively affair, celebrated with the lighting of fireworks and globos—colorful paper balloons that illuminate the night sky as they float away. Many young people head to boliches, or nightclubs, to dance the night away to live DJs and enjoy a vibrant party atmosphere.

Christmas Day and Three Kings Day
On Christmas Day, families often take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy outdoor barbecues, known as parrillas, or picnics. Special desserts like panettone, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits, are shared with loved ones. The celebration continues through to January 6th, known as Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), when children leave their shoes outside the front door or under the Christmas tree, eagerly awaiting gifts from the Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men). They may even leave out hay and water for the Magi's camels as a sign of gratitude and anticipation.

A Blend of Traditions
Christmas in Argentina is a unique blend of European customs and local flavor, marked by a strong sense of family, faith, and festivity. Despite the summer heat, the holiday spirit shines brightly, bringing joy and warmth to people across the country as they celebrate the season together.

Holiday Traditions in Argentina

Video by Expert Village

Traditional Argentinian Holiday Recipes

During the holiday season, Argentine tables are filled with a delightful array of dishes that blend local flavors with European influences. Here are a few authentic recipes that are commonly prepared for Christmas and New Year's celebrations in Argentina:

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1. Vitel Toné

A classic dish in Argentine Christmas dinners, Vitel Toné originated in Italy but has become a staple in Argentina. It consists of thinly sliced veal covered in a creamy tuna-caper sauce, served cold as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) veal eye of round or beef tenderloin
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can of tuna in oil
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the veal in a pot with broth until tender, about 40-50 minutes. Let it cool completely.
2. In a blender, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, cream, mustard, and anchovy fillets until smooth.
3. Slice the veal thinly and arrange on a platter.
4. Pour the sauce over the slices and garnish with capers.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

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2. Panettone (Pan Dulce)

Panettone, known as Pan Dulce in Argentina, is a sweet, fluffy bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. It’s enjoyed during Christmas and New Year’s festivities, often accompanied by a glass of cider or champagne.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk, warm
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, candied orange peel)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
• 1/4 cup rum (for soaking the dried fruits)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried fruits in rum for at least an hour, then drain and set aside.
2. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Add the soaked dried fruits and nuts, kneading gently until evenly distributed.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a round panettone mold or parchment-lined round pan.
7. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

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3. Niños Envueltos

This dish translates to "Wrapped Children," but it’s simply tender slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of onions, hard-boiled eggs, and spices, and simmered in a tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients:

• 6 thin slices of beef (flank steak or eye of round)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing

Instructions:

1. Lay the beef slices flat and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix the chopped onion, hard-boiled eggs, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Place a spoonful of filling onto each beef slice and roll up tightly. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and brown the beef rolls on all sides.
5. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove toothpicks or twine and serve hot, with mashed potatoes or a side of rice.

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4. Turrón de Quaker (Quaker Oats Nougat)

This is a popular no-bake dessert made with rolled oats, chocolate, and dulce de leche, often enjoyed during the holidays as a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• 1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved.
2. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and dulce de leche, mixing until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the oats until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and smooth the top.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the mixture, spreading evenly.
6. Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares before serving.

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