Holiday Traditions of Bolivia

"Merry Christmas"

In Bolivia, the Christmas season is celebrated from Christmas Eve, December 24th, all the way through to Epiphany on January 6th. The celebrations are deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage, and the holiday period is marked by unique customs, delicious foods, and meaningful gatherings with family and friends.

Misa de Gallo – The Mass of the Rooster

For many Bolivians, Christmas Eve begins with a special midnight mass known as Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). The mass is so named because it often continues until the early hours of Christmas morning, ending when the rooster crows at dawn. It’s a cherished tradition, where churchgoers bring two symbolic offerings: a small baby Jesus figurine to place in the nativity scene, and a gift that represents their profession or trade.

At the stroke of midnight, Bolivia lights up with a spectacular show of fireworks, filling the night sky as families rejoice and the entire nation celebrates the birth of Christ.

The Traditional Christmas Meal

After attending the Misa de Gallo, families return home to share a special Christmas meal together. The traditional dish is picana, a rich and hearty stew made with a combination of chicken, beef, lamb, and pork, served with potatoes and corn. The meal may also include salads and tropical fruits. To complement the feast, families toast with champagne or wine and enjoy a holiday drink called cola de mono, similar to eggnog. For dessert, they indulge in turrón, wafer cookies filled with taffy.

On Christmas morning, families gather once more for breakfast, enjoying hot chocolate and buñuelos, delicious fried pastries drizzled with syrup.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with another grand feast at midnight, followed by a toast with champagne as families and friends welcome the new year. One unique Bolivian tradition is eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight—one for each month of the year—while making wishes and resolutions for the year ahead.

Gift Giving and Epiphany

Unlike in many countries, exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve is not a traditional practice in Bolivia. Instead, Bolivians typically exchange presents on January 6th, Epiphany, to commemorate the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Children place their shoes outside the door before going to bed, and during the night, the Three Kings leave presents in their shoes—a magical surprise that reflects the joy and wonder of the holiday.

Nativity Scenes and Decorations

Nativity scenes, or pesebres, are the centerpiece of Christmas decorations in Bolivia. Many churches display elaborate nativity scenes outside, some featuring real farm animals. After the Misa de Gallo, the baby Jesus figurine is placed in the manger as the final touch, completing the scene.

European-style decorations, such as Christmas trees and lights, are not as common in Bolivia, especially in rural areas. However, these decorations are gradually becoming more popular in larger cities, reflecting the influence of global holiday traditions.

El Aguinaldo and the Canasta

December is also a time of financial generosity in Bolivia. By law, workers receive a mandatory bonus called El Aguinaldo, which is double or even triple their normal salary for the month. This bonus, provided by employers, is intended to help families cover holiday expenses and enjoy the festive season.

In addition, many workplaces give their employees a special gift basket known as the canasta. These baskets are filled with grocery items, bottles of sparkling cider, sweet breads, cookies, and candies, adding to the holiday spirit and providing a tangible way for employers to show their appreciation before workers go on vacation.

A Season of Faith, Family, and Tradition

In Bolivia, the Christmas season is a time of faith, family, and tradition. From the solemn beauty of the Misa de Gallo to the joyful gatherings around the dinner table and the magical arrival of the Three Kings, Bolivians celebrate the holidays with warmth, generosity, and a deep sense of community. As they honor their customs and embrace new ones, the people of Bolivia ensure that Christmas remains a special and meaningful time of year for everyone.

Holiday Traditions in Bolivia

Video by CarmenPampaBolivia

Traditional Bolivian Holiday Recipes

During the holiday season, Bolivian families come together to enjoy festive meals featuring a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the country's rich culinary heritage. Here are a few traditional recipes that are commonly prepared during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Bolivia:

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1. Picana Navideña (Bolivian Christmas Stew)

Picana Navideña is a beloved Christmas dish in Bolivia. This hearty stew, served during the family dinner after midnight mass, is made with a combination of meats and seasoned with spices that give it a warm and comforting flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef, cut into chunks
• 1 lb (450 g) pork, cut into chunks
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks
• 1 cup of green peas
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup beer
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the beef and pork pieces and brown on all sides. Then, add the chicken pieces and continue cooking until all the meats are lightly browned.
3. Pour in the red wine and beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
4. Add the broth, bay leaves, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, and corn to the pot. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy with crusty bread or a side of rice.

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2. Buñuelos (Fried Pastries)

Buñuelos are a popular treat enjoyed for breakfast on Christmas morning in Bolivia. These sweet fried pastries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are often drizzled with syrup or honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Syrup or honey for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. If using, add the anise seeds.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
5. Scoop small portions of dough and flatten them slightly with your hands. Carefully drop them into the hot oil.
6. Fry the buñuelos until golden brown on both sides, then remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve warm, drizzled with syrup or honey, and enjoy!

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3. Panetón (Bolivian Fruit Bread)

Panetón, originally from Italy, is a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and is a holiday favorite in Bolivia, especially during the Christmas season. It’s often enjoyed with hot chocolate on Christmas morning.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup warm milk
• 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, dried pineapple)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried fruits in warm water for at least an hour, then drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Gently knead in the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a parchment-lined round pan or panettone mold.
7. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the panetón cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with hot chocolate.

These recipes capture the flavors and spirit of Bolivian holiday celebrations. Enjoy preparing and sharing them with your loved ones!

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