Christmas in Argentina

Argentina is known for tango, scenic diversity and good cuisine. Since the country is located in the southern hemisphere, Argentina has summer temperatures during our winter time. Celebrating Christmas in Argentina allows you to experience the country's traditions up close and personal and spend the most wonderful time of the year in the warmth of the country.

Why should you celebrate Christmas in Argentina?

"Nochebuena" is the name of Christmas Eve in the countries of Latin America. But not only at Christmas is the country worth a visit in winter. During your trip you can do a lot of things:

• Dance tango in a milonga
• Taste the delicacies of Argentine cuisine, from beef with chimichurri sauce to empanadas and sweet alfajores
• Visit the Argentine gaucho cowboys in the endless expanses of the Patagonian steppe
• Experience the primeval rainforests in the north
• Marvel at the impressive Iguazu Waterfalls
• Be enchanted by the decorated houses
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Buenos Aires in a lively atmosphere

Christmas traditions in Argentina

In Argentina, festive preparations begin on December 8, the "Día de la Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen María" (German: Maria Empfängnis). This is usually the day when the Christmas tree is put up and decorated.

In the run-up to Christmas, Argentines decorate their houses with green, gold and red garlands. The main entrance of the house they decorate with a wreath with white flowers. In any case, the nativity scene and white cotton snowflakes must not be missing.

On Christmas Eve, there is a big feast with the family. The meal usually begins at 10 p.m. and, thanks to the good weather, is often held outside in the garden. Argentina is a very Catholic country. Many families go to church on the afternoon of December 24 or attend the "Misa del Gallo", the midnight mass, after the feast. After Mass, Argentines release so-called "globos" into the sky. These are colorful paper lanterns that look a bit like Chinese lanterns. The crowning finale is an impressive fireworks display.

Over the next few days, Argentines gather with family to eat, exchange gifts or go to the beach together. For many, the Christmas season, the beginning of the summer vacations.

Another Christmas custom in this South American country is the lottery that takes place shortly after Christmas. The main prize is the "Gordo de Navidad", which is 15 million pesos.

Christmas dishes

Delicious food also plays a big role in Argentina at Christmas. On the richly laid tables you will find a wide selection of meats, breads and desserts. Common dishes include asado (various meats cooked on the grill), vitel toné (veal with tuna cream), deviled eggs, sandwiches with tuna and other toppings, stuffed tomatoes and a wide variety of salads.

The table is rounded off with traditional desserts such as panettone (cake with almonds and other fruits), pan dulce (sweet bread), fruit salad, ice cream, mantecol (soft nougat) and turrón (hard nougat). To drink there are cider, champagne, wine and spirits.

Christmas gifts in Argentina

From the night of December 24 to 25, the gift-giving takes place. While everyone is outside, one of the adults puts the gifts under the Christmas tree. When the children return after the fireworks, they are delighted with the gifts from "Papa Noel." Often, the youngsters move on afterwards to meet up with friends and celebrate.

On January 6, children bring their shoes to the door to receive the gifts of the Magi. For this, the children place their shoes either next to the bed or the door or under the Christmas tree. Instead of milk and cookies, they put hay and water outside the door for the saints' horses.

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