Christmas Traditions Across Latin America: A Festive Journey

Christmas in Latin America is a symphony of lights, music, joy, and deeply rooted traditions that ignite the holiday spirit in extraordinary ways. Each country brings its own unique flair to the season, weaving together vibrant celebrations, heartfelt rituals, and magical moments that inspire awe and wonder. Let’s embark on a journey through some of the most dazzling and inspiring Christmas traditions across Latin America.

Los Alumbrados – Colombia’s Radiant Celebration

In Colombia, Christmas begins with a glow on La Noche de las Velitas (The Night of the Little Candles) on December 7. Streets shimmer with thousands of candles and torches lit in devotion to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, creating an ethereal atmosphere that signals the start of the festive season.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. In Medellín, the Festival de las Luces (Festival of Lights) transforms the city into a glowing masterpiece, with millions of twinkling lights adorning its streets and riverbanks. This dazzling display is nothing short of a fairy tale come to life, captivating hearts and drawing visitors from every corner of the globe.

Woman lights candles - Hector Martinez

Woman lights candles – Hector Martinez

Las Patinadas – Rolling into Christmas in Venezuela

Who needs a sleigh when you have skates? In Caracas, Venezuela, the streets come alive with an unusual yet delightful tradition: Las Patinadas. During Christmas, families don their skates, hop on bikes, or grab their scooters to glide through the city en route to Christmas Mass.

This whimsical tradition is so cherished that streets are closed to cars, ensuring a safe and joyful journey. The city buzzes with laughter, movement, and a sense of festive adventure that’s uniquely Venezuelan.

Children skating - Ömür Murat Zehir

Children skating – Ömür Murat Zehir

Las Posadas – The Pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph

Few traditions capture the spirit of Christmas as beautifully as Las Posadas, celebrated across Mexico, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries. These processions bring to life Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, as participants parade through neighbourhoods with candles and the Holy Family’s images, singing traditional carols.

In Guatemala, the beat of turtle shells provides a rhythmic accompaniment, adding a distinctive charm to the songs. Once the procession reaches its destination—a prearranged home—the hosts welcome the participants with open arms, offering prayers, music, and a feast. It’s a moving reminder of the importance of community, generosity, and faith during the holiday season.

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala - Alejandro Quinonez

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala – Alejandro Quinonez

 

Midnight Magic – Staying Awake for the Joy of Christmas

In much of Latin America, Christmas Eve is the pinnacle of celebration. Families gather for festive feasts, laughter, and the exciting tradition of opening gifts at midnight. For children, it’s a night of pure magic, staying up late to unwrap presents and play with new toys under twinkling lights.

For adults, it’s a time to reminisce, toast to love and gratitude, and create memories that linger long after the season ends. Midnight becomes a sacred hour, where the joy of giving and the warmth of togetherness light up the night.

Christmas gift giving, Coyoacán, México - Israel Torres

Christmas gift giving, Coyoacán, México – Israel Torres

Fuegos Artificiales – A Sky Ablaze with Celebration

In El Salvador and other parts of Central America, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without the electrifying spectacle of fuegos artificiales (fireworks). The skies burst into life with brilliant colours, illuminating the night in an unforgettable display of festive cheer.

Though these vibrant celebrations are steeped in tradition, efforts to improve safety have made them a little quieter in recent years—but no less spectacular!

Fireworks in Huancavelica, Perú - Erick Diaz Veliz

Fireworks in Huancavelica, Perú – Erick Diaz Veliz

Day of Family – A Unique Celebration in Uruguay

In Uruguay, the secular spirit takes centre stage as Christmas transforms into El Día de la Familia (The Day of the Family). While the holiday sheds its religious name, it retains all the joy and warmth of traditional Christmas celebrations. Families come together to feast, exchange gifts, and celebrate love and unity, proving that the heart of the season lies in its spirit of togetherness.

Street decorations, Oaxaca de Juárez, México - Jhovani Morales

Street decorations, Oaxaca de Juárez, México – Jhovani Morales

The Gift of Giving – A Christmas Bonus by Law

Christmas in Latin America isn’t just about receiving gifts—it’s about ensuring everyone has the means to enjoy the season. In Brazil and Costa Rica, workers receive a Christmas bonus by law, known as the “thirteenth salary” or Aguinaldo, providing extra cheer (and spending money!) for holiday festivities.

Latin America’s Christmas traditions are a kaleidoscope of light, love, and culture. Whether it’s skating to church in Caracas, marvelling at Medellín’s glowing pathways, or staying up until midnight to share laughter and gifts, each celebration holds a timeless magic.

This Christmas, let’s take inspiration from these joyous traditions and remember that the season is about connection, community, and creating memories that warm the heart.

¡Feliz Navidad! 🎄✨

Festive Christmas Market at Night in Guadalajara - Krizalid Daza

Festive Christmas Market at Night in Guadalajara – Krizalid Daza

Performances

Spotlight

Playlist

Luma Creations’ International Landscape

Luma Creations’ International Landscape

The vision and work of Luma Creations as a whole, along with the experiences and knowledge of the members of the organisation, naturally positions us on an international platform. I often ask myself – What does that mean? 

Resonant Territories: Sounds of Shared Latin America

Resonant Territories: Sounds of Shared Latin America

Friday February 21st, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm   Instituto Cervantes, Manchester, 326-330 Deansgate Manchester M3 4FN   The Instituto Cervantes Manchester invites you to a unique evening where you can experience young Latin American indigenous artists who...

Launch of Cuerpos del Tiempo (Bodies of Time)

Launch of Cuerpos del Tiempo (Bodies of Time)

Saturday 15 February 2025
1pm | Liverpool World Museum

Luma Creations is thrilled to announce Cuerpos del Tiempo (Bodies of Time), an innovative collaborative project with the Liverpool World Museum that launches on Saturday, 15 February 2025, at 1pm at Liverpool World Museum. Funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, this initiative invites Latin American communities across the North West to help reimagine the museum’s Latin American collections, with a redisplay planned for 2025-2026.

Looking Back on an Extraordinary Year at Luma Creations

Looking Back on an Extraordinary Year at Luma Creations

As we begin 2025, the team at Luma Creations—Francisco, Max, Esteban, Saranne, Oscar and Maya—reflects on 2024, a triumphant year brimming with creativity, connection, and cultural celebration. From dynamic projects and transformative programmes to unforgettable...

Latin American Drum Workshops

Latin American Drum Workshops

Whether you’re an experienced drummer or a complete beginner with a passion for rhythm, this workshop is for you – just bring a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an openness to working as part of a team.

WOMEX 2024

WOMEX 2024

The 30th edition of WOMEX, held this year in Manchester, was a blast—an intense, incredible learning experience, a place to meet and greet, to engage in profound discussions about music, the world, and the struggles of communities around the globe, and to truly understand how music can be the answer.

Why Mother, Country Is Essential Viewing for Our Times

Why Mother, Country Is Essential Viewing for Our Times

It is well known that many Chileans kept the suitcases ready for a quick return, believing that the tide would turn and they would be able to go home as for them it was a temporary situation, and soon they’d be able to return. But it didn’t pan out that way and years went by as the dictatorship tightened its hold on the country and one day you realised where you called home had changed.