Christmas Around the World Series: in Bolivia
Pour les habitants de la Bolivie, Christmas est une fête attendue et extrêmement populaire. On y célèbre dans la joie la naissance de l’Enfant-Sauveur (el Nino Salvador).
Traditions and customs
In the houses, a nativity scene is set up with its mountainous surroundings (greenery, flocks, shepherds, etc.). The nativity scene is surrounded by toys and gifts for young and old. Tradition dictates that a rustic tin box (or several) in which wheat has been sown be placed under the table where the nativity scene is placed. For the Bolivian, all Christmas decor must be well-made and aesthetically pleasing, designed to please the Nino Salvador.
Le plus fort de la célébration se déroule le 25 décembre, mais dès le 24 on fait appel à tous les membres de la famille et les amis pour s’assurer de fêter tous ensemble le lendemain. La messe de minuit, dans une église toute illuminée, est précédée d’une procession à laquelle participent tous ceux qui le désirent. Chacun apporte avec lui son « Enfant-Jesus » couché dans son berceau de paille et le dépose au pied de l’autel. A la fin de la messe, il ira le faire bénir par le curé de sa communauté.
On the return journey, the procession is accompanied by several musicians throughout the march.
Christmas dinner
In Bolivia, it's a pleasure to enjoy the typical picana (stewed beef with corn and other vegetables) together every Christmas, a delicious dish accompanied by wines and liqueurs. The dessert table (see photo) is overflowing with cakes, cookies, fruits, and nuts, which everyone enjoys. Traditional carols are sung in groups and then solo. At the end of the meal, the dance begins, particularly the Chuntunqui and the Huachitorito, which continues until the early hours. Children roam the neighboring houses playing tunes on their pajarillo (tin cans with water pipes).
