Christmas is celebrated in many countries worldwide; however, it’s not always observed in the same way as in the U.S. The diversity of our cultures is reflected in the nuances of the festivities, which are a source of beauty and joy. Below, we share with you some of the ways different countries celebrate Christmas.
Cuba
(image via smithsonian magazine via alejandro ernesto/epa/corbis)
Christmas was banned in Cuba from 1969 until 1998 under a ruling from then-dictator Fidel Castro. The Pope visited the island in 1998, and Christmas has been celebrated ever since. Cubans now publicly celebrate Christmas by gathering on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and sharing a traditional Christmas dinner consisting of whole roasted pig, typically served with fried plantains, beans, rice, and yuca.
Georgia
(image via agenda via t. robakidze)
Christmas isn’t celebrated on December 25 in all countries. In Georgia, for example, it is celebrated on January 7 in accordance with the Georgian Orthodox Church, which follows the old Julian calendar. Georgia has a traditional Christmas march called Alilo, which is named after a Georgian Christmas chant. The march usually starts in the morning after the Christmas church service. Orthodox Christians from all over Georgia take part in this beautiful event.
Hong Kong
(image via cision via harbour city hong kong)
In Hong Kong, Christmas is a two-day public holiday, and leading up to Christmas, the streets are filled with decorations and many holiday events are held. One of the festivities is WinterFest (November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024), which fills the West Kowloon Cultural District harborfront with lights and fireworks.
Mexico
(image via pexels)
Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin in mid-December, with people participating in posadas, commemorating the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place where Jesus could be born. Posadas last nine nights, from December 16-24, and feature hot food and drinks, sweets, music, and piñatas. On Nochebuena, families enjoy roast turkey, roast pork, and romeritos. After dinner, many families go to Midnight Mass together. While Christmas trees are becoming more popular in Mexico, many homes continue displaying (sometimes elaborate) nativity scenes.
Germany
(image via travel + leisure via s.borisov/shutterstock)
Christmas trees and advent calendars are big parts of German Christmas celebrations. The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the house and decorated on Christmas Eve, when many family and friends exchange gifts. We would be remiss not to mention the famous German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt, which feature handicrafts, ceramics, wooden items, ornaments, roasted chestnuts, hot sausages, and hot spiced wine.