Learn About Some Christmas Traditions In Peru

Christmas traditions in Peru are an example of the great cultural mix of this Andean country. Traditional Christian and Andean customs are mixed with others from other cultures in festivals similar to those of Spain, but with very unique details that you will love. If this Christmas you have decided to travel and your destination is Peru, take note of what we tell you here.

Christmas Eve dinner: the best of Christmas traditions in Peru

Without a doubt, it is the star in every home, much more than gifts. It is a time to share the table surrounded by family and friends. The main dish par excellence is the stuffed turkey. A large turkey is chosen that is usually stuffed with a mixture of meat, chorizo, egg, apple, etc. and that is cooked over low heat in a wood oven.

Since there is no longer a wood-fired oven in most Peruvian homes, the turkey is often taken to bakeries where it is roasted for a fee. But yes, you have to bring it seasoned and stuffed from home. This turkey is accompanied by a variety of rice dishes and salads such as white beans. Other options are the delicious apple cream or the hot pepper.

Peruvian panettone and other sweets

This sweet of Italian origin is another of the Christmas traditions in Peru. This country has established itself as one of the star producers and consumers of this tender sponge cake with candied fruits inside. It is eaten for breakfast or dessert and accompanied by hot chocolate with a touch of cloves and cinnamon.

Its importance is such and it is so appreciated by families, that it is one of the details that are given the most by family and friends. In Peru, if you go to someone’s house for Christmas, they will most likely serve you panettone. It is an equivalent to Spanish mantecados.

In Chicayo, children come out dressed as angels singing Christmas carols. And the tables cannot miss the empanadas de viento, delicious sweets that bakeries make especially for Christmas.

Births, another of the Christmas traditions in Peru

They are one of the best examples of the diversity of this immense country. We can find Arequipa natives inside a rocoto or Misti volcano, springs in the jungle or Lake Titicaca uploaded in reed boats or carved in precious alabaster stone, among others.

They are all precious, a special craft that you can easily buy at any flea market in the city that you visit. In fact, as in Spain, days before Christmas Christmas markets are usually set up where you can find authentic jewels of Peruvian crafts. Of course, the Child Jesus must remain covered until he is born after 00:00 hours on Christmas Eve.

The most famous of these markets is Santurantikuy, which means ‘sale of the saints’. It is an artisan market that opens on December 24 in the city of Cuzco and where you can buy a beautiful Niño Manuelito, as they call the Niño Jesús.

Afro-Peruvian Christmas

In the southern area of ​​Lima, specifically in the province of Cañete, there is a somewhat peculiar Christmas tradition. In that area there is a large Creole population and of Afro-Peruvian origin whose ancestors were slaves in colonial times.

Their dances and songs are very special, and at Christmas even more so, since they serve to welcome the Niño Manuelito. The Peruvian cajon, called flamenco cajon in Spain, the zapateo and the donkey jaw used as an instrument enliven the party and create music for children and adults to dance to their own.

Christmas traditions in Peru: gifts

Gifts are also another of the Christmas traditions in Peru. And in this case, Santa Claus has won the Three Kings, since the presents are given after the Christmas Eve dinner. These are usually put next to a Christmas tree and next to the nativity scene.