Guide to Celebrating Christmas in Cuba

Christmas is Cuba is quite interesting, to say the least. If you are ever in this country, you will take delight in knowing that Cubans have a really good time on the Christmas holiday. The most important fact about Christmas in Cuba is that Cuba just started celebrating Christmas in 1997, after it was banned in 1969. This is due to politics and not religious reasons. First, let us understand the dynamics of Cuba before we get into the Christmas celebration.

Cuba is an island that is located just north of the Atlantic Ocean. Many have compared Christmas in Cuba as to Spain and other North Americans. If you are Cuba, you will celebrate Christmas more around the eve of the holiday. They call this day the 'nochebuena' which means "good night" in English. On this day, a meal that is made in the traditional sense is prepared. Many of the platters include fried mashed plantains which are made from a roasted pig. To make this dish, you have to roast the pig over an open pit fire until it done just right. The pig is splattered with banana leaves. Another favorite dish is the nougat candy. This candy is also popular in Spain and is also served around this time of year.

Another dish that is served is the candied quince, also derived from Spain. In Cuba, at this time of year, you are supposed to celebrate with immediate and extended family of aunts, nieces, uncles, etc. Unlike other cultures, in which immediate family is often focused on, Cubans like to share on the fun with distant family members. Cuban music is also played at this family get together. After this, everyone gets together on January 6, in which the children are presented gifts. Their Santa Claus is called, Reyes Magos. All of the schools are closed on this day.

Christmas trees were not used as part of the holiday until 1940. The tradition of Christmas was derived from the United States. Because of this, many of the decorations were aspired by American culture in which they decorated stores and buildings with lights and they also sing American carols that are traditional and classic.