Panamanian christmas traditions

Christmas Traditions in Panama A tradition is a specific practice of long standing in which unwritten customs and practices are passed from one generation to the next. Traditions and customs form part of a country's culture and heritage. The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about customs and Christmas traditions in Panama: ♣ Christmas Traditions in Panama are a mixture of American and Spanish Traditions and highly religious ♣ Dia de los Reyes is the day children receive small gifts ♣ Festive Parades are important traditions. The festive floats are brightly decorated and the women wear dresses called polleras whilst the men wear monunos ♣ Christmas trees are traditional and a giant tree is erected at the Panama City beach where there are also spectacular boat parades which are accompanied by fireworks ♣ Fireworks are also used to announce Christmas day ♣ A Nativity scene is displayed in many homes PANAMA: “Feliz Navidad” is the same Christmas greeting that is used in most Spanish speaking countries. Sometimes you will hear them say, “Felices Pascuas” though this is more suited as an Easter greeting. The Holidays start for the Panamanian people on December 8th with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. This is also Mother’s Day in Panama. Some of the little girls are dressed as Angels with wings attached to their dresses and there is a parade with the Statue of the Blessed Virgin being carried down the main street. The children also make their first communion on this day. During the following weeks, the ‘nacimientos’ are set up. Many have been in the families for years and were bought in Europe. The first tree in Panama was brought to the Central Hotel from Europe by the Ehrman family. Not all families display Christmas trees. The day of December 24th, is spent in food preparation and house cleaning. Some traditional Panamanian food is, pavo (turkey) and relleno (stuffing), arroz dulce and tamales (a cornmeal made into a paste with arturo sauce, meats, capers, prunes, and spices wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled). Fruitcake is a popular dessert item. The Panamanians listen to music as they await midnight to feast and visit family and friends. After eating, it is common for people to dance and celebrate in the streets On Christmas Day, December 25th, most worship at their church in the morning. The rest of the day is spent visiting far-away family and friends and eating the same holiday foods. Although Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the other big holiday in Panama is Epiphany – or Dia de los Reyes (Kings Day), when the children get presents. Christmas music is often traditional and includes songs called “gaitas” or “villancicos”. Lots of singing, eating, drinking and fun surrounds Christmas in Panama. The American influence with the building of the Canal Zone changed the holidays into a mixture of Panamanian and American traditions. In the Canal Zone the decorating of the exterior of houses with many lights and decorations made the season “brighter