Its the holiday season, Latinos are going from house to house carrying with them the gift that never gets old – tradition. From abuelas en la isla or the ancestors de la Inca, years of ritual come to life when present generations follow examples from the past. Tis’ the season to be Latino when finding money around the house, taking a walk around the block and midnight snacks take on new meaning. Check out these tradiciones that will keep you busy from the time the pavo hits the table all the way through the new year. See what looks familiar or find something new that you can incorporate into your holiday season!
The Rum Diaries
We all know the cream-colored pitcher sitting on the table isn’t always egg nog from the supermarket. Coquito is the smooth blend of coconut milk, cinnamon and rum. It’s the host of the party in many Puerto Rican homes. Every family makes it different and El Museo Del Barrio in New York City even has an annual taste testing of the famous drink. What started off as a Christmas tradition for Latinos is now served as early as Thanksgiving and has resonated with other cultures. The taste is too delicious to be denied and a small taste of Puerto Rico in a bottle can start any party.
Like A Virgin
On December 12th in Mexico find everyone at the Basílica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. There stands the highly revered image of the Virgin Mary where admirers from all over the country pay respect in their own way. The event is massive and a sight to see. Thousands bow their heads in praise. Since la virgencita is the country’s national patron, Mexicans everywhere celebrate the festivities and even take the party back to their own homes.
Midnight Mass
No it’s not a rave or trance party although it may sound like one. Church bells ring at 12 at Misa del Gallo, the Rooster’s Mass. Legend has it that a crowing rooster announced the birth of Jesus and the historical gathering was named as such. Mass takes place from the mountains in Barcelona to any candlelit local Catholic church. A countdown to Christmas turns into a room of prayer and a gathering for one of the world’s most widely celebrated birthdays. “The energy and love during that mass is indescribable,” says Gabriel Tejada, a parishioner from Our Lady of Miracles in New York City. “My grandmother flies to New York every year from Spain to be with the family during midnight mass. It’s amazing that we’ve kept the tradition.”
Lucky Number 9
Every evening from December 16th until Christmas Eve, communities in Mexico come together for Las Posadas. A reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter or posada. Complete with being turned away from various “inns” which in this case are homes throughout the community. The tradition is practiced in Spain, Guatemala and in the Southwest states with predominately Latino communities. The nine-day celebration represents Mary’s nine months of pregnancy and includes adults dressed as pilgrims. The gathering is not only a religious observance but is also a way for families to gather during the holidays. Las Posadas ends with midnight mass and a grand party featuring star-shaped piñatas and a large feast.
The Grapes of Luck
Since 1909 Las 12 Uvas de la Suerte (The 12 Grapes of Luck) has been a staple among nuestra gente. The Spanish custom began when grape harvesters came into an unusually large harvest and could not sell all of the fruit. Fruit has always symbolized prosperity. So they made use of their abundance with a tasty countdown to the New Year. As the glimmering ball in New York City’s Times Square starts to drop at 10 seconds to midnight, the clock at Puerta del Sol in Madrid starts chiming 12 seconds to the New Year. Latinos throughout Latin America can be found popping grapes into their mouths to represent every second of the countdown as well one for each month of the year. Grapes never tasted so good!
The Last Mile
If you see a large group of folks walking down your block on the first day of the year, don’t be alarmed. It’s not a city evacuation, it’s a tradition! “We pack our bags like we’re going on a trip, but we’re really just walking around St. Nicholas (Avenue),” says Carmen Gomez who lives in a predominately Dominican neighborhood in New York City. “The entire block is walking around with maletas and even my 7-year-old son packs a little bag. It’s for good luck and for safe traveling in the New Year. Who wouldn’t want that?” For once, it’s baggage that people enjoy carrying knowing that it could open the door to prosperity. Pack light!
Victoria’s Secret Has Nothing on This
Don’t get the wrong idea when you see panties being tossed on New Years Eve. To leave the past behind this South American tradition calls for a change of undergarments before midnight; and not just any new pair. Wearing new, yellow underwear is believed to bring luck and wealth, as the color is associated with gold. A new, red pair brings passion and love for the year to come. The lingerie tradition dates back to the Middle Ages in Spain, when it was forbidden to wear bright colors. It was widespread belief that wearing yellow would bring good fortune, so the shocking color was worn underneath clothes. So whether it’s good luck or good love, make sure that all your garments are color coordinated on New Year’s Eve.
Keep it Clean
You shouldn’t start the New Year with last year’s bad mojo. Before the celebrations begin, it’s tradition to clean your slate by cleaning your house. It may sound like an excuse to wipe away the dust you’ve been avoiding but it’s a way to have your home be a reflection of a fresh beginning. Cubans are known to take the bucket of dirty water used to clean their homes and throw it outdoors at midnight. This guarantees bad energy is gone and allows for some serious cleansing. It’s sort of like spring-cleaning with a Latino twist.
A Triple Threat with Los Reyes
Three Kings Day (El Dia de los Reyes) is celebrated 12 days after Christmas as an ode to the wise men who brought gifts to the new born Jesus. The Catholic tradition is famously popular with children in Spain, Puerto Rico and Latin America. It’s not every day you see children with piles of hay or grass underneath their bed, but it is every year for these families. The night before, on January 5th, children leave their shoes by the door so the Kings know how many children are inside and leave something to eat and drink for them, similar to snacks for Santa. They awake to gifts (or lumps of coal if they’ve misbehaved) and the holiday officially starts.
Paper Chasing
Usually leaving money around your home where people can see it is a dangerous idea. But the Spaniards started this custom to attract luck and prosperity. Soon many Latinos followed hoping to attract fortune in the New Year. “It’s shocking to walk into my great-grandmother’s house and see dollar bills in the hanging plants and tied around the cookie jar,” says Marcos Dina who was born and raised in Ecuador. “It’s the idea that having money around brings in more money, which I love.” Dina’s mother Marisella adds, “it’s also a way to show that though we don’t have much, we are happy for what we do have and are thankful.” Some people sweep away negative energy from their stoops first and then drop money in its place to be swept inside, literally and symbolically.
Latino customs have endured throughout centuries. No matter where you’re from, there’s always a way to bring in the holidays and keep the tradition alive. Not only does it bring families together and luck to many, it’s another way to keep culture close no matter where you’re celebrating.