Christmas is one of the main religious holidays celebrated every year in Ecuador on December 25th. Most Ecuadorians are very religious and start festivities from mid-December. Though festivities vary from household to household, most gatherings kick off the night before Christmas. Here’s how Ecuadorians celebrate Christmas time.
Christmas Eve
Ecuadorians traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve or ‘Nochebuena’ as their main event. On December 24th before midnight, some families visit closest relatives or friends. They stay awake until midnight. They go to church to attend the ‘Misa del Gallo’ (Rooster’s Mass) at 11 pm, after church, they return home to feast. On Christmas, people usually rest all day.
Rooster’s Mass (Misa del Gallo)
This Catholic tradition is celebrated at midnight on Christmas Eve to mark the birth of baby Jesus. The midnight mass service is known as “Misa del Gallo” is one of the most important celebrations across Ecuador.
Decorations
As in many other countries, Ecuadorians like to decorate their homes with a Christmas tree and the nativity scene known as “pesebre”. They also hang Christmas lights on windows and doors.
Nativity scenes
Nativity scenes known as the “Nacimiento” are common in Ecuadorian houses. They display figures of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and Three Kings. Baby Jesus sculpture is added to the scene, after the “Misa del Gallo” on Christmas Eve. Usually, shopping centers and some public places create large nativity scenes with large figures – human size.
Novenas
The Novena is observed for nine days with a series of prayers in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. From December 16th until Christmas Eve, many Ecuadorians take part in ‘novenas’. The novena is prayed and hosted in a different home of a family member or friend on each of the nine nights before Christmas. Families typically gather around nativity scenes and pray together. Each night, after the Novena, people play instruments and sing Christmas carols or “Villancicos”.
Meal (Food)
A Christmas meal is abundant. Christmas dinner is known as ‘Cena de Navidad’. It is eaten on Christmas Eve usually at midnight – although younger generations rather eat earlier. Main dishes often include roast turkey or chicken. Turkey or chicken stuffing is also common. Turkey stuffing is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. Other popular foods around Christmas are jam salad, sweet rice, and eggnog locally known as “rompope”.
Gifts
In Ecuador, gift-giving is done on Christmas Eve usually at midnight. Although, most children receive their presents earlier, so they can play with their toys while adults are chatting.
