The Tradition of Nacimientos: A Living Symbol of Faith
Christmas Eve: The Festive Table
New Year’s Traditions: Welcoming Luck and Prosperity
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Lima
Peru’s Christmas and New Year celebrations are a vibrant blend of religious devotion, cultural artistry, and festive traditions that bring families together. From setting up intricate Nativity scenes (Nacimientos) to preparing traditional meals like Panetón, roasted turkey, and Arabic rice, the holiday season in Peru is a time for reflection, joy, and renewal.
The Nacimiento (Nativity scene) is at the heart of the Peruvian Christmas celebration. These intricate displays depict the birth of Jesus and are often customized with Peruvian cultural touches. Many families assemble Nacimientos in their homes, recreating the Andean hills with green or brown paper, complete with llamas, alpacas, and campesinos offering Andean produce like potatoes and corn.
In 2021, Huancavelica artist Manuel Breña showcased his “Bicentennial Nativity” in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, marking the first time an American Nativity was exhibited there. His work combined biblical imagery with Huancavelica’s landscapes and traditions.
Panetón, a fluffy, fruit-filled bread, is a staple of Peruvian Christmas. Introduced by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, the Peruvian version is distinct for its light texture and sweet vanilla flavor.
Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 250 ml milk, 30 g fresh yeast, 240 g sugar and 2 tbsp, 200 g raisins, 200 g candied fruits, 9 eggs, 1 tbsp vanilla essence, 240 g butter, 1 tsp chirimoya essence, zest of 1 orange, ¼ cup evaporated milk, 100 g chopped walnuts, ½ tsp salt.
Preparation: Mix warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar, then let it ferment for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, sift the flour (reserving 200 g for coating fruits) and add the yeast mixture, eggs, sugar, melted butter, orange zest, vanilla, chirimoya essence, and evaporated milk. Knead the dough and let it rise for 1 hour. Coat the raisins and candied fruits with reserved flour, mix them into the dough with walnuts, and form two loaves. Place the dough in tall molds, let it rise until it fills ¾ of the mold, brush with egg yolk and milk, and bake at 175°C for 45 minutes or until golden.
The Christmas turkey, marinated overnight and roasted to perfection, is the star of the Peruvian table. Unlike other parts of the world, in Peru, sweet purees are an essential side dish for the turkey. Instead of classic mashed potatoes, families serve apple puree or sweet potato puree (camote) to complement the savory flavors.
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (7 kg), 150 g butter, 150 ml olive oil, salt, sugar, and water for brine (50 g salt and 20 g sugar per liter of water).
Preparation: Marinate the turkey overnight in salt and sugar brine. Remove and let it rest for 3 hours. Preheat the oven to 200°C, coat the turkey with melted butter and olive oil, and roast at 180°C. Flip after 1 hour for even cooking. Baste regularly with juices, and once the skin is golden and crispy, cover with foil and cook until the internal temperature reaches 68°C. Let the turkey rest for 40 minutes before carving.
Sweet Potato Puree (Camote): Boil peeled sweet potatoes until soft, mash them, and mix with butter, a pinch of salt, and a touch of cinnamon or sugar for extra sweetness.
Apple Puree: Boil peeled apples with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and water until tender, mash them to a smooth consistency, and serve warm or cold.
A Peruvian twist on a Middle Eastern classic, Arabic rice is both sweet and savory, enriched with ají panca and raisins.
Ingredients: 2 cups rice, ½ cup black raisins, ½ cup golden raisins, 1 bottle Coca-Cola (420 ml), ½ cup onion (chopped), 1 tbsp minced garlic, 3 tbsp ají panca paste, 30 g vermicelli noodles, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Preparation: Soak the raisins in water. Sauté onion, garlic, and ají panca paste in vegetable oil, then add raisins and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in rice, water from the soaked raisins, and Coca-Cola. Simmer for 20 minutes. Fry vermicelli noodles in hot oil and add them to the rice 5 minutes before serving.
Peruvians celebrate New Year’s Eve with symbolic rituals to attract fortune and success:
Lentils for Prosperity: Carrying lentils in pockets or placing them on the dinner table symbolizes financial abundance.
Yellow Underwear: Wearing yellow underwear at midnight attracts happiness and good fortune.
The Suitcase Ritual: Walking around the block with a suitcase ensures a year full of travel and adventure.
Twelve Grapes: Eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime, allows participants to make a wish for each month of the coming year.
Burning Old Year Effigies: Creating and burning life-sized dolls made of old clothes represents leaving negativity behind and starting fresh.
In Lima, the capital of Peru, Christmas and New Year celebrations are particularly lively, blending modern festivity with timeless traditions.
During the Christmas season, districts like Miraflores and the Historic Center come alive with dazzling lights and festive decorations. The Parque Kennedy in Miraflores becomes a magical setting with colorful lights, while Lima’s Plaza Mayor is beautifully adorned, showcasing the city’s colonial charm. Families and tourists take evening strolls to admire the lights, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate the spirit of the holidays.
On New Year’s Eve, Lima bursts into celebration with fireworks, music, and lively gatherings. Many families choose to celebrate in restaurants, bars, hotels, or along the beaches, sharing meals and dancing until dawn. Fireworks light up the sky over coastal districts like Barranco and Miraflores, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Christmas and New Year in Peru beautifully blend religion, tradition, and artistry, making these holidays a magical time of year. Whether it’s admiring a handcrafted Nacimiento, savoring a slice of Panetón, or performing rituals for a prosperous New Year, these customs reflect the warmth, creativity, and resilience of the Peruvian people.
Book your tour, celebrate the holidays in Lima and beyond, where art, food, and tradition come together to create unforgettable memories. ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!
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