Christmas in Brazil

As we wrap up the holiday season this year, it’s important to reflect upon the things we’ve experienced and establish our hopes and goals for 2018. I hope you’ve all had a wonderful holiday season. There are so many different ways to celebrate around the world, and I want to take the time to appreciate one of the many: Christmas in Brazil.

I interviewed Henrique Joaquim, a foreign exchange student from Araraquara, Brazil (located in the municipality São Paulo) to ask him how he and his family celebrate Christmas.

1. Parties - Henrique’s family actually has two parties: one on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas. Each one is celebrated with one parent’s side of the family and takes place at the eldest’s house.

2. Decorating - Decorating is quite similar to here in America. Beautiful trees are set up in each house and covered in lights and ornaments. Some cities will have big firework shows or electrical light displays; and luckily in Brazil, it’s warm outside!

3. Food - It’s summer during Christmas in Brazil, so it’s time for a barbeque! Typical foods consumed on Christmas day include roasted pork, chicken, vegetables, rice and fruit.

4. Gifts - Presents are usually given to close friends and family members, but Henrique would rather spend time with those close to him. A famous tradition in Brazil is “amigo secreto,” or secret friend, which is also celebrated in America in a similar fashion. Family members will be assigned to another member randomly to buy small gifts (apelidos) for using a fake name throughout December, and on Christmas day, they reveal who their secret friend was!

Works Cited

Cooper, J. /. (n.d.). Christmas in Brazil. Retrieved December 28, 2017, from https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/brazil.shtml

Christmas celebration in Brazil. (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2017, from http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/worldxmas/brazil.htm

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