I still remember my neighborโs house glowing with lights, the smell of rabanada wafting through the airโit was Christmas, Brazilian style. Back then, Iโd laugh when friends from colder places asked if we even had a โrealโ holiday without snow. But hereโs the thing: Brazil doesnโt just celebrate; it reinvents. After years of soaking in these traditions, Iโve realized the symbol of our Christmas isnโt what youโd guessโitโs a vibrant twist that captures our spirit. Ready to discover it?”
Well, the Brazilian Christmas traditions are as diverse as possible, such as the mass of the rooster, fireworks, Christmas dinner, Secret Santa, Epiphany, and even the beloved 13th salary of Brazilians, which is an “extra” salary that the employer gives his employees, and this boosts the economy a lot at this time of year.
Also, if you would like to learn more about holidays in Brazil, later you can read more in-depth about Brazil festivals and holidays here. Now, letโs get back into it.
In Brazil, the day the baby Jesus was born is called “Christmas” since Portuguese is the predominant and official language of the country. To express good wishes on this significant date, we use the traditional greeting “Merry Christmas”. During the period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, it is more usual to wish a “Happy New Year”.
Although less common, the expression “Happy Holidays” may occasionally be used by some Brazilians when addressing foreigners or people of different religious beliefs. I haven’t seen anyone get offended by a “Merry Christmas” here. So, say “Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas (feliz natal) and Happy Holidays” without fear while you’re in Brazil at this time of year.
Christmas is recognized as a national holiday in Brazil, resulting in the closure of schools and most commercial establishments. Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, Christmas coincides with the summer period.
Given that most Brazilians enjoy four weeks of paid vacation, it is common for many to choose to start their vacations immediately after Christmas day.
What Is the Symbol for Christmas in Brazil
Brazil’s Christmas Symbols
Christmas Presents in Brazil
Gift-giving during Christmas is a prominent tradition in Brazilian culture, which results in a significant increase in consumption during the month of December.
Many people buy presents for the whole family members, including distant relatives such as uncles, aunts, and cousins, which leads to shopping malls being very busy at this time of year. I, in particular, only saw some relatives at Christmas time. Because Brazil is a continental country, some of my relatives live up to 3,000 kilometers away.
In order to reconcile the desire to give presents with the need to save money, some families adopt the practice of “amigo secreto” (secret friend) or “amigo oculto”. In our family tradition, we place a limit on the value of the gift for this fun practice. For example: up to R$ 50.00 and it must be some kind of candy, clothing, or even the theme chosen for the year.
In the end, everyone has fun. In this fun game, everyone puts their name in a hat or basket. Each participant draws the name of a person and then buys them a special present.
On Christmas Eve, everyone gets together with their presents duly wrapped. One by one, the participants offer hints about the person drawn without revealing their name. The challenge is to try and guess who the recipient is, until finally the person identified receives their present to unwrap, while everyone watches with excitement.
Santa Claus and his Sleigh
Brazilian children look forward to the arrival of “papai noel” (Santa Claus) every year. In my childhood, it was very difficult to see anything like this (late 90s and early 2000s). However, today this symbol is very present in practically every city in Brazil.
Before his visit, they usually prepare stockings so that he can exchange them for presents. Similar to the American Santa Claus, the Brazilian Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, wears a characteristic red and white costume with fur details and travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
However, due to the hot climate of the Brazilian summer, it is common for him to opt for red and white silk costumes, which I personally find much more beautiful.
Christmas Decorations in Brazil
Many Brazilians decorate their homes to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of Christmas. In my childhood, this was one of the most eagerly awaited things of the year: decorating our garden tree, filling it with flashing Christmas lights, and various other Christmas decorations. I actually spent a few days doing this, with great excitement.
Many towns and villages light up lampposts and public squares, bringing residents together to celebrate Christmas cheer. The decorations, both public and private, include twinkling lights and the same traditional symbols popular in North America, such as Santa Claus, rattles, candy canes, and holly.
Although there is curiosity about the possibility of Brazilians decorating palm trees for Christmas, this practice is not common. However, many families choose to set up a conventional Christmas tree.
Most prefer artificial trees, given the difficulty of finding natural pine trees, because after all: pine trees need a colder climate to grow. This is only true in the south of Minas Gerais and in the south of Brazil, in the states of Paranรก, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. In the other states, pine trees are practically impossible to find.
Christmas tree decorations include delicate lights and traditional ornaments. To create a winter atmosphere, it’s common to add artificial snow to the arrangements, to counteract the intense heat of our Christmas summer. According to tradition, the Christmas decorations remain up until Three Kings’ Day on January 6, marking the official end of the festive season.
What Is the Symbol for Christmas in Brazil
Midnight Mass
The “Mass of the Rooster” is an important tradition of the Catholic Church, referring to the celebration held at midnight on Christmas Eve. This ceremony is part of the liturgical practices of Catholicism related to the birth of Christ, which, according to Catholic Christian tradition, took place on December 25.
As well as being held in the Vatican, where the Pope presides over the celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Mass of the Rooster is broadcast to various locations around the world and is watched by millions of people, and it is a tradition for the Brazilian population – which is overwhelmingly Catholic – to watch this broadcast every Christmas.
Nativity scene
The nativity scene, as we all know, is a Christmas decorative element that depicts the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. This traditional representation can be made in miniature or life-size and is found in churches, shopping malls, squares, homes, and many other places.
And here in Brazil, you can find nativity scenes at Christmas time in MANY places, such as shopping malls, bakeries, markets, gas stations, and even backyards.
According to the guidelines of the Brazilian Catholic Church, the nativity scene should be set up on the first Sunday of Advent and dismantled on January 6th. This practice was popularized among Christians by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century and is now widespread throughout the world, including here in Brazil, making it an important symbol of Christmas.
Beach trips
In the coastal regions of Brazil, the afternoon and evening of December 25th are often spent on the beaches, enjoying the sun and the sea. Families from different places gather on their favorite beaches to enjoy a few summer days together.
My family and I have traveled to the coast for more than 10 years at this time of year, which is so dear to us. For many Brazilian families, this is still a tradition that cannot be missed: traveling with all the family to the nearest coast to enjoy the “Christmas summer”.
What Is the Symbol for Christmas in Brazil
Christmas Foods
After all, meals are the hallmark of many celebrations, both in Brazil and around the world. As such, Christmas foods are part of the symbol of Christmas in Brazil. Let’s find out what is eaten for Christmas dinner in Brazil. It’s desserts, drinks, and much more?
For most families, the main celebrations take place on Christmas Eve and last for several hours. Families who attend midnight mass can choose to have their meal immediately before or after the service. In my family, we have our meal around midnight.
For those who don’t attend Mass, like me and some of my family, the celebration usually starts a little earlier. My family always celebrates Christmas with a barbecue that includes different types of meat: beef, lamb, and sometimes turkey.
In addition, other dishes that can be found at a Brazilian Christmas dinner include roast turkey or Chester, pork shank or shoulder, rice, codfish, and lasagna.
Many families also prepare traditional Brazilian dishes such as farofa – a mixture of dried cassava flour with bacon, salt, butter, and spices – and salads with mayonnaise and raisins. Some of the foods that can’t be missed are rice and salads – especially mayonnaise salads.
Mayonnaise salad consists of boiled potatoes, green beans, carrots, and olives in a mayonnaise-based dressing. Another popular option is salpicรฃo, which consists of roast chicken, peas, corn, apples, onions, and raisins. I’m a big fan of the latter. Many people here in Brazil say that putting raisins in food “spoils” it, but I’ve always been a big fan!
Decorating the table for the big meal is part of the fun every year. Brazilians adorn their tables with Christmas tablecloths to create a festive atmosphere while enjoying potato salads, sweets, and other culinary delights.
While we’re on the subject of Christmas foods and their symbols, I’m going to mention a few Christmas foods that, in my opinion, cannot be missing from the Brazilian table:
Christmas Rice
One of the most emblematic dishes of Brazilian Christmas is arroz de Natal, also known as rice with raisins. In this recipe, you can add a variety of ingredients to make the rice as colorful as possible. Peas, carrots, and green smell can be mixed together to create a complete and tasty recipe!
Christmas Farofa
Also an essential accompaniment to turkey, Christmas farofa is always a staple among Christmas delicacies. While some people prefer a lighter farofa with almonds and dried fruit, many chefs also like to include pieces of bacon in this combination. Both options are equally delicious!
Chester
While the Christmas turkey is undeniably important, the Christmas Chester is also a strong contender on Christmas tables. Chester, a type of chicken with a meatier breast and thigh, is not excessively fatty and is perfect for satiating the whole family! I particularly like Chester better than Turkey.
Salpicรฃo
Salpicรฃo is another typical Brazilian Christmas delicacy. With mayonnaise as a base, various other ingredients such as corn, shredded chicken, and straw potatoes are mixed together to create a tasty dish. As well as being a very tasty option, salpicรฃo can be served cold, providing a refreshing touch to the palate.
Tender
Finally, Christmas ham is an extremely traditional dish for this festive Christmas season. This type of ham, often served with cloves, is an excellent option for those looking for a more practical supper, as it is easy to prepare and goes perfectly with basic dishes such as rice and farofa. If you are in Brazil at Christmas time, be sure to try a good Tender.
Christmas Desserts
Family meals at Christmas often culminate in irresistible desserts such as stollen, a German bread filled with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, or panettone, an Italian sweet bread enriched with candied fruit and a domed top.
As people from different countries have settled in Brazil, such as Germans, Italians, Ukrainians, Portuguese, etc. the best desserts are made at Christmas. For me, it’s like I’m in heaven.
Other popular Christmas dessert options include rabanada, a Brazilian version of French toast, and pavรช, a delicious layered dessert made of cookies and cream, similar to tiramisu.
What Is the Symbol for Christmas in Brazil: Wrap Up
If you’re in Brazil during Christmas, don’t forget to visit a nativity scene. Many churches set up large outdoor nativity scenes, where on certain nights actors and live animals can replace the statues. Choirs often perform Christmas carols during these occasions, and refreshments are offered to the public by churches.
Depending on your religion, attending a Christmas play would be a great experience. Many communities organize Christmas plays, such as “The Shepherds”, which tell the story of Jesus’ birth with a unique twist. The play usually features a shepherdess trying to steal baby Jesus during his visit.
And yes, we Brazilians love fireworks. On Christmas Eve, many towns and villages hold fireworks displays. People often gather in the streets to watch these shows, and sometimes choir performances precede or follow the fireworks. Don’t miss this spectacle.
And, as the whole world already knows, we are a festive people who love music: this art plays a significant role in Brazilian Christmas. Original Brazilian Christmas songs are just as popular as the globally known ones and are played in public places throughout the season.
Brazilians have their own versions of various traditional and festive songs, such as “Sino de Belรฉm”, which is sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells”, and “Noite Feliz”, a version of “Silent Night” with lyrics in the Portuguese language.
Come to Brazil and experience our magnificent Christmas! I’m sure you’ll love it and want to come back. If you feel cold in the winter in your country, in Brazil you’ll want to swim in the sea because it’s so warm! What’s more, you’ll enjoy all our magnificent cuisine at this time of year, accompanied by the Christmas spirit that every Brazilian looks forward to enjoying every year.
