What to know about the holiday tradition

On December 24, 2024By Littum

For many people in the United States, Christmas Eve may just be the precursor to the big Christmas celebration or the day to check off some last-minute holiday shopping. But for Latin American cultures, December 24th is a pretty big deal.

December 25 was never the main event. It was just the day my brother, my cousins, and I got to open our presents, watch Home Alone, and eat leftovers from the night before while playing with the cool toy St. Nicholas brought us.

And so it is for many Latin American families.

Instead of going to the mall to do some last minute shopping, many families stay at home to prepare for one of the biggest celebrations of the year: Nochebuena.

Here’s what you need to know about the holiday.

What is Nochebuena?

Nochebuena, or Good Night, is the Christmas Eve celebration that many Hispanic, Latin American, Filipino and Spanish families around the world have dedicated to observing the birth of Jesus, or el Niño Jesus.

The holiday has long ties to Catholicism and is celebrated the night before the birth of Christ.

However, the essence of Nochebuena is the sense of togetherness, according to Azul Barrientos, a musician from Mexico City who is now based in San Antonio.

“Beyond the religion, as I understand it, it’s about love, it’s about togetherness, it’s about the possibility of rebirth or reconnection,” Barrientos told USA TODAY. “It’s almost like it’s the end of the cycle for me. Not really New Years. For me it’s Nochebuena.”

Who celebrates Nochebuena?

It is celebrated throughout Spain and other countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and the Philippines. The tradition was brought to the United States by the people who immigrated here.

However, each country and even families from the same country may celebrate the night differently.

How is Nochebuena celebrated?

Well, that depends on who you ask.

Each culture celebrates it differently, but the common theme across cultures is that it is a day to celebrate the birth of Christ with family and loved ones.

Prime, tias and ten, and of course abuelo’s and abuela’s get together to celebrate the day at someone’s home with food, music and drinks.

People from Cuba, a country in the Caribbean, celebrate the day together. Dinner is a group effort, and while some stay in the kitchen making sides like rice and tuca, others are outside roasting the pig, seasoned days in advance, in a caja Chinaa roasting box used to bury a whole pig in coals.

Depending on how religious a family is, they may also come to church in the morning or afternoon before the Christmas celebrations start.

What foods are associated with Nochebuena?

Tamales, adobo, lechón and pancit are common dishes at many Nochebuena parties.

Recreate the scene of Jesus’ birth in the home or church

Families or churches often put up ornate and beautiful decorations to represent the scene of Jesus’ birth, which is referred to as “acostada de niño” or “laying down of the child” in English, Dr. Timothy Matovina, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame, previously told USA TODAY

He said on Nochebuena, typically the youngest family member will place the image of the baby Jesus in an empty manger and begin to pray.

“It officially starts the Christmas celebration in the household. They may have several prayers and usually there will be a party. They may have an exchange of gifts,” Matovina said. “When you say Nochebuena in someone’s home, this is probably the most common thing you’ll find: A solemn laying of the Christ child in the manger.”

Cast: Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY; Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY

Julia is a popular reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her at LinkedInfollow her further X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]./