Christmas Day is universally celebrated each year on December 25th and it is a public holiday in Bolivia, like many other countries around the world. The day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. It's a time of joy and peace, bringing families and communities together. In Bolivia, Christmas Eve is just as significant and many celebrations kick off on the night of the 24th.
Bolivians celebrate Christmas Day with a mix of indigenous and Christian traditions, a reflection of the country’s rich cultural diversity. Churches are often decorated with brightly colored flowers and families attend the 'Misa de Gallo' or 'Rooster's Mass' at midnight. After the service, families return home for a festive meal and exchange presents at midnight. Traditional Bolivian Christmas foods include picana, a slow-cooked stew made of chicken, beef, and pork, as well as a variety of baked goods.
Further customs spotlight Bolivia's unique way of observing this holiday. For example, it is popular to create nativity scenes known as 'pesebres' in their homes or neighborhoods featuring figures crafted from clay. The hand-made figures include Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the Three Kings, and also native animals like llamas. Another tradition is the 'Dia de los Reyes Magos' (Three Kings Day) on January 6th when children often receive gifts, marking the end of the holiday season.