In Guatemala, Christmas Day is a public holiday and is one of the most celebrated occasions of the year. The holiday, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, has deep cultural significance and is characterized by a blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions. Guatemalans, like many other countries globally, celebrate it on December 25th. The entire Christmas season is filled with lively festivities as families, friends, and communities gather and participate in various activities.
As Christmas Day approaches, Guatemalans participate in 'La Quema del Diablo' or 'The Burning of the Devil' on December 7th, an event that symbolizes the elimination of evil and sin. The celebration starts with a thorough house cleaning, where they gather all the wastes and junk to create an effigy of the devil, which they burn in the evening. They believe this act purifies the home and surroundings in readiness for Christmas. The streets and churches are adorned with nativity scenes, lights, and decorations reflecting the Yuletide spirit.
Large family gatherings characterize Christmas Day in Guatemala. These gatherings involve lots of feasting, music, prayers, and happiness. They begin their feast with a light breakfast followed by a grand dinner with delicacies such as tamales, fruits, punch, and cookies. There's also a tradition of gifting especially to children, symbolizing the gifts given by the Wise men to Jesus. The day would not be complete without attending a Christmas mass in the church. Despite the modern influences, the traditional customs of Guatemalan Christmas are still very much alive and enthusiastically celebrated.