Christmas Day in Paraguay is a joyous season filled with faith, family, friends, and festivities. Celebrated annually on the 25th of December, this Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, it is seen as one of the most important holidays in this predominantly Catholic country. The season begins weeks in advance with families preparing their homes with decorations, including the 'pesebre' or Nativity scene, and making plans for the upcoming family reunion.
On Christmas Day itself, Paraguayans spend most of their time in the church and with family. Mass services are filled with traditional Paraguayan hymns and carols, highlighting the religious significance of the holiday. This is often followed by large family feasts at home that feature traditional Paraguayan food such as 'sopa paraguaya', a type of cornbread, and 'chipa guasu', a corn-based dish. Many families also exchange gifts at this time, as is customary in many Christmas traditions around the world.
Despite the religious significance, Christmas in Paraguay also has a playful spirit. It's summer in Paraguay during Christmas, therefore, along with the traditional festivities, people often enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and barbecuing. Fireworks are another popular part of the Christmas Day celebrations in Paraguay. As the sky darkens, it lights up with an array of colors, following local customs and traditions, making Christmas in Paraguay a unique experience in South America.