5 Unique Christmas Traditions You Probably Haven’t Experienced Before
It seems like every year Christmas and its conventional traditions come earlier and earlier. Ornaments, tree toppers, and wreaths replace Halloween decor before October 31st. Songs about snow, mistletoe, and “Santa Baby” all come too soon — at least that’s how it feels for some of us and that’s okay. Instead of seeing and celebrating the same traditions year after year, why not spend this December doing something new? Here are 5 places to visit this holiday season with traditions you probably haven’t experienced before.
Oaxaca, Mexico: Noche de Rabanos
Or, Night of the Radishes, is a radish-carving celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. You heard that right. The century-old tradition was borne from an ingenious plan to lure shoppers to the town square. Vendors created finely chiseled radish ornaments for Christmas and set up shop outside Midnight Mass. Shoppers loved the tiny carved vegetables so much that even now Noche de Rabanos is an official holiday.
All art lovers and fans of quirkiness should stop by Mexico this year. Visit Oaxaca to see how artists create radish-carved things like celebrities, Nativity sets, and Mayan art. The art is shown on December 23rd.
Salzburg, Austria: Rauhnacht Parade
If you love horror and happen to be in Austria on December 21st why not stop by its German-neighboring city, Salzburg? The Austrian festival celebrates a transitional time between the ending and coming year. It is a time when the gateway between the spirit world and living is open and the ancient goddess Perchta is celebrated. During Rauhnacht, she enters homes to check if you’ve been bad or good (sound familiar?). Good boys and girls get a coin. But, if you’ve been bad, she’ll do more than give you coal: she’ll replace your stomach lining with straw. And don’t worry, like Santa Clause, Perchta also has an entourage — of furry demons who have all been invited to the festivities.
At the Rauhnacht Parade, you can expect to see flames, people dressed in goat-fur beast costumes, and maybe a tear or two from toddlers forced into a demonic hug.
Barcelona, Spain: Tió de Nadal
Where you spread holiday cheer by beating the caga tió, or the shit log. The fun doesn’t end here. No, the log, that translates to Christmas log, is decorated with a face, nose, legs, and blanket to keep it warm at night. The inside is hollowed and fed every night, usually with Turrón and small toys. At the end of Christmas Eve dinner, children are given sticks to beat the merry little log. They whack and sing tunes to the log in hopes it will defecate treats and gifts for them. Once the children have all taken turns beating the caga tió they can remove the blanket and receive their gifts.
The Catalan tradition celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which marks the beginning of Christmas. According to their mythology, the caga tió is responsible for bringing small gifts to homes while the Three Wise Men bring large gifts. The tradition is still very much aligned to Christmas in the States. If you simply want to add a dash of spice to your holiday why not pack up and spend it in Spain? Your visit is sure not be the least bit shitty.
Remedios, Cuba: Las Parrandas de Remedios
Some people visit Cancún or other sunnier places for the holiday, but why not take it up a notch? Instead of merely basking in the sun visit central Cuba for Las Parrandas de Remedios. The event translates to party in the street. Switch out your beach towel and sunscreen for ten nights of one of the most popular events in Cuba. From December 16th to December 26th streets are filled with rumba dance parades, conga music, bright floats, and spectacular fireworks every night.
Innocently enough, Las Parrandas de Remedios was created by a priest in the city’s grand cathedral. He only wanted to spread the word and excitement for Christmas mass. Father Francisco Vigil de Quiñones enlisted the help of neighborhood children who ran around with plates and spoons reminding the town of Midnight Mass. The dates and original purpose of this street party is the only real connection now. Although I’m sure you can always wipe your sins away at church after all — if you’re sober enough to find the place.
London, England: Christmas Pantomimes
British Players describes Pantomimes as a form of theater that incorporates music, comedy, slapstick, dance, and mild innuendo — the typical good ol’ buffoonery from the usually reserved Brits. What could be better? Pantos are deeply rooted in children’s stories like fables, but don’t expect a perfect fairy tale. Think of Disney meets RuPaul’s Drag Race with bright colored costumes and makeup, not to forget lots and lots of audience participation. This is the place little ones and adults alike can shout, play, and be as outrageous as they want to be.
Stop by London this year for a wild Christmas tradition. Bring the kiddos (and maybe some wine for the grownups). Pantomimes are scheduled throughout London between Christmas and New Year Day.
