North Vs South: How Different Is Christmas In Argentina?

If you're coming from the Northern Hemisphere and are used to a White Christmas, complete with twinkling lights, cosy fireplaces, christmas jumpers, rich food, and maybe some eggnog or mulled wine, then prepare for a very different festive season in Buenos Aires! Christmas in Argentina, and most of the Southern Hemisphere is a very different affair. There are some key differences between Christmas in the North versus the South:

[caption id="attachment_3570" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Christmas in the South is a little different... / Photo Credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images[/caption]

The Weather

This is the obvious one. Christmas falls in summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and Buenos Aires, in particular, is very hot at this time of the year. Fireplaces, snow and warm sweaters and scarves are replaced by swimming pools and fans, sunny skies and as few layers of clothing as you can get away with. With the sun blaring down, it's a totally different atmosphere. No one wants to wander around a Christmas market drinking hot chocolate when the temperature is hitting upwards of 30º (Celsius) with high humidity to boot. While there certainly are christmas decorations around the city, they don't have quite the same magical effect in the bright sunlight.

[caption id="attachment_3572" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Pan Dulce, or Panettone is a staple for Christmas in Argentina / Source[/caption]

The Food

Christmas in the north, depending on the country you're from, tends to be about big roasts, turkey, stuffing, christmas cake, and a host of other delicious, but rich and heavy dishes. In Argentina, because of the heat, Argentines do what they do best: an asado! An outdoor barbecue is perfect for the summer heat, complete with quality meat and plenty of cold side dishes, with some traditional Argentina Christmas dishes.

When the main meal is over, it's time for an Italian dessert: panettone, or Pan Dulce, along with turrón (nougat) and mantecol (a nougat-like treat made from peanuts). All this is washed down with Ananá Fizz, a mix of cider and pineapple juice. Of course, with the deep immigrant history here, many families will opt for traditional dishes from their European heritage, passed down through their families.

[caption id="attachment_8563" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Porteños open their presents on Christmas Eve / Source[/caption]

Christmas Eve

The most important difference you need to know about Christmas in Argentina, is that Christmas Eve, or Noche Buena, is the main Christmas event. Families get together on the 24th, and this is the big meal and main celebration. At the stroke of midnight, presents are opened. After that, people let off their own fireworks, lighting up the sky. If you're in Buenos Aires this night, head to a spot with a view, or somewhere like the Obelisco or Puerto Madero, and watch the sky light up with fireworks from all over the place. After that, many people meet up with friends and go out. That's right, they go clubbing. It's no surprise then, that the 25th is reserved for hangovers, leftovers, and another asado.

[caption id="attachment_8565" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Fireworks are set off on Christmas Eve in Buenos Aires / Source[/caption]

Festive Celebrations

Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere has a number of small traditions, including christmas carols, advent calendars and christmas crackers. These are largely missing from Christmas in Buenos Aires. But there are other less traditional celebrations here, such as lighting paper lanterns, or globos, on Christmas Eve and letting them float up, like Chinese Lanterns. Of course, many traditions here are based on Catholic beliefs, and are similar to the rest of Latin America. The 8th of December, the Day of the Immaculate Virgin, kicks off Christmas season. This is traditionally when the Christmas tree is decorated and a nativity scene is displayed in the house. The Christmas celebrations also continue into January, with the Three Kings Day celebrated on January 6th. This Catholic tradition holds that the Three Wisemen will bring children gifts on this day. Many children leave out a bit of grass or hay and water the night before, in case the kings' camels need refuelling.

Christmas in Argentina may be a bit different to what you're used to, but it is still a special time, spent with family and friends. Embrace the summer sunshine, grab a glass of cold Torrontés wine, indulge in Argentina's finest steak and get ready for a night of fireworks and fun.

If you're looking for something special to do on Christmas Eve, while the rest of the city celebrates with their families, why not book a Christmas Eve Tango Show for a spectacular festive celebration?

By Nicole Eberhard