🎄Christmas in Brazil: Heat, Family, and the Midnight Feast

Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is a unique experience. While many countries associate Christmas with snow and fireplaces, in Brazil, the celebration happens in the peak of summer, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F).

Here is an updated guide on how Brazilians celebrate Christmas Eve (December 24th).

1. The Main Event: The "Ceia" (Christmas Dinner)

Unlike many countries where the big feast happens on the 25th, in Brazil, the main event is the Ceia. Families gather on the night of the 24th, and dinner is traditionally served exactly at midnight.

What you'll always find on the table:

• Peru and Chester: These roasted birds are the stars of the party.

• Rice with Raisins: The eternal Brazilian debate! (People either love it or hate it, but it’s always there).

• Farofa: Essential to accompany the meats, often made with bacon, eggs, or dried fruits.

• Salpicão: A shredded chicken salad with mayo, vegetables, and topped with "batata palha" (shoestring potatoes).

• Panettone and Chocottone: The Italian influence is very strong, and these treats dominate the dessert table.

• Rabanada: Slices of bread soaked in milk and eggs, fried, and coated in sugar and cinnamon (similar to French Toast but crunchier).

  
  

2. The "Amigo Oculto" Tradition

It is very rare to find a Christmas gathering in Brazil without an Amigo Oculto (also known as Amigo Secreto or Secret Santa).

Since Brazilian families tend to be large, this is a fun and economical way to ensure everyone receives a gift. The reveal is usually full of mystery, with people giving funny descriptions of their "secret friend" before revealing who they picked.

3. "Papai Noel" and the Tropical Heat

Despite the intense heat, the Brazilian Santa Claus (Papai Noel) wears the traditional red velvet suit and boots. You’ll often see him in shopping malls taking photos with children, even with the air conditioning on full blast!

At midnight, after the feast, children finally open the presents that were placed under the Christmas tree.

4. Missa do Galo (Midnight Mass)

For more religious families (Brazil has a large Catholic population), the Missa do Galo is an important tradition. It is a mass celebrated at midnight or late on the 24th to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

🎄 Useful Vocabulary (Portuguese Learning)

If you are learning Portuguese, here are some key words you will hear during this season:

• Véspera de Natal: Christmas Eve.

• Árvore de Natal: Christmas Tree.

• Presépio: Nativity Scene.

• Presentes: Gifts.

• Papai Noel: Santa Claus.

• Felicidades / Feliz Natal: Merry Christmas.

• Brindar: To toast (cheers!).

Brazilian Christmas is all about togetherness. It’s loud, it’s festive, and it’s very hot, but the Brazilian spirit of hospitality makes this date unforgettable for anyone visiting.

What about you? Do you prefer a snowy Christmas or a tropical one with a BBQ and a pool? Natal com neve ou um Natal tropical com churrasco e piscina?