| Being based in Brazil many of my friends and family | | | | gift bringer, originally hailing from Greenland (according |
| ask me "what's Christmas like in Brazil"? | | | | to legend). |
| In the main,Christmas in Brazil, follows the European | | | | The Papai Noel concept came to Brazil during the |
| traditions, particularly, those of Portugal. It is essentially a | | | | 1950s, originating from The United States and was |
| time when families get together most notably for | | | | subsequently in the 60s and 70s commercialised as |
| Christmas supper, which is eaten at Midnight on | | | | the Christmas gift bringer. The decorated Christmas |
| December 24th. Although, lots of families eat earlier | | | | tree is an important Christmas ingredient, as are |
| than this the big difference to European and North | | | | coloured , flashing electric lights, both adorn the main |
| American tradition is this is eaten on Christmas Eve, as | | | | living room of houses and apartments, with the flashing |
| opposed to Christmas Day. | | | | lights being particularly popular draped across and over |
| The Christmas Supper will consist of turkey, chicken, | | | | balconies of the many millions of apartment buildings in |
| pork, ham, rice, fresh vegetables and fruit dishes. | | | | Brazil. |
| However, poorer Brazilians, usually have to make-do | | | | Fireworks can be heard all hours of the day and night |
| with rice and chicken. Traditional Catholic families may | | | | (mostly at night, and sometimes all through the night), |
| attend Mass at Midnight (on the 24th), the Mass ends | | | | and this typically Brazilian, pyrotechnic dimension to |
| at 1.00am, and is known as The Rooster Mass or | | | | festivities, will continue until January 6th, otherwise |
| Missa do Galo. | | | | known as Three Kings Day, which symbolizes the |
| TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS | | | | Three Wise Men , taking gifts to The Baby Jesus. |
| One of the main traditions is the nativity scene or | | | | May you find joy, peace and contentment, and I |
| Presepio. | | | | sincerely hope that 2008 will be a memorable, and |
| The Presepio was introduced in the 17th century by a | | | | very special year for you. if you would like to have a |
| Franciscan friar named; Gaspar de Santo Agostinho. | | | | meaningful Christmas this year, why not take a |
| Most interestingly, he was from Olinda, which is also | | | | volunteer program in Brazil over the festive period? |
| considered the birthplace of Brazilian nationality. Father | | | | You can get more information here; Volunteering |
| Christmas, or; Papai Noel is the unsuprisingly, traditional | | | | Abroad at Christmas. |