Our Dalai Llama |
Christmas in Paraguay is celebrated in a deeply religious way. The main focus of the season is the pesebre or nativity scene which is found in both the home and in churches.
December is the summer season in South America, and there is a profusion of flowers growing everywhere at this time of year. Churches and homes are decorated in bright colors to match the flowers. On Christmas Eve, church bells beckon the people to church at midnight for La Misa Del Gallo, translated as Midnight Mass, or more literally the Mass of the Rooster.
Our Charlie rooster and his Chica |
Legend has it that the Rooster’s Mass owes its name to the Rooster who would have been among the first to witness the birth of Jesus- and thus be the one to announce it.
In most Spanish speaking countries, Misa de gallo is a typical midnight mass starting around 12 am Christmas Eve. The Christmas feasting begins when family and friends return home from Mass.
We all wish you the very happiest holiday, spent with loved ones, safe travels and wonderful memories to keep in your heart!