Christmas under the Southern Cross - Something more about Brazilian Christmas (4.)

17.12.2023

 

The heatwave in Brazil continues, there's still plenty of sun and daylight, so in the 40°C heat it's become our family tradition to spend Advent in the pool this year (which has always been a bit of a dream of mine and I've always considered it a bit impossible to achieve...).

 

But you're probably more interested in the actual Christmas customs and traditions here in Brazil, so here we go:

 

 

WHO BRINGS THE PRESENTS?

While in the Czech Republic, we have the baby Jesus (quite possibly the same one who was born in a manger in Bethlehem) to give presents, here the tradition strictly separates Menino Jesus - that is, the Boy Jesus born in Bethlehem and Papai Noel - the Father of Christmas, who gives presents and has nothing to do with the biblical Savior.

 

In appearance, this gentleman is something between the American Santa Claus and our St. Nicholas.

 

He comes to families on the evening of December 24 and he already has presents with him. But those who want to receive their presents must sit on his lap and whisper their wishes in his ear. The children then wait anxiously to see if Papa Noel will actually conjure up the present they have wished for.

 

But Papai Noel also comes to social and cultural events before Christmas Eve. But he doesn't give out traditional presents, but rather cookies and sweets. So we've already had the opportunity to meet one. The children received a packet of traditional Brazilian BIS cookies from him.

 

 

CANDY

Very popular here is the Brazilian equivalent of our Christmas cake called Panettone (or Chocotonne). It is usually eaten for breakfast. Panettone contains candied fruit, and its sweeter version Chocotonne chocolate and both are delicious.

 

However, Batayporã is a town with Czech roots and so our gingerbread is baked and decorated here. So on Tuesday we went to the Jindřich Trachta Memorial Center to decorate for the final Czech language class for Brazilians and compatriots, which has been taught here regularly for many years.

 

 

CHRISTMAS PARADES - ACADEMY

Again, something we know from Bohemia. The pre-Christmas performances of nurseries and schools, known here as Academies, where pupils have the opportunity to showcase what they have learnt over the past period and showcase their talents.

 

We had the opportunity to see, for example, a singing performance by pupils from the Luz da amanhã school for pupils with special educational needs or a theatrical performance about the birth of Jesus by pupils from the Benedita Figueiró de Oliveira kindergarten. Congratulations on the nice performances!