. Chritsmas Eve is Cuban Christmas, and Cuban Christmas is Noche Buena… and Noche Buena is allll about the food. They have spent hours in the kitchen preparing the desserts before the big day: large bowls of cascos, orange, guava, and grapefruit shells in sweet, heavy syrup; and baskets of buñuelos, fried sweet dough that is a must for Christmas. It was still celebrated, but not in a major way. {Sadly, its been take out or frozen meals thus far. While they do not need to watch the roasting pig constantly, the men do need to be available nearby to prevent any flare-ups or other disasters. On Christmas day in Cuba children attend school like in a normal day, shops, restaurants and markets stay open for regular business. I grew up only celebrating Noche Buena at a young age – Christmas day or Santa was never a big deal – until my parents divorced and my dad re-married my (American) step mom. Since we are celebrating our first Christmas in the new house, I decided that it was time to begin incorporating my own Noche Buena in my family’s holiday tradition by cooking up a traditional Cuban feast. I think that’s pretty special. Festivities begin with the parrandas a traditional carnival-like street party. Our traditional Nochebuena celebration begins with the fabulousness that is Lechón Asado. By early evening, people start arriving for the party and the real celebration begins. The pig itself is sandwiched in a metal holder that keeps the pig above the heat of the coals, always banked into the four corners of the roaster. The Christmas traditions were part of religious and cultural heritage of our people, and were rooted in its history. While the fundamental virtues of family and feast are paramount to most all Cuban families, the Christmas experience and their subsequent Cuban traditions vary depending on when you were born in relation to Castro’s rise to power and/or the year of immigration to the States (or elsewhere). Ya, pretty much. My dad and step-mom’s home was […], […] an interracial couple raising multiracial children, my childhood legacy was filled with various Cuban Christmas traditions from different sectors of my life. Christmas trees and decorations disappeared from public places and it stayed that way for almost … The Tradition Of Roasting Pig & Cuban Roast Suckling Pig Recipe pertaining to Cuban Christmas Traditions 10 Strange But True Christmas Traditions for Cuban Christmas Traditions 13 Best Cuban Christmas Images On Pinterest | Christmas Eve, Miami pertaining to Cuban Christmas Traditions Choose from a huge range of designs today! The women of the family have been working on this feast for days. The importance of the Church in daily life has shrunk in Cuba since the revolution, … This day marks the anniversary of the Granma landing on the beach of Las Coloradas. Even when outlawed, the religious and secular Christmas holiday never really died out within the hearts of Cuban people living off and on the island. Have a wonderful Cuban-American Christmas! Since my step-mom had a giant impact on my upbringing, her influence is highly prevalent in my bicultural traditions and parenting… especially during the holidays. It’s a holiday tradition set from my years in Vegas and, since we celebrate Cuban Noche Buena anyway, it ends up being a great way to spend Christmas morning. Among more traditional Cuban homes, the table will be set with roast pork, turkey or chicken, as well as black beans and white rice (a dish known as “arroz congri”), a salad and boiled cassava with garlic, olive oil and bitter orange. I often say that the best part of Christmas for me is being Cuban. This is done in La Caja China or roasting box. I can’t pay someone to do this service for me, but I could mention the name in my book credits–if I manage to get published and find someone knowledgeable to help me! My mom’s home was full of Spanish Christmas music that enveloped the entirety of our Cuban Christmas traditions. The men of the family just keep out of the way until a day or two before the big party when it is their job to procure a pig. The evening is meant to be all about family and food; a celebration of loved ones. All over Miami, the men of the family wake up early this day, the only day of the year when most Cuban men actually cook. December is a special month in Cuba as throughout the Western world. The official cigar company of Cuba, Habanos S.A., markets all the premium cigar brands for the island [source: Habanos ]. I've often shared how my family, instead of baking Christmas cookies for gifts, makes a super delicious please-don't-call-it-egg-nog Cuban "egg nog." It is truly the most beautiful and heart-warming celebration of the entire year. Vanessa, I am looking for someone who knows about Cuban history and culture during the years 1956-57 while the revolution was taking place. Glenn Lindgren: Noche Buena means Good Night. Three Guys From Miami: on the web since 1996. Those songs were typically upbeat and perfect for dancing. Presents didn’t come down the chimney – family brought them as they arrived for the Noche Buena party or as they were purchased and wrapped. Weighing anything from 80 to 120 pounds or more, a pig takes all day to roast, a process that requires little human intervention. Once mass is over, many people return to the parties to continue the celebration late into the night. The centerpiece of a Cuban Nochebuena is a lusciously tender, juicy, crisp-skinned roasted pig that’s been marinated in the classic sour orange, garlic, cumin, and oregano marinade called mojo. Noche Buena is focused on the family, and the happiness of togetherness. And because my maternal grandparents had a huge impact on my youth, I have so many memories of celebrating Noche Buena in their home. The man of the house with the most experience, the grandfather or father, uses a hammer and a machete to crack the backbone, splaying the pig out like a butterfly. 12/9/2015 33 Comments Today my parents completed one of their yearly Christmas traditions. Thank you! Christmas in Cuba. We call it Crema de Vie and it has been a Cuban family tradition for as long as I can remember. We fell back on one another for our expressions of love, support and identity, and quickly developed our own fusion of how we see and take part in Christmas. There’s some controversy on who this quote belongs to). Lechon Asado (also, here is my Slow Cooker Lechon Asado recipe), arroz y frijoles negro (Cuban Black Beans), platanito fritos, tostones, croquettas, other meats, drinks and ending with an amazing flan or Cuban Chocolate Cake. Our Cuban Traditions In America. A really beautiful post, Vanessa – thanks for sharing so much of yourself and your family, it really helped to get your point about the focus being family across. Local traditions and celebrations in Cuba are respected and enjoyed by tourists. The kids love the creamy avocado texture. Because Christmas in Cuba was outlawed by the atheist Castro regime for nearly 30 years (1969-1997), there is actually an entire generation of Cubans that did not grow up celebrating Christmas and the traditions that accompany it (including Three Kings Day). I actually think the picture turned out pretty adorable, and I will incorporate into our photo memories somehow. The history of Cuban Christmas is, therefore, pretty complicated. There was always a Christmas tree, but equally important was the Nativity Scene. So they had to go. We show you how to plan and hold a wonderful Cuban Christmas Eve party! De Su Mama is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Soups | Side Dishes | Desserts | Index. Our families are very large and there was always an abundance of food. Focus was not paid to rushing off to bed, with Christmas pajamas, waiting for Santa’s arrival. For many, the biggest celebration of the year takes place on this Christmas Eve night, still celebrated in the traditional way with a huge party, dozens of friends, an extended family, and the main attraction: a whole roasted pig. Cuban musicians have a distinctive take on this American musical tradition, and all month long local clubs devote themselves to putting on jazz performances. More on that some other time , After dinner, Alina put on her Christmas jammies and opened a few presents. Celebrate Christmas in the true Cuban style! The ground in Miami is solid coral below about three inches of top soil. As a […], […] wrote about our Cuban Christmas of Noche Buena traditions before, but truly, as a child wrapped up in the nostalgia of the season, nothing was […]. Life gets so busy, and its nice to have gatherings like these with the people you love. Vanessa what a beautiful post! Only some houses and apartments are privately owned and can be inherited, but the state limits the freedom of an heir to dispose of an inherited housing unit if other Cubans live in it. Christmas in Cuba is far different than the U.S. version. Jorge Castillo: The Christmas celebrations in Cuba were very similar to those in the United States. Cuban, Spanish, and Latin American food recipes, Miami/Little Havana Travel Guide, Miami Restaurant Guide, Hispanic Culture & Food, The Three Guys From Miami's Google+ Fan Page. December is the month of the famous Havana Jazz Festival. We feasted yet again on delicious breakfast fare and Alina was spoiled by family. Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother and current President of Cuba, said at a press conference earlier this year, “The pontiff is a Jesuit, and I, in some way, am too. . Cuban Christmas traditions are so very like the Puerto Rican ones! I guess in terms of presents, traditions and food, I was a lucky kid to celebrate both Noche Buena and Christmas morning with my families. Cuban birthday cakes in Miami carry on the tradition with elaborate designs, multiple layers, and vibrant colored frostings. Pretty crazy, right? Last year we celebrated Christmas in Cuba and if you’re looking to do the same, please go with proper expectations. I am curious how Christmas was celebrated in Cuba under Castro, since for us in the Soviet Union it was rather “moved” to a New Year celebration, and Jesus was “stripped out”. Looking through old photos, remembering my great-grandmother (Margo) who took care of my brother and I after my parents divorced while my mom was at work made me cry. My parents each immigrated to the States (with their parents, at young ages), before the sad ban on Christmas took place. I looked and saw a thumbnail picture of your kiddos and immediately thought “Oh, they’re modeling now.” Glad to see your brand expanding. The feast starts late – around 9 or 10 – and continues until it’s time to open presents… at midnight. Of all the global Christmas food traditions, Cuba’s Christmas Eve roast pig might just be the best yet. Internet Safety Tips and Family Rules to Keep Kids Safer Online. In Mexican tradition, Las Posadas (translated as lodging) re-enact the search for shelter and scene of the nativity. Like many states when a socialist or communist government comes to power, Cuba officially embraced atheism after the revolution. The Cuban Christmas Website: Cuban Christmas Guide: Traditions Once cleaned and “cracked,” the hog is salted and baptized with a quart or more of mojo marinade and left to sit chilled the entire night in the “Florida room” with the air conditioner on HI, until the meat is infused with the garlic and citrus flavor of the mojo. The Spanish traditions can be seen in the architecture of the cities, the African traditions can be seen in the food, and the Taíno culture can still be found, particularly in the Holguín province of Cuba. In a nut shell, on Christmas Eve, the family would gather and feast. Neighborhood friends pass by occasionally to check on the pig’s progress, drink a beer or some sidra (hard apple cider from Spain), eat fresh chicharrones from the local bodega, enjoy turrones from Spain, talk, laugh, and listen to music. At this point in my legacy, my Christmas traditions became very bicultural. There are no real Christmas trees. Christmas decorations, ornaments, stockings & more. Inheritance is not a major issue in Cuba, a poor socialist country where significant private property is an exception, not the rule. It was the most anticipated holiday season by Cubans. Great post! I seriously didn’t really thought of Christmas as a religious holiday until I was in my late teens and it turned out after perestroika that a lot of people celebrate it that way , […] a little girl, I remember playing with the various nativity scene sets that my family owned. The Noche Buena feast sounds delicious!This was a great post, and I especially appreciate the mention of less emphasis on good and bad, but the importance of family and sharing in the giving and love. In Cuba, cigars are called puros or habanos . They have shopped the local markets to purchase plantains, yuca, and sour oranges. 7 Traditions Only Cubans Can Understand Superstitions. One interruption still observed by many: attending the “misa del gallo” or "Mass of the Rooster" at midnight. On this night, as on all others, there are two groups of people celebrating Noche Buena, the "party givers" and the "party goers.” Some people stay home and host these elaborate parties, while others make the rounds from house to house enjoying the celebrations and spreading holiday cheer. On Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) the families would gather together and have a GREAT feast. Its nearest neighbors are Haiti to the east, the Yucatan Peninsula to the west, Florida to the north and Jamaica to the south. I called my grandmother (Mami) to put my dibs on that nativity set one day. The Roman Catholic Church maintains eleven cathedrals in Cuba. Then, at midnight Christmas day, gifts were exchanged and opened. By morning, the Florida room is fragrant and the pig has a happy smile on its face. If you are traveling to this country and want to know more about them in BandBcuba, Bed and Breakfast in Cuba, we will give you a tour of the most important ones. While it was fun, I want my kids to have the beauty of holiday […], […] to the movies. I even made my very first flan all by myself. Christmas traditions in Cuba revolve around gathering large numbers of family members … The next year was less so, but still chaotic. But at least she got a picture of the picture of her Santa visit from last year! Drinks | Appetizers | Salads | Main Dishes Christmas was once a regular holiday in Cuba, as it is in many countries in the world. The holiday is celebrated here, but it's muted. Oh, and the garland and tree skirt didn’t make it out of storage either. […], […] was at. I could really relate to this. Families get together, friends pop over, and even neighbors and co-workers are invited. The middle photo was from my great-great grandmother’s home (she lived until she was over 100 years old) and was a large display that sat underneath the Christmas tree. Christmas is a holiday that has many observable elements that are a part of its celebration. Traditions Cuba was longtime an Atheist country but in 1997 Christmas was restored as traditional holiday, during the visit of Pope John Paul II. I did cheat a bit though. I am writing a memoir for children of that time from the point of view of my 9-10 year old self, with the backdrop of Cuban culture and history. Buñuelos – These are Cuban pastries enjoyed at Christmastime. This year promises to be calm, more streamlined and with my mom – which is the best Christmas present I could even ask for. And I am looking for someone familiar with Cuba who might be able to look at some of my material to check for accuracy. Along with the pig, we had black beans, white rice, yuca con mojo (mojo is a type of marinade with garlic, onions, and sour orange), some salad and of course lots of Cuban bread. I remember as a child getting to have a sip on Christmas … Cuba is located at the entrance to the gulf of Mexico. So those were always a big part of the decor and photo memories, too. On Christmas Eve, we headed to the town of Remedios in Cuba to experience the Las Parandas De Remedios with my Cuban Adventures tour mates. It is the night before Christmas, and all through the “towns” of Miami, in the hamlets of Hialeah, Sweetwater, Kendall, and Westchester, in backyards large and small, Cubans are carrying on the oldest and most cherished tradition of their homeland: the Noche Buena feast. If you are staying in casas particulares on your travels, you will likely be spending a good amount of... Christmas celebrations with no presents. rning, Alina got all dressed up and we headed to my Aunt’s house. According to tradition, December 24th is celebrated on Christmas Eve and the 31st or New Year’s Eve, the year is dismissed and the arrival of the new one is expected. After the visit from the pope, Christmas in Cuba became more festive but nothing like it used to be. Everybody likes to get a taste or two before the pig is done! In this slow roasting process, the cardinal sin is allowing any coals to come to rest directly under the pig. While you might find seasonal decor and activities at the tourist resorts and destinations, Christmas in Cuba is very much about family and food. Como dijo una vez el gran José Martí, ” “…Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pájaro las dos alas…” (or was it Lola Rodríguez de Tío? In our home, we do the Santa thing. In Cuba, the nativity was the center of Christmas decor instead of the Christmas tree. Now, more than ever, life is ALL about family and you’re right, we ARE living our best years right now. It was awesome to have my family over for dinner and incorporate a bit of my Cuban traditions onto my child’s lives. Cuban Christmas Traditions "Lechon" by Tony Mendoza It is the night before Christmas, and all through the “towns” of Miami, in the hamlets of Hialeah, Sweetwater, Kendall, and Westchester, in backyards large and small, Cubans are carrying on the oldest and most cherished tradition of … Following the declaration of Cuba as an atheist nation in 1962, the festival was removed from list of holidays of Cuban calendar in the year 1969 when Fidel Castro decided it was interfering with the sugar harvest festival. The culinary traditions of Cuba used to … We do stockings, but this year also started a new tradition of the Noche Buena Survival Kit so that she stays up longer, allowing us to celebrate. They gather in the backyard to set up the concrete blocks for the pig roaster, light the charcoal, and begin the all-day process of roasting the pig. Their music, food and beliefs reflect the European, African and Caribbean cultural mix that makes this island special. Unlike a Hawaiian luau, Miami Cubans do not dig a pit in the ground, cover the pig with wet banana leaves and hot rocks, and bury it. They have a tradition which is supposed to be related to forgetting the bad things that happened in the past. Christmas in Cuba is one of the most joyous occasions in the country and observed with great fun and festivity. Plastic decorations dot the top of the cake and lucky children find a small candy attached to the bottom of the decoration. At one time, there were several places that sold live hogs to the public, particularly along Krome Avenue on the extreme western edge of Miami. Cuban Christmas with Noche Buena was a time for the little doll-like sets to make their appearance and I reveled in them all season […], […] since I served this Cuban salad recipe with Red Pepper & Lemon Vinaigrette at our Noche Buena this year, it’s been a regular at our dinner table. Yuck!} Floats are It doesn’t focus on the young kids, or what they necessarily think or their bedtimes or behavior for the preceding month to earn presents. Early in the month, people begin to get ready for the holidays. Once cleaned and “cracked,” the hog is salted and baptized with a quart or more of mojo marinade and left to sit chilled the entire night in the “Florida room” with the air conditioner on HI, until the meat is infused with the garlic and citrus flavor of the mojo. The main course of the feast is roasted pig and is served with beans, rice, and plantains (Christmas Returns to Cuba). Your post brought sweet memories of growing up in Puerto Rico and celebrating Noche Buena with la familia, y mucha comida. The center-piece of the Cuban Christmas Dinner is the roast pig. Unburdened by a need for real vigilance, the men follow the time-honored tradition: sitting around drinking beer, listening to music, telling jokes, enjoying the sunshine and only occasionally casting an eye on the roasting pig. The first time I hosted Noche Buena in our new home, it was crazy doing it all by myself. And don’t forget to sprinkle them in powdered sugar. We had a simple Cuban salad, rice and black beans, and lechon asado. The women have cleaned and re-cleaned their homes from top to bottom. For its almost universal acceptance, Christmas is the only conclusion that imposes rules identical to people of different cultures, languages and races. Once the ban on Christmas was lifted (by pressure from the Pope), Cubans on the island flocked to buy nativity scenes and decorations to celebrate the holiday legally and carry out their Cuban traditions. I lived with my family in Cuba then for about a year, went to school, learned Spanish, and had a number of adventures that many 9-10 year old American children have not had. A Cuban Christmas Tradition from My Family to Yours. On our plane ride to Havana, passengers living in Florida had loaded up our plane with Christmas tree decorations, tinsel and lights, and any commodity to help their family on the island celebrate the season. Today, just two of these operations remain, so picking up a pig in the days before Christmas means waiting in long and sometimes contentious lines. Cuban Christmas with Noche Buena was a time for the little doll-like sets to make their appearance and I reveled in them all season long. For Cubans, it's all about family and friends, a time to celebrate life with good food, good music, and love. That’s so sweet of you, Danielle. Also churches, which normally carry and explain many of the traditions during Christmas, are stranded for money. I suck. Arroz con Leche – Cuban rice pudding is a traditional way to end a holiday meal on a sweet note. Even in Cuba in areas blessed with thick topsoil, people usually roast pigs above ground on a rotating spit or even more traditionally in a "pig roaster" made with concrete blocks. I’m telling you… my nose is barely above water these days! By late afternoon, you can walk through any neighborhood in Miami and smell the wonderful aroma of roasting pork as the smoke drifts from dozens of backyards. Fidel Castro saw Christmas as unnecessary due to its Christian origins, and as such, Christmas was removed from the official list of holidays in 1969. I love reading about different traditions. It was actually the first meal I’ve cooked in my new kitchen! They can best be described as a cross between a doughnut and a beignet with a Cuban twist. Noche Buena literally translates as good night, but refers to Christmas Eve. I remember Christmas to be about family and food and joy, and ultimately, that’s what I want my kids to remember it to be about to. What are Christmas traditions in Cuba? For Noche Buena, the pigs are large because appetites tend to be even larger. You’ll find joy and love in every home you enter, but probably not a Nativity Scene or Christmas lights. Raúl Musibay: The roasted pig was always the main attraction. Anywho, what rings true is that Puerto Rico and Cuba are so similar in culture, heritage, and pride. Watching the magic of Christmas come alive at the North Pole Experience this year was amazing. Christmas. Christmas in Cuba is unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere – the people’s deep desire to project celebration juxtaposed with a government that hardly allows let it, let alone supports it. Christmas isn’t about good behavior to earn presents – it’s about expressing love to family members. Legacy, tradition, and culture are virtues most Cubans I know hold onto. My Mom’s side of the family is Cuban and celebrated what we call Noche Buena {or Nochebuena}, which is December 24th. Show holiday spirit in style with Cuban Christmas décor at Zazzle! The traditional way to have roast pig is to roast a whole pig in the backyard. Christmas in Cuba is celebrated on Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve. From its history to their people, even ingrained into our Cuban culture, complexity should be its middle name. Noche Buena has distinct difference from American Christmas Eve traditions. This year, we saw ANNIE. Christmas in Cuba is celebrated on Noche Buena, or Christmas … A traditional Noche Buena party lasts until the early hours of the morning. Cuban Christmas: Traditions, History, Noche Buena and Christmas in Cuba Now Cuban Christmas. I’ve never been more proud of my roots and Cuban heritage as I am today. The day before Christmas, many Cubans gather together with their families and have a feast to celebrate the occasion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Cuban Christmas celebrations are for many Cubans a family feast, the emphasis is on the joy and gathering with the family. And looking at how beautiful my mom is, and how happy she looks with her two kids by her side, makes me realize that I am living my best years – right this very moment. The quest for the perfect plantain, one that is completely green and devoid of any spots, can itself consume several hours. Cuba has a large black and mixed-race population, and the many African cultural influences in Cuba are referred to as Afro-Cuban. The roots of most Afro-Cuban musical forms lie in the cabildos, self-organized social clubs for the African slaves, separate cabildos for separate cultures.The cabildos were formed mainly from four groups: the Yoruba (the Lucumi in Cuba); the Congolese (Palo in Cuba); Dahomey (the Fon or Arará). Your such a thoughtful and endearing writer, and definitely an inspiration. Kids had to stay up, or at least be awake, at midnight if they wanted to open presents. The principle of gathering together as a family during this holiday is the same as in the United States. But unlike my American family, the focus was not on Santa. Santa is secondary. I have my memories (a child’s), my sisters’ memories (also children), family legends, and general information I have gained by research, but there is a crazy plethora of information out there on Cuba nowadays, and not all of it is consistent. About Us/Contact Us | Legal and Privacy Policy. You would need a jackhammer to dig a pit and then you would probably hit water after the first foot. In Cuban culture – and certainly, at my Mami’s house – holiday decor is a big deal. I do want some focus on my kids in their youth during the holidays. In the days before Christmas, these small “farms” fed a steady stream of customers who selected their pig “on the hoof” and then stood by as the "farmer" butchered and cleaned the chosen hog. Cuba is such a complication. Many homes display Christmas trees. The skin of the pig is a delicacy and there is nothing as disturbing as some "stubble" to ruin the experience.