Christmas in Argentina Geography: Argentina is located on the southern tip of South America and shares borders with the Atlantic Ocean, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil. Its largest city and capital is Buenos Aires (pronounced “Bway-nos I-rays”-the “o” and “i” are long vowels). Some of the important cities of Argentina besides the capital are Córdoba, Mendoza, Mar Del Plata, and Bariloche. Argentina has the pampas in the eastern part of the country. The western border has the Andes Mountains. The northern border has tropical jungles and beautiful waterfalls (Iguazú). The tip of Argentina has a climate similar to Anchorage, Alaska. The flag has three stripes. The top and bottom are light blue. The middle one is white. The sun is yellow, but it is not always put on the flag. The sun is sometimes only used for special occasions. Preparations: It is summertime and hot in Argentina during the Christmas season. However, Argentines still celebrate the season by decorating a tree. Since many of the Christmas customs in Argentina are adopted from the US and Europe, they will sometimes use cotton balls on their trees to represent snow. Many times a Nativity scene is also set up. Children will write to Santa (which isn’t the norm in most Hispanic countries except Argentina). Traditions: On Christmas Eve, December 24th, families gather together to celebrate. There is a big meal with turkey, ham, or lamb. Champagne and cider are the typical drinks. To end the meal there are almonds, turrón (nougat confection), and pan dulce (sweet bread). Niños envueltos (meaning “wrapped up kids”) is another favorite dish. It is made of steak cut into square pieces. The pieces are stuffed with minced meat, onion, spices and hard-boiled eggs. The meat is then rolled up and cooked. “Papa Noel” (Santa Claus) normally arrives on the 24th to hand out gifts. In many families, a family member plays Papa Noel and hands out the gifts.

On Christmas Day, December 25th some Argentines will attend church. The holiday has become more secular than religious for many Argentines though. They will also get together with family again and will eat potluck style-with every family member bringing something to eat. January 6th is the Day of the Three Kings (Día de los Reyes). This celebrates the coming of the Wisemen to see baby Jesus. Many children will leave their shoes out by their bed or under the tree the night before and in the morning they will have gifts in their shoes. A traditional food on this day is Rosca de Reyes, crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits to resemble jewels. Before baking, one or more tiny figures of babies, to symbolize the Baby Jesus, are hidden in the dough. Recipes: Turrón recipes can be found HERE and HERE. Rosca de Reyes recipes can be found HERE and HERE. Here is a recipe for Pan Dulce: Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm milk (120°F), divided 1 teaspoon plus 6 tablespoons sugar 2 envelopes active dry yeast 3 3/4 cups (about) all purpose flour, divided 2 large eggs 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, very soft room temperature 1 teaspoon (packed) finely grated lemon peel 1 teaspoon (packed) finely grated orange peel 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup chopped candied orange slices or candied orange peel 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup chopped figs 1/4 cup dried tart cherries 1/4 cup chopped roasted salted cashews 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds Nonstick vegetable oil spray

Method:

1. Place 1/2 cup warm milk and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl; sprinkle yeast over and stir to blend. Let stand until yeast dissolves and mixture looks foamy, about 5minutes.

2. Mix in 1/2 cup flour to form soft sponge. Cover sponge and let stand until very light and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

3. Whisk eggs, honey, butter, lemon and orange peel, salt, remaining 1/4 cup milk, and 6 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl to blend. Stir egg mixture into sponge.

4. Mix in 3 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, to form soft dough. Mix in additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is soft and just barely sticky. Turn out onto floured work surface.

5. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, sprinkling with more flour by tablespoonfuls if still sticky, about 8 minutes.

6. Butter another large bowl. Form dough into ball. Place in bowl; turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

7. Gently press dough down. Sprinkle with all fruits and nuts; knead in bowl to distribute evenly.

8. Remove center tube of an angel food cake pan and place an 8-inch-diameter tart pan bottom inside to create 12-cup baking mold. Spray mold with nonstick spray, then butter and flour pan. Form dough into round.

9. Place in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free area until almost doubled in volume and almost level with top of pan, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

10. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake pan dulce until deep brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let stand in pan 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely.

Songs: Christmas carols are called villancios. Navidad, Navidad (Jingle Bells)

Navidad, Navidad, hoy es Navidad. Con campanas este día hay que festejar

Navidad, Navidad, porque ya nació ayer noche, Nochebuena, el niñito Dios.

Translation to Navidad, Navidad

Christmas, Christmas, today is Christmas With bells this day we must celebrate Christmas, Christmas, because He was born Last night, Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus (Child God).

Campana Sobre Campana (Bells Over Bethlehem)

Campana sobre campana y sobre campana una asómate a la ventana verás a un niño en la cuna.

Belén Campanas de Belén que los ángeles tocan que nuevas me traéis.

Recogido tu rebaño a donde vas pastorcillo? Voy a llevar la portal requesón, manteca y vino

Campana sobre campana y sobre campana dos asómate a la ventana porque esta naciendo Dios Caminando a media noche ¿donde caminas pastor? le llevo al niño que nace como a Dios mi corazón

Campana sobre campana y sobre campana tres

en una cruz a esta hora del niño va a padecer

Translation for Bells Over Bethlehem (Not a direct translation)

Bells over Bethlehem pealing, God's sacred presence revealing! There in a cradle is resting Jesus, the earth's richest blessing! Refrain: The bells, the bells of Bethlehem Are ringing out the tidings, "good will to all men!" Leave your sheep and come, O shepherds, presents bring the Babe so lowly, Bring some cheese and bring some wine For the Mother Mary holy. The bells, the bells of Bethlehem Are ringing out the tidings, "Good will to all men!" Shepherds, if you will but hasten, Mary the beautiful Virgin, May grant that you may be keeping Watch o'er the dear Baby sleeping. Listen to Bells Over Bethlehem HERE.

Website with Argentine carols: This site is completely in Spanish but you can click on a song and it will then go to the lyrics. Near the lyrics there will be a MIDI file so that you can listen to the tune of the song.

Additional Information: Nochebuena-Christmas Eve-it literally means “The Good Night” La Navidad-Christmas-it means “The Nativity” El Día de Los Reyes-Three Kings Day Belén-Bethlehem Villancicos-Christmas carols