Nochebuena
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This article is about a traditional custom in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. For the flower also known as Nochebuena, see Poinsettia.
Nochebuena, often translated as Holy Night, is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, Latin America and the Philippines dictates a traditional dinner on this night.
- In Spain, after a Christmas mass, Nochebuena tradition includes a dinner with family and friends. It is particularly common to start the meal with a seafood dish such as prawns or salmon, followed by a bowl of hot, homemade soup. It is also common to have desserts such as turrón.
- In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass or church service about an hour or so before midnight. The typical Nochebuena foods prepared on the table are: lechón, pancit, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, adobo, among others for the main course; desserts include halo-halo, rice cakes, ice cream, pastries and cakes; drinks include soda, wine, beer, juice.
- In Latin America Nochebuena is also celebrated on Christmas eve and marks the final evening of the Posadas celebrations.
