We're here to help you keep count of the days to or since a date. Just click the button below and enter your chosen date to get started. Also choose the suggested days or search for a special day above #countingthedays
History and Traditions: Christmas Day in Peru, known locally as "Navidad," is a blend of Spanish Catholic traditions and indigenous customs. The celebration of the birth of Jesus is central to the holiday, with many Peruvians attending a midnight Mass called "Misa de Gallo" (Rooster's Mass) on Christmas Eve.
One of the most cherished traditions is setting up "nacimientos" or Nativity scenes, which are often elaborate and can take up large areas of living rooms or public spaces. Artisans craft these scenes with local materials and figures, showcasing both religious aspects and Peruvian culture.
Peruvian Christmas also features distinctive music, including villancicos (Christmas carols) that fuse Andean instruments with traditional melodies.
Activities on Christmas Day:
Family Gatherings: Families come together to share a festive meal, often late on Christmas Eve leading into Christmas Day. Turkey is a common centerpiece, along with dishes like roast pork, tamales, and "panetón," a sweet bread filled with candied fruits.
Gift Exchange: After the midnight celebration on Christmas Eve, families exchange gifts.
Religious Observance: Many attend church services on Christmas Day to observe the religious significance of the holiday.
Public Celebrations: In towns and cities across Peru, there are often public festivities including fireworks, music concerts, and dancing.
While coastal urban areas may have more modern or commercial celebrations akin to Western styles, highland communities often retain more traditional Andean customs interwoven with their Christian faith.
