Christmas in a Coasta Rica
By: Adrianna Granado
Christmas Tree
There is a huge Christmas tree lighting ceremony that a bunch of people go to.
Tamales
Tamales are normally eaten after the midnight mass (Misa de Gallo). They are wrapped for cooking in plantain leaves.
Nativity Scene
A model of the nativity scene (Pasito) is center of the display. It is sometimes decorated with flowers and fruit.
°Traditional drinks are rum punch and egg nog
°On Christmas Eve at midnight, they go to mass
°During December through January, there are fiestas, parades, rodeos and street parties
Tree of the Children's National Hospital
This tree represents hope for the coming year and thankfulness for all they recieve. This tree has been at the hospital for decades and it gives a light of hope to all of the kids inside.
Map of Coasta Rica
Important Dates
• On December 24th (Christmas Eve) at midnight there is mass which is called Misa de Gallo and baby Jesus is placed in the manger
• December 25th (Christmas Day) is a day for relaxing and enjoying family and presents
• On December 26th (Boxing Day) there is an important horseback parade called Tope
• On December 27th, many towns and cities have 'Carnaval' with a big parade featuring dancing and big floats
• On January 6th (Three Kings Day) the Three Kings join the nativity scene