{"id":5061590,"date":"2023-12-11T02:57:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T02:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wilatinonews.com\/?p=5061590"},"modified":"2023-12-11T02:57:15","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T02:57:15","slug":"latino-christmas-traditions-a-food-centered-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/2023\/12\/11\/latino-christmas-traditions-a-food-centered-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Latino Christmas Traditions: A Food-Centered Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christmas time is here, and the thoughts of Latino families across the state are set to the centerpiece of that magical night \u2014 the Christmas dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although born in the Dominican Republic, Claudia Hilario moved to Puerto Rico at 12. And Puerto Rican Christmas traditions influence how she and her family celebrate Navidad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Christmas Eve, Hilario and her family get together to celebrate \u2014 and that means a lot of traditional food from the island nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/image-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5061591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/image-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/image-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/image.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pernil<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the foods found on the dinner table that night are pernil and pasteles. The pasteles are made with&nbsp;<em>masa<\/em>&nbsp;&nbsp;(dough) de platano or yucca and are filled with pork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pernil \u2014 a slow roasted pork leg or pork shoulder \u2014 is the heart of a Puerto Rican Christmas dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe pernil can never be left out,\u201d Hilario said. \u201cAnd neither can the pasteles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christmas Eve on the island is for the big celebration when the entire family gathers, she said. And on Christmas morning gifts are opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s also when either family who couldn\u2019t make it to the celebration on the 24<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;come or you go and visit and deliver presents,\u201d Hilario said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI still haven\u2019t made a pernil in my life, but I think this will be the first time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while finding the ingredients for a traditional meal might be a challenge, Hilario isn\u2019t too worried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ll just go to a&nbsp;<em>mercado&nbsp;<\/em>with Hispanic food,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dinner, she said, is heavy on the carbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you take a green salad, it will be left untouched,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty funny.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A Puerto Rican Christmas \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\udf84\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xCiS06a4LEI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"260\" height=\"194\" data-id=\"5061592\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/t.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5061592\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tembleque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"5061593\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/a.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5061593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/a.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/a-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/a-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arroz con gandules<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"5061594\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/c.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5061594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/c.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/c-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/wiln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/12\/c-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coquito<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Making a traditional dinner for Christmas Eve is important, Hilario said, because it is one way to maintain the tradition and culture of the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFood is something that always unites us. It\u2019s a way to keep the tradition via the flavor. I\u2019m always looking for the flavor of Puerto Rico. And the way to keep the flavor is to make it yourself. It\u2019s also a way for the children to learn about the culture,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to the one food traditionally served in the homes of the majority of Mexican families in the United States, tamales will be the mainstay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vsi.coy.mybluehost.me\/ct\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tamales.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5050017\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tamales<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this is not the case in Mexico. While you may find them on some tables, tamales are reserved for Feb. 2 \u2014 for the celebration of La Candelaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the region, the main dish served for Christmas can vary widely, but the day when families get together is December 24. With December 25 being reserved for&nbsp;<em>recalentado \u2014&nbsp;<\/em>leftovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families in the central part of the country, including Mexico City and the State of Mexico, serve bacalao \u2014 dried, salted codfish \u2014 and romeritos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vsi.coy.mybluehost.me\/ct\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/romeritos-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5050018\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Romeritos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romeritos \u2014 an edible leafy foliage that belongs to the&nbsp;<em>quelites<\/em>&nbsp;family, (which in turn is similar to spinach in consistency when cooked) \u2014 resemble Rosemary but have no aroma and are completely edible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romeritos are cooked with mole, potatoes and\u00a0<em>torta de camaron<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 shrimp patties. And it\u2019s a mainstay on the Christmas Eve dinner table in central Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Veracruz the main dishes on table can be cerdo en ciruela, pierna adobada or pollo en adobo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ensalada De Manzana Naviden\u0303a\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3xq8cnnJReE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But regardless of where you are in the country, the&nbsp;<em>ensalada de manzana navide<\/em><em>\u00f1a<\/em>&nbsp;cannot be left off the table. The main ingredients of the salad are apples, raisins, nuts, crema Mexicana and celery. Some families will add other ingredients, but&nbsp;<em>ensalada de manzana&nbsp;<\/em>is always served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">December 25 is actually a quiet day and reserved for&nbsp;<em>recalentado&nbsp;<\/em>\u2014 leftovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vsi.coy.mybluehost.me\/ct\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/11124A0B-5F0A-41AA-829D-07F715C7E671.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5050020\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, many Hispanic, Latino families living in the U.S. also integrate American traditions into their Christmas meals. It isn\u2019t uncommon for turkey and ham to be the centerpiece of dinner tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like in most aspects of their life in America, this community acculturates rather than assimilates common customs in this country into their ancestral traditions; that is to say \u2013 they adopt the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some families do wait for Santa Claus and some presents are opened on Christmas day, the majority of families look forward to the arrival of the Three Kings on January 6. Gifts are usually given on both December 25 and January 6. Depending on the family, one of the two days is reserved for the fun gifts, while on the other \u201cuseful\u201d gifts such as socks and underwear are given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But regardless of where Latinos come from, Christmas centers on food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Publisher&#8217;s Notes: <a href=\"https:\/\/ctlatinonews.com\/latino-christmas-traditions-a-food-centered-holiday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Latino Christmas Traditions: A Food-Centered Holiday was first published in Connecticut Latino News.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Christmas time is here, and the thoughts of Latino families across the state are set to the centerpiece of that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":5061595,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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time is here, and the thoughts of Latino families across the state are set to the centerpiece of that [&hellip;]","authors":[{"term_id":5993,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"vicki-adame","display_name":"Vicki 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