Banjo’s Festive Features: Christmas Traditions from around the World
Next in our festive features, we’ve been learning all about the colourful Christmas traditions that are taking place around the world.
Over here at Banjo HQ, our international team have shared stories of their Greek, English, Irish, Romanian, Spanish, Hungarian, Brazilian, American and New Zealand festivities. In fact, our ideal celebration would probably include something from each of them!
Here are some of the brilliant traditions kept by our friends around the globe…
Norway
Christmas Eve in Norway sees some families hiding their brooms! This centuries-old tradition dates back to a time when people believed witches and spirits would appear on the 24th and ride around on their brooms unless they were out of sight!
Finland
Finnish families typically share delicious rice porridge for their Christmas breakfast – and one lucky person will find an almond hidden in theirs and will have good fortune in the upcoming year!
Philippines
Ligligan Parul (the Giant Lantern Festival) is held ever year in San Fernando where residents of local villages take to the streets to show off their colourful creations and the city is known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”
Ireland
Some Irish families still keep to an old tradition of leaving a tall, red candle burning in their front window overnight to represent welcoming strangers with warmth and light.
Sweden
Since the 1960s, every year, the Swedish city of Gävle plays host to a a 13-metre-tall Yule Goat! You can even watch it on their live stream all through December, here!Â
Mexico
Christmas festivities begin in early December in Mexico with religious marches, plays and lots of red poinsettias for decoration. El Noche de Rábanos (December 23rd) in Oaxaca sees people carving detailed Christmas sculptures… from radishes!
Venezuela
And last but not least, did you know that the residents of Caracas have started a new Christmas Eve tradition which is bound to get you in a festive mood? The city closes some of its streets and families roller-skate together to Midnight mass! What a joyful sight that must be!
Did you know that our brand-new picture book, Banjo Robinson and the Christmas Kitten celebrates international Christmas traditions too? Snap it up in our Christmas sale now and start a new Christmas Eve tradition of your own!Â
Remember to check out our family friendly musicals, educational board games, Christmas jokes, Christmas films blog, Family Christmas trips blog, Christmas books blog and Christmas gift guide too for lots of inspiration this Christmas.Â
Stay festive and FANTASTIC!
Lots of love,
Banjo HQ x
