As a Peruvian-American growing up in the 626 area, it was boba galore and KBBQ at every corner (we love good food). 95% of my friends are Asian and their ongoing joke always was that they had chosen to “adopt” me as one of their own.
Home was another world, however. I ate ceviche, alongside a refreshing Inca-Cola beverage. Peruvian jargon such as “miercoles” were often hollered by my mom when I made a mess in the kitchen, her throne. On Saturday mornings, my dad would blast Oscar Aviles and Arturo’s Cavero’s “Contigo Peru”. Living between these two worlds made hard to stay in touch with my culture, especially since I didn’t have many people to share it with (I literally know like two Peruvian families) or generations of family that live in the United States since my family history in the U.S. begins with my parents and my sisters and me.
As unqualified as I may be (but I was Spanish Club President in my high school, if I may add), I base this list from my own experience as a Peruvian-American and the cultural traditions my parents passed down to me, which will probably differ from family to family. But Christmas was different. This was a whole day full of Peruvian traditions that I could participate in; they weren’t just intangible stories or sayings. So take it or leave it, here’s my version!
“Christmas” begins on December 24th. So the great thing is we get a whole day head start from everyone else who celebrates Christmas on the 25th! As a child, Christmas Eve was the day I looked forward to because most of the festivities occurred on this day, rather than actual Christmas day.
Source: Pinterest
Family and friends were invited to celebrate, so that meant cleaning like crazy. Moms get really serious about the presence of the home during the holiday season. Don’t get me started on New Year’s Eve cleaning traditions.
“There cannot be a sign of living in this house!” Source: Youtube
The guests arrive one by one. “¿Ya le saludaste?”, your parents naggingly telling you to greet each and every guest, even though you probably already did (who else let them in?). Yes, this means the typical kiss on the right cheek and a side hug.
Source: L’Italo-Americano
What Peruvian celebration is complete without music? Expected music choices: salsa music, “el Alcatraz,” Marc Anthony hits, and some Peruvian songs that bring out my parent’s patriotism, always. Don’t forget the dancing!
Food is one of the main attractions on this day. Cooking all day is a must to prepare for the big feast that we eat as we anticipate the clock to strike twelve. The feast varies for every family, but must-haves are the following: “panetón”, a sweet bread ordinated with dried fruit candies; turkey or ham; “ensalada rusa”, which is basically a salad of beets; and mashed potatoes.
Source: Karikuy Blog
The clock strikes 12AM, it’s finally Christmas Day! The kids run to the Christmas tree as the time has finally come to open gifts. But first, champagne bottles open and apple cider is given to the kids as we all wish each other a “Merry Christmas!” Everyone gathers around the tree as we pass along the gifts and open them, while panetón and hot chocolate is offered, if you’re not too full from dinner. This could all last until around 1-2AM!
Source: GIPHY
December 25th marks the end of the Christmas celebration. If you’re religious, you’ll be at church. Many will sleep in from the late-night festivities. Children will wake up early in excitement to play with new toys. Breakfast is typically more panetón (we probably have five in stock since it’s only available annually) and hot chocolate. But the best part is the leftovers, if there are any!