TOP 5 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Tis the season to be jolly; fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! For couple of weeks every year, the world takes on a magical glow. People travel around the world to exchange gifts and spend time with their loved ones. Whether you are celebrating Christmas or another holiday, you are bound to be accustomed to certain customary holiday traditions. Check out five (5) of our favourite Christmas traditions around the world. Which one is your favourite?

(5) DAY OF THE LITTLE CANDLES, COLOMBIA

Little Candles’ Day (Día de las Velitas) marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. In honour of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards.

The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. Some of the best are found in Quimbaya, where neighbourhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement.

(4) CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS, TORONTO

In wintry, wonderful Toronto the annual Cavalcade of Lights marks the official start to the holiday

season. The first Cavalcade took place in 1967 to show off Toronto’s newly constructed City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.

The Square and Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights that shine from dusk until 11 pm until the New Year. On top of that, you’ll get to witness spectacular fireworks shows and engage in some outdoor ice skating.

(3) ROLLER SKATE TO CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS EVE, VENEZUELA

Love Christmas, but think it could be improved by a spot of roller-blading? If the answer is yes, visit Caracas, Venezuela this year. Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning – so far, so normal – but, for reasons known only to them, they do so on roller skates.

This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less-than-traditional Christmas dinner of ‘tamales’ (a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat, then steamed).

(2) LIGHTING OF NATIONAL HANUKKAH MENORAH, WASHINGTON, D.C. – US

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated with much fanfare across the United States with one of

the most elaborate events taking place on a national stage. Since 1979, a giant nine-metre Menorah has been raised on the White House grounds for the eight days and nights of Hanukkah. The ceremony in Washington, D.C. is marked with speeches, music, activities for kids, and, of course, the lighting of the Menorah.

The lighting of the first candle at the White House takes place at 4pm, rain or shine, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. The event is free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance.

(1) HIDING OF BROOMS, NORWAY

Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway, where people hide their brooms. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.

Source: Momondo

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