19 Holiday Traditions from Around the World
19 Holiday Traditions from Around the World
By Henry Primos Smith — December 7, 2024
Christmas is celebrated across the globe in myriad ways, each culture adding its unique flavor to the season of joy and giving. From feasts to fireworks, these traditions showcase the diversity of holiday celebrations.
Article cover image from Dupe Photos.
Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival
In San Fernando, Philippines, the Giant Lantern Festival lights up the season with dazzling parols (lanterns). These colorful, star-shaped lanterns symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and are made using intricate designs and patterns.
Iceland: The Yule Lads
Icelandic children are visited by 13 mischievous Yule Lads in the days leading up to Christmas. Each night, children leave shoes out, hoping for treats from the kind lads—or coal if they’ve been naughty.
Sweden: The Gävle Goat
In Sweden, a massive straw Yule Goat, called the Gävle Goat, is erected in the town of Gävle. Despite efforts to protect it, the goat has a history of being burned down as part of local mischief.
Japan: KFC Christmas Feast
Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, but thanks to a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s, many Japanese families now enjoy a festive bucket of KFC as their Christmas meal.
Germany: Advent Calendars and Christmas Markets
Germany is the birthplace of Advent calendars, where children count down to Christmas with small daily treats. Additionally, Christmas markets, like the famous one in Nuremberg, bring festive cheer with handmade crafts and mulled wine.
Mexico: Las Posadas
In Mexico, Las Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families and friends go from house to house, singing carols, and the evening ends with a joyful celebration and piñata breaking.
Australia: Beach BBQs and Carols by Candlelight
Christmas in Australia falls in the summer, so families often celebrate with beach barbecues and outdoor concerts. "Carols by Candlelight," a popular event, brings communities together to sing festive songs under the stars.
Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes
In Italian-American households, Christmas Eve is celebrated with the "Feast of the Seven Fishes," a lavish seafood dinner honoring the vigil before Christmas Day.
Norway: Hiding Brooms
In Norway, it's customary to hide brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches or evil spirits from stealing them for a midnight ride.
Poland: Wigilia and Oplatek
Polish families celebrate Wigilia on Christmas Eve with a meatless feast. Before dinner, they share an oplatek (wafer) while exchanging good wishes.
Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church
In Caracas, Venezuela, residents roller skate to early morning Mass during the Christmas season. Streets are even closed to cars to make way for the skaters.
Austria: Krampus Night
In Austria, Krampus, a terrifying horned figure, roams the streets during the first week of December. He is said to punish naughty children, contrasting sharply with the benevolence of St. Nicholas.
Ethiopia: Ganna (Orthodox Christmas)
In Ethiopia, Christmas, called Ganna, is celebrated on January 7. People attend church dressed in traditional white garments and participate in spiritual ceremonies.
Canada: Mummering in Newfoundland
In parts of Newfoundland, Canada, mummering involves costumed neighbors visiting homes, singing songs, and playing pranks. Hosts try to guess who’s behind the disguises.
Greece: Burning the Christmas Log
Greek families keep a fire burning for 12 days of Christmas to ward off mischievous goblins known as Kallikantzaroi.
South Africa: Eating Fried Caterpillars
In South Africa, some people enjoy fried Emperor Moth caterpillars as a Christmas treat. This crunchy delicacy is both festive and packed with protein.
Russia: Ded Moroz and Snegurochka
In Russia, New Year’s celebrations often overshadow Christmas. Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) delivers gifts with the help of his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden).
Colombia: Día de las Velitas
In Colombia, the holiday season begins with Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) on December 7. Streets and homes are adorned with candles and lanterns to honor the Virgin Mary.
Portugal: Consoada
On Christmas Eve, Portuguese families gather for Consoada, a feast that includes codfish and boiled potatoes. An extra plate is often set to honor deceased loved ones.
Christmas around the world is as varied as the cultures that celebrate it, yet the universal themes of love, family, and giving connect all these traditions. Whether it’s a feast, a festival, or a moment of reflection, these customs embody the true spirit of the season.
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