Feliz Navidad!
Welcoming a couple of Nortes into their home for a Christmas celebration was a first observation of the hospitality and amistad of the Paraguayan people. It was interesting to observe the different ways the same holiday is celebrated, as well as the similarities. Here we go, Christmas, Paraguayan style!
The festivities began well before Christmas. Instead of a tree, a Navidad crèche is decorated outside of the family home. Our host brother and sister did a fine job!
As in the states, a feast is prepared. In Paraguay, a cow was killed for the celebration. Every part was used, from the stomach/intestines; to the head with horns, tongue, eyes in tact, (cooked whole); to the forelegs with hooves still attached; to the hide. Though some of these delicacies were not my favorites, (brain scooped from the spinal column in the back of the skull), I did appreciate the way the entire animal was used, leaving little waste behind.
The feast, which began at 11:00pm on the eve of the Navidad, also included a special fruit punch called “clarico.” A 5 gallon bucket was filled with about 20 pounds of chopped fruit, (brought in from Asuncion), bottles of red wine, champagne, and cana, (distilled sugar cane juice). It was hard to limit ourselves, fresh fruit is a rare treat here!
As 12:00 neared, the sound of "bombas" filled the air. The firecrackers, lit on a coal from the asado, were thrown with excitement by two 5 year-old boys. The countdown then began, and at midnight, hugs, kisses, and “felicidades!” were exchanged. There was talk of going to the Polidiportivo to join in the music and dancing, but we opted to stick close to home.
On the morning of the Navidad, the feasting, conversation, and time spent with family continued on into the evening. Gifts did not seem to be an important part of this holiday, as they are in the states- the people seemed just as happy, though.
Being so far from home and away from family and friends during the holidays was not easy for us. But, if we had to choose another place and family to be with, we were exactly where we’d choose to be.
Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!!
Sounds like you were well taken care of! Saw Tyler at breakfast the other morning and he was looking well and happy. Fast approaching our next dinner for ten and have your 8 X 10 glossy for display at the table! Love reading your blog as it keeps us updated. Take care. Bob
ReplyDeleteI always felt that Christmas here in Paraguay is a blend between 4th of July and New Year's. With the waiting for midnight, plus the fireworks and barbecue.
ReplyDeleteAnd gifts will probably be exchanged/gifted on the Three Kings Day.
Ay, dios mio! That is a scary looking cow head. We missed you guys at Christmas and it was really fun getting to talk to you on Skype. Keep the blog and pictures coming, we love seeing what's up with you (maybe except the cow head!). Happy new year, love you!!
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