Most countries have their own Christmas customs and Bahia, Brazil is no exception. Thanks to Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvarez Cabral’s arrival in 1500, Brazil has adopted not only the language but also the Catholic religion (123 million at the last count – Pew Research Center), and Christmas traditions.
Some of the Christmas customs are familiar to Europeans and US visitors, but if you are considering investing in one of the beautiful houses for sale in Brazil on the beach, and will be spending Christmas time in Trancoso, Bahia, you may find that some traditions have a unique Brazilian twist.
As long-term residents and experienced real estate agents specialising in Brazil real estate, Exclusive Realty Brasil are ideally placed to give you the low down on what to expect in Trancoso at Christmas.
Public holidays in December
Firstly, before planning your trip, you should be aware that there are a bunch of public holidays in Trancoso around Christmas. The first is Restoration of Independence Day (1st December), Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8th December), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (24th, 25th and 31st respectively).
Nativity Scenes and Christmas plays
Let’s start with the familiar, we have it on good authority that the most popular Christmas carol in Brazil is 'Noite Feliz' (Silent Night), which is an image that jars slightly against the loud, colourful carnivals that we usually associate with Brazil.
Another Portuguese tradition that is still going strong today are the carefully curated nativity scenes or Presépio, as they are known in Brazil. Every year, churches (and many private homes) painstakingly set up the intricate nativity scenes which are then displayed throughout December. Then there is also the Christmas play 'Os Pastores' (translated as the Shepherds), which depicts a nativity story with a dramatic Brazilian twist… whereby a female shepherd tries to abduct the baby Jesus.
Papai Noel
Like every Christian country, Christmas is not Christmas without the mythical figure of Santa Claus, Father Christmas or as Papai Noel as he is known in Bahia Brazil. Children leave leave a sock by a window for him to leave a gift. Similar to European traditions, Brazilians also enjoy playing secret Santa, “amigo secreto”, whereby small presents are gifted under a false name, and the real secret Santa is only revealed on Christmas day.
Christmas food in Brazil
On Christmas Eve most families sit down to eat their meal at around 22.00, and at midnight they toast and wish each other a happy Christmas, and will then exchange gifts. Christmas Day is also a big family day in Brazil, when another large meal will be shared with relatives and friends in their homes.
Turkey features heavily on the Brazilian Christmas menus which could be stuffed with various fillings including fruits or farofa (a toasted cassava flour mix), and accompanied with roast potatoes or cassava.
Roast pork is also traditionally served at Christmas, cooked with garlic, rosemary, onion and butter or there is a third option, a succulent joint of ham prepared with honey, mustard, cloves, pineapple and grapes, and served with a fruit sauce that imparts a tropical, spiced taste to the meal. There is also a big appetite for salads on a Brazilian Christmas table, including potato mayonnaise salad, chicken salad, served with rice and beans.
As in houses all over the world, Christmas in Trancoso is not complete without sweet treats, which could be Italian Panettone, introduced by the many Italian immigrants to Brazil. Pave Dessert, which is a sweet and delicious confection of ladyfinger biscuits, cream, chocolate and whatever flavours take your fancy, and Brazilian Rabanada, a French style toast, is also a festive favourite.
New Year’s Eve Party - Fiesta do Taipe 2024
If like us you enjoy seeing in the New Year in style, for those in the know, Trancoso is supposed to be the best destination in Bahia. Trancoso’s small village centre comes to life with concerts and parties, with celebrities from all over the world arriving to enjoy the vibe.
One of the most popular and longstanding parties in Trancoso is the Fiesta do Taipe that has been held at Taipe Beach for 23 years. The event kicks off at around 23.00 on 31st December and continues through the night until 10.00 on 1st January. Tickets can be bought here: www.ingresse.com/taipe24/.
No words can do this small slice of Bahian paradise justice, you need to experience the atmosphere for yourself…Feliz Natal!
For further details about the lifestyle, beaches and the latest opportunities to purchase beachfront Trancoso real estate, visit Exclusive Realty Brasil www.exclusiverealtybrasil.com, Call or WhatsApp +34 629892894 or + 55 73991514091