After the last rains of September and the windy days of October and November, a fresh, spring-like breeze fills the air, announcing that the dry season is here. Suddenly, everything is green, and lights twinkle around Salvadoran communities. It’s Christmas in El Salvador!
What is Christmas like in this Central American country? While El Salvador has many traditions you might be familiar with, like Christmas trees and Rudolph, it also features traditions unique to Salvadoran culture.
Traditions Inspired by the U.S. Holiday Season
Many Christmas traditions in El Salvador are similar to those in the U.S. In Salvadoran neighborhoods, you’ll find bright green and red Christmas decorations adorning yards. And if you look closely, you might see Santa, Rudolph or even Frosty the Snowman.
While it doesn’t snow in El Salvador, you’ll also see that all familiar white paint imitating snow on storefronts. And if you visit the local supermarket, you’ll smell the scent of pine and find a plethora of artificial Christmas trees to decorate your home with.
Salvadoran Food at Christmastime
At Christmastime, the whole family — brothers, sisters, grandpas, grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins — comes together to celebrate and share the joy of the season. The family enjoys a large meal together, consisting of staples like turkey and a variety of salads.
They also share a wide range of traditional Salvadoran foods, such as chirimol, a dish of chopped tomatoes, onions and spices with lemon juice. Another traditional meal is tamales, which features yummy chicken or pork wrapped with banana leaves.
Nathalie’s Favorite Chicken Sandwich
Did you know that many Salvadorans also enjoy chicken sandwiches at Christmas? While these may not seem as luxurious as juicy baked turkey, they’re a beloved staple for many, including 7-year-old Nathalie.
In impoverished communities in El Salvador, chicken is much more affordable than turkey or red meat. Nathalie’s family even raises the chicken they use for their Christmas meal.
“That’s the hardest part of making this food — catching the chicken. They run really fast!” — Nathalie
Known as panes con pollo, these chicken sandwiches feature slow-cooked chicken in a spiced tomato sauce, which is served on soft bread rolls. Each Christmas Eve, the smell of the tomato sauce already simmering in preparation wakes Nathalie up from bed.
“I like to cut small pieces of bread and soak them in the tomato sauce. That flavor is delicious.” — Nathalie
Salvadoran Christmas Celebrations
In El Salvador, while Christmas Eve may be a holy night, it’s not a silent night. At midnight, communities around El Salvador celebrate the arrival of Christmas with fireworks and music.
The streets are full of children setting off firecrackers and running wildly with sparklers. Music and laughter seep out of houses and throughout neighborhoods.
For Salvadorans, bright flashing lights, the smell of gunpowder and the sound of celebratory melodies mean that it’s truly Christmastime. It’s the ultimate celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus.
Christmas Gifts in El Salvador
Gifts are a major part of Christmas in El Salvador. Many families will exchange gifts right after the midnight church service on Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena.
Children might receive a new toy as well as new clothes. They’ll wear these clothes during the Christmas Eve celebrations, a tradition known as El Estreno, signifying the new year ahead.
Christmas for Children in Poverty
For families living in poverty, who struggle to pay for necessities like safe water and food, gifts are luxuries they just can’t afford. But at Compassion, we believe every child deserves to experience the joy of opening a gift at Christmas.
At Compassion centers around El Salvador, each child receives a special gift during the Christmas celebrations. Staff at the center personally know each child and select gifts based on their needs and wishes, such as toys, clothing, school supplies or even a Bible of their own.
In El Salvador, Christmas shines through family gatherings, beloved traditions and the joy that fills every neighborhood. From fireworks at midnight to the aroma of simmering tomato sauce, every moment reflects a beautiful culture that celebrates the birth of Jesus with heart.
