Christmas in Brazil

White Christmas? This is a foreign word in Brazil! And that's exactly why many vacationers are drawn to Brazil at Christmas time on a trip to the summery warm country, where Christmas Eve can be celebrated on the beach or under palm trees. When December 24th is approaching, Brazil has a summer atmosphere, but this does not change the traditional celebrations. Thus, Brazil vacationers who turn their backs on the icy cold at home will also get enough of Christmas trees and lavish Christmas decorations in Brazil.

A large part of the Christmas traditions in Brazil were brought to Brazil by German immigrants. Over the years, the locals have developed these traditions further, creating a unique Christmas experience that holidaymakers who are in Brazil at Christmas time should add to their travel module Brazil wish list. The belief in Santa Claus, the "Papai Noel", the Christmas decorations and presents; all of this is part of the holiday just like the Christmas tree. However with a special feature: In Brazil, not only fir trees are decorated, but also banana trees, mango trees, or even palm trees.

Traditionally, the presents are given at midnight on Christmas Eve. A big family dinner is also part of the program. A typical Christmas menu in Brazil consists of roasted turkey filled with offal, chestnuts, pineapple, and many other delicious ingredients. Many families also serve fish, figs, and dates at Christmas. To quench the thirst, a cool beer is served next to wine and champagne. In the nearby Blumenau in the state of Santa Catarina, one feels like a Brazil vacationer almost like being transported back home. Instead of a contemplative get-together, there is rather a rushing party with colorful fireworks, dancing, and singing until the early morning hours. While some people leave in the morning on Christmas Day to visit their families, in Brazil it is usually best to get a good night's sleep. When the family is visited afterward, not only are the leftovers of the sumptuous Christmas meal put on the table, but the celebration continues cheerfully.

Brazilian vacationers who have chosen destinations in the Serra Gaucha in southern Brazil are expected by Christmas scenarios including Santa Claus, Christ Child, and angels. For those who want to get to know this part of the country intensively, an activity trip through southern Brazil is a perfect choice.

Especially in Gramado and in Canela only snow is missing for the absolute Christmas feeling. However, in December there is a lot of summer heat here, so instead of a Santa cap, the Brazil vacationer should rather have a bikini and swimming shorts in his luggage. Another tourist attraction is the thematic events at Christmas time. Between November and January, numerous holiday-makers travel to Gramado and Canela, in order to marvel at sleds loaded with gift packages and Christmas choirs with German cultural assets. The many travelers bring the local communities not only profits but also many new jobs. In 2014, 1.5 million visitors are expected in the two municipalities, 25 percent more than last year. According to the festival committee, visitors from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have already secured the popular tickets in advance.

The Christmassy decorated cities are only separated by seven kilometers. By car, bus, bicycle, or on foot, the Brazil traveler can not only enjoy the Christmas atmosphere but also discover nature in the surrounding area. An absolute highlight of the Brazil Christmas vacation is the largest waterfall in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is located in Canela in the "Parque do Caracol". You can admire the waterfall with a height of 131 meters and the impressive landscape from a viewing platform. Waterfall fans should also visit the impressive water masses of Foz do Iguacu on their Brazil vacation, which belongs to a Brazil trip beside the many other highlights in Brazil, like the metropolis Rio de Janeiro or the Amazon rain forest.

Whoever visits Gramado and Canela on his Brazil vacation should not miss the local, homemade chocolate. The German-cultural south of Brazil also offers many other specialties, such as the "Cafe Colonial", a delicious experience for every coffee lover. If the south of Brazil is not enough, you can broaden your travel horizon with one of the Brazil round trips.

Sources: brasilienportal.ch; t-online.de