Christmas parades (las parrandas) take place all over Latin America between December 16 and 26. However, the Cuban town of Remedios, 27 miles (44 km) east of Santa Clara, boasts the most outstanding Christmas extravaganza.
Las Parrandas de Remedios Christmas Festival
According to a popular story, the town's priest was concerned that people would rather go to bed than attend the midnight mass. Thus, he enlisted local children to make noise in the streets and hoped that such conditions would bring parishioners to the church. That's how Las Parrandas de Remedios Christmas Festival was born here. Come witness this beautiful tradition on the night of December 24.
Christmas foods
On Christmas Eve, Cubans eat special dishes for dinner. These include roasted pig, black beans, white rice, yuca con mojo (special marinade with garlic, onions, and sour oranges) and Cuban bread.
History of the feast
The government had banned the Christmas celebration until the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998. Since then, it has been celebrated in a uniquely Cuban way. If you want to enjoy Christmas differently from the previous years, winter is the best time to visit Cuba. What's more, the weather during the holiday season is warm and can reach 79 °F (26 °C).
