Illuminated nights

Truly, there is no Christmas (and much less Nochebuena) without colored lights, and light decorations are always a treat for the eyes. Every year, people in all parts of the American continent illuminate their homes to welcome this important season.

One of the most beautiful sights on Nochebuena is luminaries, or luminarias. This tradition comes to us from Mexico, where small road torches were lighted on Christmas Eve to guide people to the midnight mass, or Misa de Gallo. Currently, luminarias are traditionally made with candles inside paper bags and placed along roads and walkways. In many cities, luminarias don’t just decorate homes, but also historical sites and monuments to create a magical light display.

Flavors that bring us together

Nochebuena is one of those times in which food takes the center stage and defines the celebration, and in Texas the combination of flavors is particularly delicious. In much of Latin America, Nochebuena is generally the most important date to celebrate and Christmas day is reserved to rest and share as a family.

Tamales, tamales and more tamales

In the Mexican American communities of Texas there is no Nochebuena without tamales. To make these, a mixture of corn dough and various fillings is wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and steamed. This culinary delight is rooted in Mesoamerican indigenous traditions and has become an essential part of Christmas festivities. Preparation day is in itself a family event, with several generations gathering together to share recipes, stories, and laughter.

Caribbean culinary traditions

The most traditional dishes in countries like Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic are made with pork – lechón or pernil asado – and share the table with rice dishes like arroz con gandules and pasteles, a distant cousin of tamales but made with a mix of grated root vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves. The most traditional Puerto Rican desserts (tembleque and arroz con dulce) feature coconut as its shining star, and in any Boricua household you will find coquito, a drink similar to eggnog but made with coconut milk, rum and spices.

Pan de Jamón, a Venezuelan tradition

If you are invited to a Venezuelan Nochebuena. Get ready to taste this delicious bread. Each family has their recipe, and it is basically a homemade yeasted bread filled with ham, cream cheese and other delicious ingredients.

Colombian dishes

Some of the things that you cannot do without in Nochebuena are the buñuelos y natilla de Antioquia (from the Andes region), along with many varieties of tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Colombians also love pork dishes, and in the Pacific region you will always have fish.

Argentina on the menu

The asado is the indisputable king, and a lighted grill equals a celebration. Other delights are the Vitel Toné, a dish of Italian origin made with sliced eye of round steak, and side dishes like arrollado salado, ensalada rusa and ensalada de frutas.

Music and dance: rhythms that connect us

Music and dance are always present in Nochebuena and no party will be complete without them. In Texas, it is common to see dances like Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, which tell stories through movement and color. These artistic expressions no only entertain us, but also strengthen cultural and generational ties.

Spiritual and community celebrations

Misa de Gallo, or Midnight Mass, is a Catholic tradition deeply arraigned in Nochebuena festivities across all Latin America. This mass, which happens at midnight on Christmas Eve, is a time of spiritual reflection and community connection that joins people beyond their differences. Likewise, Christian churches of other denominations will open their doors to receive everyone in an environment of faith and hope.

Reliant is proud to be part of this cultural mosaic

Nochebuena in Texas is a celebration that goes beyond any cultural frontier, and for Reliant it is an honor to be part of those traditions because they reflect the diversity and cultural richness of the state. From the decorations that light the night, to the foods that delight our senses, each tradition has its place in Texas. These celebrations no only enrich the lives of those who participate in them, they also strengthen the community with the promise that they will continue for future generations.

Reliant lights your celebrations, and we invite you to check out our webpage of information about holiday community events. Come join us!