Christmas Day

**Christmas Day in Cuba** is a festive and culturally rich celebration that blends religious traditions with local customs. Although Christmas was officially banned in Cuba for several decades following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, it was reinstated as a public holiday in 1997 after Pope John Paul II's visit to the island. Today, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of Catholic traditions and Cuban flair. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and religious observances. Many Cubans attend midnight Mass, known as *Misa de Gallo* (Rooster's Mass), to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Homes and churches are often decorated with nativity scenes, lights, and festive ornaments. Traditional Cuban dishes, such as *lechón asado* (roast pork), *congrí* (rice and beans), and *yuca con mojo* (yucca with garlic sauce), are central to Christmas meals, alongside desserts like *turrones* (nougat) and *buñuelos* (fried dough balls). Music and dance also play a significant role in the celebrations, with lively *son cubano* and *rumba* rhythms filling the air. While Christmas in Cuba may not have the same commercial emphasis as in other countries, it remains a heartfelt and joyous occasion, emphasizing family, faith, and cultural heritage.