Christmas Day

**Christmas Day in Guatemala** is a vibrant and deeply religious celebration that blends indigenous traditions with Catholic customs. The holiday, known as *Navidad*, is marked by a series of festivities that begin in early December and culminate on December 25th. Guatemalans celebrate with colorful processions, elaborate nativity scenes (*nacimientos*), and traditional foods like *tamales* and *ponche* (a warm fruit punch). One of the most unique aspects of Christmas in Guatemala is the *Quema del Diablo* (Burning of the Devil) on December 7th, where people light bonfires to symbolically cleanse their homes of evil spirits. On Christmas Eve (*Nochebuena*), families gather for midnight Mass (*Misa de Gallo*) and enjoy festive meals. Fireworks and music fill the air as communities come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day itself is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and sharing meals, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community.