Every culture has traditions, but none is more special in Hispanic culture than Noche Buena. Noche Buena translates to “the good night,” and it is celebrated every Christmas Eve with family. The origins of Noche Buena stem from Spanish settlers in the New World’s Catholic tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 24.
The underlying tradition has endured, with regional variations being practiced. For example, in Puerto Rico, they perform their version of caroling called “Parrandas.” Parrandas consist of a small group of people caroling, and surprising their friends at their homes with music. It can consist of live instruments as well, such as guitars and tambourines. These Parrandas are spontaneous, so most families are well prepared to receive guests at any time of night with food and drink.
The menu for Noche Buena consists of roasted pig, or lechon, rice, beans, boiled yucca, and sweet plantains. In most Cuban homes the lechon is prepared in a “caja china,” or a Chinese box. The pig is roasted whole in a wooden box with a metal top with coals on. The process is a whole day affair, and often the pre-party to Noche Buena.
In some homes, families make tamales. Tamales traditionally were made by women in pre-Columbian times and were a staple food of the Aztec and Mayan culture. In Caribbean Latin America, they make their own version of tamales called “pasteles.”
Personally, my family celebrates this tradition like many other Cuban families. We have the traditional menu of delicious foods which is eaten while surrounded by family. My family is a larger family by many standards with a total of 20 people between aunts, uncles, and cousins, and the normal final head count for Noche Buena is usually upwards of 40 people. It is one of the few times a year we can get our entire family together to celebrate. Noche Buena is not just an important time for us culturally, but it is important as a family to see each other and celebrate another year together. I am excited to pass this tradition down to my son, and teach him the importance of family as well as our culture.