Why Is Christmas Important In Latin America

Christmas is a holiday with special significance in Latin America, not just as a time for family but also as a date of tremendous traditional and spiritual significance. Although Christmas trees and other decorations can be seen in Hispanic countries, the most recognizable decoration during the holidays is the Nativity Scene. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus and sometimes they can be extremely ornate. In temples and churches, the scenes are especially large and impressive; some even utilize live actors to recreate the roles of Mary, Joseph and others. It’s also traditional to leave the manger empty until Christmas day, when baby Jesus is placed inside.
A Hispanic Nativity Scene is called a Belén. The word Belén means Bethlehem, that