From Main Street to the World: A Global Bridge of Holiday Traditions
As the lights twinkle along Main Street in Lexington, the Big Chair in Thomasville is draped in holiday cheer, and the familiar chill of a North Carolina December sets in, residents of Davidson County are busy with their own cherished traditions. From decorating trees and baking Moravian ginger cookies to preparing for the beloved local parades that march through our downtowns, the spirit of the season is unmistakable.
However, beyond our county lines, the "most wonderful time of the year" takes on a vibrant array of colors, flavors, and customs. From roller-skating to giant straw goats, here is how our neighbors around the globe celebrate the holiday season.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italy)
While many in the South look forward to a Christmas ham or turkey, Italian households often celebrate La Vigilia (The Vigil) on Christmas Eve. This tradition involves a massive meal featuring at least seven different seafood dishes. This custom stems from the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of a holy day, turning a simple fast into a magnificent culinary celebration.
Las Posadas (Mexico and Central America)
In the days leading up to Christmas, many communities in Mexico and Central America celebrate Las Posadas. From December 16th to the 24th, children and adults re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Participants go from house to house in a musical procession, singing songs and asking for "inn" (posada). The night usually ends at a designated home with a celebration featuring traditional foods like tamales and the breaking of a star-shaped piñata filled with fruit and candy.
The Night of the Little Candles (Colombia)
In Colombia, the holiday season officially kicks off on the evening of December 7th with Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). In honor of the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, on balconies, and along streets and sidewalks. Entire cities are transformed into a glowing sea of light, creating a breathtaking atmosphere of unity and hope.
The Fat Lottery and the 12 Grapes (Spain)
Spain boasts some of the most unique holiday traditions in Europe. On December 22nd, nearly the entire country tunes in for El Gordo (The Fat One), the world’s biggest lottery draw, where the winning numbers are traditionally sung by schoolchildren.
As the year comes to a close on New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), Spaniards participate in the "Twelve Grapes" challenge. At each stroke of the clock at midnight, one must eat a grape for good luck in each month of the coming year. It’s a fast-paced, festive tradition that often ends in fits of laughter.
The Gävle Goat (Sweden)
In the Swedish town of Gävle, a unique and massive tradition has stood since 1966. Every year, a 42-foot-tall goat made of straw is erected in the town square. The "Yule Goat" is a centuries-old Scandinavian symbol, but Gävle’s giant version has gained international fame—largely because of the annual "battle" to see if the goat will survive until Christmas Day without being illegally burned down by pranksters.
Roller-Skating to Mass (Venezuela)
In the capital city of Caracas, residents have traded the sleigh for four wheels. Every Christmas morning, the city’s streets are closed to cars so that people can roller-skate to church. The tradition is so popular that children will often tie a piece of string to their big toe and hang it out the window, allowing skaters passing by to give it a friendly tug to wake them up for the morning service.
KFC for Christmas (Japan)
Perhaps the most surprising modern tradition comes from Japan. Thanks to a highly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s called "Kentucky for Christmas," it is now a national custom to eat fried chicken on December 25th. Millions of Japanese families place their orders weeks in advance to secure their "Christmas Party Barrel."
The Giant Lantern Festival (Philippines)
The Philippines is known for having the world's longest Christmas season, starting as early as September. The highlight is the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) held in the city of San Fernando. These lanterns, or parols, have evolved from simple paper creations into massive, electronically controlled masterpieces that dance to music, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
A Bridge to the Community
Whether it’s a straw goat in Sweden, the Uptown Lexington tree lighting, or the community festivities in Thomasville, these traditions serve as a "Puente"—a bridge—connecting families to their heritage and to one another. Despite the geographical distances and the differences in the menu, the core of the season remains universal: a time for light, reflection, and community.
As we celebrate across Davidson County this year, perhaps we can find inspiration in these global neighbors, remembering that while our methods may differ, the spirit of the holiday brings us all a little closer together.
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