Nochebuena in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries

Nochebuena marks the celebration of Christmas Eve in Hispanic culture, where Christians everywhere from Puerto Rico to the Philippines celebrate with a large traditional feast. Considered one of the most important holidays of the season, the celebration is also known as Noche Buena, La Cena de Nochebuena or Navidad.

This is a very special night for Filipinos because this is the time where family and very close friends come by and enjoy a very special Christmas dinner. Dating back to when the Philippines became a Spanish colony in the 16th century, Filipinos embraced Noche Buena as a way to celebrate—and eat—after returning home from “Simbang gabi,” or “night mass.”

In Latin America, families often ring in Nochebuena after late-night Misa de Gallo Mass, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The name of the Mass translates to Mass of Roosters, and comes from an old tale about a rooster that crowed to herald the birth.

In Spain, Noche Buena is a common tradition wherein the menu consists of a fish dish, soup, and roast pork. As a dessert, Turron is prepared to provide a sweet conclusion. The main star of the Noche Buena is the whole pig roasted in a box over hor coals. This is called Caja china in Cuba. For the Peruvians, turkey is the main meal, and for the Venezuelans the main dish are pernil, panettone, and Ponche Crema.