In many countries, religious events mark the times when certain dishes should preferably be eaten.
The Delicious Christmas
Christmas in Guatemala begins with the Conception festivities and their prayers; Christmas Eve and Christmas, and finally the celebrations of the Virgin of Candlemas.
This gives rise to a Christmas cuisine, which consists of a series of culinary customs carried out during Christmas.
When Christmas arrives, families have the tradition of gathering and sharing traditional foods and dinners with exquisite dishes like tamales, paches, and tamales made with potato-based dough mixed with sauce.
Posta de cerdo (pork roast), a meat sourced from the leg and shoulder of the pig, is also very popular. A delicious stew cooked with red wine is prepared.
Christmas Eve Dinner
On Christmas Eve, the delicious Christmas cake is a must on the Guatemalan table. It is characterized by including cream cheese; in addition, raisins are always present to achieve a delicious cake.
February 2nd is celebrated as the day of the Virgin of Candlemas, with music and gastronomic delights.
During the Candlemas festivities, prayers and processions of the Virgin's image are important, often taking place around the parish.
It is customary to prepare coconut sweets, melcochas (soft caramel candies), and buñuelos (fried dough balls). These tasty sweets are easy to make—a fried dough dipped in a honey, lemon, and cinnamon syrup. They are not only homemade but can also be bought at local markets.
