In this special season of Christmas I would like to share a tradition from my homeland. Christmas in Bolivia brings the joyful spirit of remembrance of the birth of baby Jesus. A nativity is a must and is put together in every home as a sign of the forthcoming of the Holidays.

Months before Christmas Season begins, children get together in their neighborhoods and start forming musical groups to practice “Villancicos” (Traditional folk Christmas carols). Instruments typically used are charangos, little drums, zampoñas (pan flutes), quenas (flutes), chullu chullus (homemade shakers) and whistles that make the sound of singing birds. As Christmas Eve arrives, these children, wearing their native attires, go out into their neighborhoods playing these Villancicos. As they go by, families invite them into their homes to play some Villancicos to the family’s Nativity. After a few songs, as a form of gift from baby Jesus, they get homemade sweet bread, hot chocolate, sugar canes, candies, cookies and fruits of the season. This goes on nightly until Kings Day arrives.

What a joy it was for me as a child around Christmas time! This way of having fun, playing villancicos in my neighborhood with my good friends and to have been part of such a tradition, is unforgettable! Though I often wonder... what happened to the guy who carried the bag of goodies?... I’m still looking for him. . . . . .
Ha Ha Ha Ho Ho Ho ! !