Christmas in Lima means….

I’m sure all our northern readers will sympathize when I say it is very hard for us to feel Christmas-y as we move into summer here in Lima. It is 24 degrees every day and though some days are still partially cloudy, we are getting sunshine every day. Schools are letting out for summer holidays and ceviche (raw fish appetizer cooked in lemon juice and chili) is now regularly on the lunch menu at the local restaurants.

In spite of all the above, we are immersed in a lot of very familiar northern symbolism… Snowmen and fir trees abound (when it should be more like ice creams and cactus flowers). And, of course, Christmas music in the grocery stores.

Believe it or not, Peru seems to have adopted an Italian tradition in its Christmas celebrations. Peru has a tradition of “Chocolatada” sharing hot chocolate and boxed Italian Panettone, known here as Paneton. It is so popular that local brands make it too. I will be having my first chocolatada this Wednesday at work. I can’t say that hot chocolate is my go to drink at the moment, but tradition is tradition….

Hot Chocolate and Paneton

In the gallery you will find christmas trees amidst gardens in bloom, llamas instead of camels in the nativity scenes, people in sandals and outdoor barbeque vendors. I hope it puts you in a festive spirit!

p.s.  A shout out to Anneli who requested this post.