Since the christmas market opened at the Keskustori square, we thought it would be a nice idea to go there in one of our Each one teach one meetings. We walked around the market and talked about our own christmas traditions and what we planned on to do on Christmas this year.
In germany christmas markets are very popular, even small villages have their own christmas market. The christmas markets are, compared to the ones in Finland, are way bigger. A common thing is “Glühwein”, it tastes a bit like the finnish “Glögi”, but with alcohol. Gingerbread and pralines are very common too. Children even built their own “Gingerbreadhouse” and decorate it with all kind of sweets. On christmas evening it’s all about spending time with the family and have a great time. The presents are opened in the evening on the 24th of december. Me and my family usually eat raclette on christmas eve.
I learned from Etty, that christmas markets in the netherlands are not as popular as in germany, but they had become more popular over time. Christmas itself in the netherlands is a more quieter holiday, they often focusing more on Sinterklaas which is earlier in December. Valeria told us that christmas eve in Mexico is the main celebration, just like in Germany. They also spending time with their family and having gifts. Traditional dishes in Mexico are roast turkey and tamales. Valeria is celebrating “Las Posadas”, it is a series of celebrations on the days before christmas and she also told us about a interesting rite of her. It says, that when you eat 12 grapes under a table at midnight, you will have good luck in the new year. For me it was really nice to learn in this meeting, how different festives like christmas can be all over the world. Altough it can be so different, it brings people together. Maybe I will try Valerias tradition and eat 12 grapes on new years eve to see if it brings me luck.
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