Christmas is here again and for the first timers to a Caribbean Christmas, let us talk about what to expect, FOOD / FUN and FESTIVITIES.
FOOD
Sorrel is made from the flower of the sorrel plant. However, it may be spiked with white rum and is generally very sweet. Ask about the rum or if it is very sweet - it's ok (would not be considered impolite). Usually red in color.
Ginger beer is made from the ginger root. It could be made 'strong' – i.e.: with a strong ginger taste - so try a little first to be sure that you like!
Punch-a-creme is an alcoholic drink (a bit like eggnog but usually with lots of rum) – be fore-warned.
Black Cake - cake made with candied or mixed fruits (raisins, currents, prunes, dates, citrus peel, etc.) left to soak in sherry (wine) for an extended period of time (days, weeks, months), browning to make it black, and nuts (optional).
Ham - Ham is to Caribbean Christmas as Turkey is to American Thanksgiving!
FUN and FESTIVITIES
Ginger beer is made from the ginger root. It could be made 'strong' – i.e.: with a strong ginger taste - so try a little first to be sure that you like!
Punch-a-creme is an alcoholic drink (a bit like eggnog but usually with lots of rum) – be fore-warned.
Black Cake - cake made with candied or mixed fruits (raisins, currents, prunes, dates, citrus peel, etc.) left to soak in sherry (wine) for an extended period of time (days, weeks, months), browning to make it black, and nuts (optional).
Ham - Ham is to Caribbean Christmas as Turkey is to American Thanksgiving!
FUN and FESTIVITIES
Mid-Night Mass – We may not go to church all year round, but mostly everyone will go to church over Christmas, either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Many of whom will go to Mid-Night Mass on Christmas Eve. Normally starts at around 11p.m. with about an hour of carol singing by the Choir and Christmas skits and performances, usually by the church's youth group. If a community member or neighbor invites you to attend, it's a great way to experience the Christian side of our culture!
Caroling - Sometimes choirs may perform for the public, at schools, at homes or at special events
Serenading - a dying tradition. Still practiced in some of the more rural communities. Serenaders (singers and musicians with guitars, cuatros and percussion instruments) go around the community singing traditional Christmas songs and bringing Christmas cheer to everyone. Sometimes the steel band in the community may do this today!
Local Christmas music -Check out the local Christmas and parang music on the radio stations
Caroling - Sometimes choirs may perform for the public, at schools, at homes or at special events
Serenading - a dying tradition. Still practiced in some of the more rural communities. Serenaders (singers and musicians with guitars, cuatros and percussion instruments) go around the community singing traditional Christmas songs and bringing Christmas cheer to everyone. Sometimes the steel band in the community may do this today!
Local Christmas music -Check out the local Christmas and parang music on the radio stations
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