Everyone wants to be part of Noche Buena —also commonly known as simply “El 24.” The night in which abuela makes her tamales, our cousins bring over the coquito and you better bring a present for every single one of your cool tías.

Noche Buena  or “the good night,” is a special celebration that takes place on Christmas Eve. It’s a time when families and friends come together to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation, stay up until 11:59 p.m. and run over to the Christmas tree to open the gifts.

Let’s break down the history of Noche Buena, which goes back to the early days of Christianity. Catholic priests would hold midnight mass services on Christmas Eve. This service would go late into the night, and after it was over many believers would take to the celebration to the streets. As time went on, the nighttime festivities began to focus on food and drink, particularly around midnight when people were ready for a light snack before going out again to celebrate.

Noche Buena Foods

The noche buena table is filled with food, snacks, sweets, and drinks. Some traditions are regional so keep in mind that not everyone will have all of these items on their table.

Many foods are associated with Noche Buena because they were traditionally eaten after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. What people eat varies based on where they are from. In Mexico, for example, there is a dish called buñuelos which is made of flour, sugar, and eggs. In Colombia, people eat natilla, a custard dessert, and buñuelos (but in a different shape).

In Cuba you will find lechón asado, or roasted pork. A traditional dessert is biscocho de crema, which are butter cookies stuffed with a mixture of dulce de leche and guava paste.

Noche Buena Deserts

Many desserts are eaten for Noche Buena including tres leches cake, which is very popular in Mexico. Panetón is served throughout Latin America on Christmas Eve. This sweet bread is soaked with syrup or condensed milk before baking, giving it a moist texture that can be enjoyed all year but especially during the holidays.

Noche Buena Drinks

The most common drink at noche buena tables is hot chocolate made from melted chocolate, water or milk, ground cinnamon, and sugar poured into cups to drink straight up or with churros. Champurrado is a hot chocolate drink made with masa harina (corn flour used to make tortillas), which gives it a thicker texture.

Another popular drink is atole, which is corn gruel flavored with piloncillo (unrefined sugar cane syrup), canela (cinnamon), and vanilla. It can be served hot or cold. For those who want something alcoholic, there’s always mezcal, rum, or wine.

Noche Buena Traditions

There are many different traditions associated with Noche Buena. Here are just a few:

In Mexico, it is tradition to set a nativity scene called el pesebre. This scene typically includes the Virgin Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, various farm animals, and a few shepherds.

Many homes in Mexico have nativity scenes outside of their houses so people walking by can take a look. And on Christmas Eve, families leave hay and water for the Wise Men’s camels while they are away delivering gifts.

Mexicans also enjoy decorating with cempazuchitl, or Mexican marigolds. The tradition is to place them at home entrances or the nativity scene to bring good luck for the coming year.

In Colombia, people will set up a table called la mesa del pavo, also lechona as part of their dinner on Noche Buena. This table has three layers: one for bread or rolls; one for different types of meat such as ham, turkey, and pork; and one for desserts.

In Nicaragua, it is tradition to set up a piñata at each corner of the house. Pinatas are made out of papier-mâché and filled with candy and small toys. They are hung from the ceiling and children take turns hitting them with a stick until they break open and the candy falls out.

In Puerto Rico, la vigilia de navidad is a celebration that happens on Christmas Eve after dinner. Families gather around to sing Christmas carols called villancicos. The most popular villancico is “Los Peces en el Río,” which tells the story of Jesus’ birth.

Every culture has their own traditions surrounding Christmas, and Noche Buena is no exception. Whether you’re from Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, or any other Latin American country, there’s sure to be some customs and foods that are specific to your region. So get together with your friends and family this Christmas Eve and enjoy all that Noche Buena has to offer!