Christmas Day observed in Trinidad and Tobago ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Christmas Day observed in Trinidad and Tobago and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is a time for family, friends, food, and fun. The holiday season officially begins on December 16th with the start of the nine-day “Novena” period of prayer and celebration. Christmas Day is observed on December 25th, and is a public holiday.
On Christmas Eve, many families attend a midnight mass service at their local church. After mass, it is tradition to eat a large meal called “corn soup and pelau.” Corn soup is a thick soup made with corn, chicken, and spices. Pelau is a dish made with rice, pigeon peas, and meat.
After dinner, families often exchange gifts and spend time together playing games or watching television. Many children also leave shoes or socks out overnight, in the hopes that Santa Claus will fill them with presents.
Christmas Day is a day for relaxation and enjoyment. Families typically spend the day visiting with friends and relatives, or simply spending time at home. A traditional Christmas dinner in Trinidad and Tobago often includes roast pork, chicken, or beef, as well as festive side dishes such as pumpkin and green fig (banana) salad, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pudding.