In last week’s edition, the countdown of the “Top 7 Honduran traditions for Christmas 2007” began. At number 7 was eggnog, the Honduran Christmas beverage of choice. Number 6, the celebration of the Posadas, the bringing of the nativity to neighbors’ houses in remembrance of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. And at number 5, Nacatamales – a favorite Honduran festive delicacy. What follows is the next part of the countdown. To discover what we have chosen as the number 1, see next week’s issue of ‘Honduras This Week.’

4. Estrenos de Navidad

At number 4 on the countdown are ‘Estrenos de Navidad,’ or new Christmas clothes. Without a direct translation in English, this Latin American tradition basically means wearing new clothes for the first time. Many locals go out and buy new outfits on the 24th (and also on the 31st), translating into booming business at clothing stores at the malls in the larger cities of Honduras. We don’t know where the tradition comes from, but it is an integral part of the family Christmas here in Honduras. For those who can afford it, buying new clothes and dressing smartly for the big family reunion or for seeing off the year that has passed is a tradition to which many look forward.

3. Cohetes

Cohetes, or fireworks, have long been a significant feature of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Honduras. Around midnight on the 24th and 31st of December, in any town in the country, you can see firework displays. Things have changed a little in recent years though, with a law against the more traditional fireworks, meaning families can no longer buy fireworks themselves (unless they go out of town or buy them illegally) or arrange their own displays, but watch those put on by the local officials.

The National Congress prohibited the sale of fireworks in 2001 because of the huge number of resulting burn injuries. Hospitals would see a huge increase in children with gunpowder burns over the Christmas period due to the popular use of fireworks and their wide availability. Now, the festive displays are generally saved for organized events but, even so, remain a favorite among Hondurans at Christmas.

2. Nacimientos

The nacimiento, or nativity scene, is a feature of virtually every Catholic or Protestant Christmas celebration across the world. We’re all familiar with the scene of Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus, surrounded by three kings, shepherds, farm animals, angels and the Star of Bethlehem. “St Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, is thought to be the one who initiated the ritual of creating nativity scenes at Christmas,” says Tamy Emma Pepin in her review of the Honduran tradition (in HTW Monday, December 04, 2006), which would mean the practice dates back to the 13th century.

Here in Tegucigalpa, Nacimientos are on nearly every corner and in nearly every home. The most famous is undoubtedly that by architect Fernando Martinez. Also known as Menando, Martinez is a well-known public figure, having run for mayor twice in the capital. Despite an unsuccessful bid to become mayor, he is known for sharing his views on the current political and social status within the country through his annual Nacimiento. Displayed this year at Las Cascadas Mall, the stunning, room-sized scene depicts the traditional nativity at Bethlehem but also the cities and small towns of Honduras with the main events of the year. For 2007, the model shows, among other things, the floods that occurred on the North coast, deportations of Hondurans, telephone piracy and several little digs at President Zelaya. Martinez’ nativity holds powerful social messages, but is also a beautiful creation, well-worth a trip to Las Cascadas.

As is the nacimiento at the Banhcafe on Juan Pablo Segundo Avenue in Tegucigalpa. In a completely different style, the 13th nacimiento displayed there by Javier Cortes fills almost the same amount of space, is also incredibly beautiful, is enclosed in a purpose built unit, but holds an entirely different message.

The theme is slightly different each year, but remains biblical. This year’s is called ‘The Miracles of Jesus.’