Feliz Nochebuena Feliz Navidad

Bittersweet memories, delicious recipes, and fabulous feasts await you in Feliz Nochebuena, Feliz Navidad, a sumptuous introduction to the history of Christmas celebrations in the Hispanic Caribbean. Beginning with her own memories of spit-roasted pork "with a garlicky Seville orange adobo" and holidays desserts such as turrones, mazapán, and buñuelos, author Maricel E. Presilla takes us on a journey through the history of Christmas in the Hispanic islands. As she describes all of the foods of Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and Christmas Day, she tells us about the peoples from around the world who brought their ingredients and recipes to the table. We meet Arabs whose almond trees yielded the key ingredient in mazapán; Taino farmers who grew yuca; Spanish conquistadores who hunted pigs like in medieval Europe; African slaves who combined rice and peas to create flavorful new dishes. As she introduces each group of peoples and their foods, Dr. Presilla gives us carefully tested recipes that allow readers of all ages to join in on the feast. Ismael Espinosa Ferrer's vibrant, colorful paintings evoke the magic of holidays in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and now the United States.

Introduces the holiday customs of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, explains how the food eaten came from Spain, the Taino Indians, and African slaves, and provides recipes.

En Nochebuena, dos niños hacen un hombre de nieve, aduernan el árboly cantan villancicos.

’Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa, every creature was kneading tamale masa... It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, “Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!” Savor the magic of Nochebuena with a holiday tale you’ll want to read again and again.

“Aguinaldos y villancicos, recetas, tradiciones de Navidad”—songs, recipes, and traditions of Christmas from the nineteen Spanish-speaking countries of Middle and South America, as well as from the one state that is officially bi-lingual, are included in this well-researched book. There is a wealth of Christmas music, much of it unknown to North Americans, with tunes and guitar chords, words and translations. And there are recipes from each country for holiday foods, ranging from simple beverages to complex tamales and desserts—from “gingebre” to “hallaca” and “tres leches.” Also included are customs and traditions from each of the countries, some common to all, others specific to place, all reflecting the joys of Christmas. An index, glossary, and extensive bibliography make this a valuable resource for readers of all interests. VIRGINIA NYLANDER EBINGER wass a retired music teacher and a teacher trainer, researcher, and author, with special interest in the Hispanic folklore of New Mexico. Among her other publications are “Niñez: Spanish Songs, Games and Stories of Childhood” and “De Colores.”