Puerto Rican Pernil Recipe: Tender Pork & Crispy Skin
Pernil is Puerto Rican roast pork, deeply seasoned with garlic and oregano and cooked slowly until the meat is tender. … Read more
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Spain’s almond-and-honey nougat, soft from Jijona or crunchy from Alicante, is the one sweet that reaches nearly every Latin Christmas table. Learn the types, the brands worth buying, and how to keep it fresh.
Read the Turrón Guide →Polvorones, mantecados and marzipan.
Puerto Rico’s coconut eggnog.
Nochebuena menus from 11 countries.
Coquito, ponche, cola de mono and more.
Roscón and rosca de reyes.
Venezuela’s Christmas ham bread.
The panettone of Peru and Brazil.
The wrapped classics of the season.
Spain’s almond nougat, explained.
Christmas is one of the most cherished celebrations throughout Latin America and Spain, bringing families together around tables filled with generations of treasured recipes. From festive desserts and sweet breads to comforting holiday drinks and regional specialties, Latin Christmas foods reflect traditions passed down through Indigenous, Spanish, African and European influences. Whether the big meal is Nochebuena on December 24, Christmas Day, or Día de los Reyes on January 6, every country has its own signature dishes that make the season unforgettable.
Start with the classics: turrón, polvorones, rosca de reyes, pan de jamón, panetón and coquito. Then go country by country through the holiday dishes and holiday drinks of Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
If you are new to Latin and Spanish holiday baking, begin with our guide to 12 Traditional Spanish Sweets for Christmas, then work through the recipes, dessert guides and Christmas traditions collected here. Whether you are recreating a family recipe or starting a new tradition, these are the dishes that carry the warmth and generosity of Christmas across the Spanish-speaking world.
Pernil is Puerto Rican roast pork, deeply seasoned with garlic and oregano and cooked slowly until the meat is tender. … Read more
Mexican Christmas food traditions are deeply tied to the country’s history and culture. Catholicism was brought to Mexico by the … Read more
Christmas in Cuba is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of family, culture, and tradition, where food takes center … Read more
Spanish polvorones are a cherished part of Spain’s culinary heritage, celebrated for their rich, crumbly texture that melts in your … Read more
Spanish Christmas desserts are an essential part of holiday festivities, bringing together family, friends, and generations-old recipes that capture the … Read more
Dominican Christmas foods are at the heart of the holiday season in the Dominican Republic, bringing joy, celebration, and togetherness … Read more
Spanish turrón isn’t just a Christmas treat—it’s a national obsession. In fact, over 35 million pounds of turrón are sold … Read more
Pan de jamón or Venezuelan ham bread, is a very popular bread sold in almost every bakery in Venezuela, especially … Read more
Turrón 1880 stands as the gold standard of Spain’s beloved almond nougat, celebrated for its unparalleled quality and timeless tradition. … Read more
Pan de Pascua is a delicious treat that brings a merry spirit to all during the Christmas season. It’s become … Read more
Christmas in Spain is a time of joyful gatherings, rich traditions, and, of course, delicious food. Across the country, families … Read more
Rompope, often called “Mexican eggnog,” is a cherished drink that embodies the warmth and festivity of Mexican celebrations. This rich, … Read more
Christmas in Peru is a time for family, tradition, and, most importantly, a feast of Peruvian Christmas Foods that highlight … Read more
When it comes to Venezuelan holiday celebrations, no table is complete without a chilled glass of Ponche Crema. This rich … Read more
There are only 1.7% Puerto Ricans in the US population, and they make up only 9.5% of the country’s Latin population. … Read more