The English language translation of the Spanish term is “good night.” Noche Buena is a special event that takes place on December 24.
This is a time for Christian Hispanic populations and for family and friends to gather and eat, drink, be merry, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
In many nations, the holiday is even more important than Christmas Day, with the party lasting all afternoon and well into the night.
Though Christians believe Christ was born on Christmas Day—an occasion commonly celebrated with a mass—Latinx and Hispanic cultures that celebrate Noche Buena focus on the night before Christ's birth or Christmas Eve. It's an anticipatory celebration where families gather to eat and often exchange gifts. Meanwhile, Christmas Day itself is more relaxing.
Celebrations vary widely depending on the region. Still, there are some constants; typically, the night is extremely festive, and at its core, no matter where you are, the evening revolves around plenty of food, music, and time with family.
For Christians of various nationalities, the evening also commonly includes a more formal aspect, like attending mass. Sometimes, this mass takes place before dinner, but the more traditional one is called la Missa del Gallo, or midnight mass.
