Roller Skating Tradition in Venezuela
In Venezuela, streets are closed to vehicular traffic in the early morning hours leading up to Christmas, allowing everyone, young and old alike, to roller skate to church safely. This vibrant and energetic tradition has become a beloved part of Venezuelan culture, blending the joy of the holiday with physical activity and community participation.
To notify children that it’s time to go, skaters tug on pieces of string that youngsters have tied to their toes and dangled out their windows overnight. The government actively supports the tradition by blocking off roads to give skaters safe passage. Known as "Misas de Aguinaldo," special masses are held each morning from December 16 to 24.
While the exact origins of Venezuela’s unique Christmas roller skating custom remain uncertain, some posit it emerged in the 1950s, perhaps inspired by similar traditions in America. What is clear is that it fosters community and spreads holiday cheer in a uniquely Venezuelan fashion. Families unite to skate side-by-side, resonating with the spirit of the season.
Celebrating Christmas in Caracas, Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church on roller-skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church safely. As skaters roll past houses, they tug on pieces of string that children have tied to their toes and dangled out windows overnight. This signals that it’s time for the children to strap on their skates. After church services, known as "Misas de Aguinaldo," everyone skates home to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner of hot tamales – a dish made from cornmeal dough stuffed with meat, then steamed.
The government actively supports this tradition by blocking off roads and some neighborhoods even close streets until 8am so that families can skate together without worrying about traffic. While the exact origins remain uncertain, the custom likely emerged in the 1950s, perhaps inspired by similar traditions in America. What’s clear is that it fosters community and spreads holiday cheer in classic Venezuelan style. People of all ages unite to skate side-by-side, resonating with the festive spirit of the season.
Roller Skating Tradition in Venezuela
In Venezuela, people roller skate to church on Christmas. In the capital of Caracas, it is customary to strap on roller skates and glide to Misa de Aguinaldo (Early Morning Mass). This spirited tradition has become an essential part of Christmas celebrations for Venezuelans. If you visit Venezuela during December, don’t be surprised to see a lively crowd of roller skaters passing by on their way to church!