Countries colonized by Spain and Portugal naturally have Catholic beliefs, and these are so deeply rooted that many national celebrations in South America are related to the Catholic Church. Christmas festivities in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ are among the most cherished and respected.
In Uruguay, it couldn’t be different; the population celebrates Christmas, and as with all festivities, it is connected to gastronomy, with people preparing a special dinner.
However, Uruguay stands out more than other South American countries in terms of cuisine—mainly because it has received a large influx of European immigrants, particularly from Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. These arrivals are so numerous that many Uruguayan surnames originate from these countries.
Economically, it also outshines its neighbors in the region thanks to its developed economy. Uruguay is a benchmark in Latin America, consolidating itself as one of the leading meat producers and one of the best wine producers. Its conditions as a country are excellent, and growth expectations are sustained over time.
The well-established and significant Uruguayan livestock industry naturally influences the country's culinary customs.
A Christmas with lots of meat
Uruguayans are the largest meat consumers in the world, with an average of 101.2 kg per capita, placing them at the top among meat-eating countries. This is explained by the fact that Uruguay ranks seventh in the world for beef production. These impressive figures highlight the prominence of this protein in many traditional dishes of the country.
For Christmas, even though it is not typical given the season’s temperatures, people enjoy barbecues of meats and various organ meats (viscera).
It is also common to see roasted piglets (tender pork) and lamb on Christmas tables. There is a growing incorporation of seafood, although still minimal.
On the other hand, the most in-demand items are cold cuts, salads, and pies. The menu for the New Year is generally similar.
Another characteristic element of foods during this season is the presence of fire—regardless of what exactly is consumed, the focus is on lighting the coals of the grill.
This practice also holds interesting cultural significance, as the grills are usually operated by men; it is rare for women to do this. Thus, cooking the Christmas barbecue becomes a masculine ritual where they tend the coals while enjoying whisky.
In some families, they even buy live animals, if they don’t raise them, and then slaughter and skin them themselves. These traditions, in some way, reflect the gaucho spirit of the inhabitants of this region of America.
There is also room for cookies and Panettone, inherited from European colonists settled in the region.
Chicken is off the Christmas menu
What is clear is that Uruguayans do not eat chicken meat during Christmas dishes. Culturally, there is a widespread belief that the way the bird walks is an inauspicious sign to start the new year; superstition prevents many from consuming it.
