Chilean Holiday Food Traditions

Since Chile is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas takes place in the summer, Chilean traditions are a bit different than up here in the States. For one, asados (outdoor barbeques) are the norm for preparing the holiday meal, fresh summer fruit is often served for dessert, and the classic holiday beverage is Cola de Mono (monkey’s tail), a cold drink made of coffee, pisco, milk, and warming spices. It’s also tradition to enjoy a big meal together and open gifts after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. And the classic Christmas Day activities? Relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean.