Season 3, Episode 4 - La Nana "The Maid" (Chile)

We thought we could make a joke about what the Festive Fans have in common with this episode’s country.  We like to say it’s because we are tall and long, and we were surprised when our wives agreed, but they said we are tall on appetite and long on belt size.  Ha!  Well, it’s no joking matter, we are off to celebrate in the literal spine of South America – Chile!  It’s a land of beautiful contradictions—long but narrow, with icy glaciers and blazing deserts, where you can ski and surf on the same day.  It’s shaped like a candy cane and sparkles with as many stars as a Christmas tree.  Despite being the Gateway to the Antarctic, Christmas in Chile means sun, surf, and cold cola de mono.  

We also review a Chilean movie from 2009 called La Nana, a film that reminds us of the essence of Christmas in its own quiet way.  It carries the spirit of the season hidden inside its narrative, waiting for the audience to realize its warmth.  It may not meet the strict standards of a Christmas movie, but it has all of the elements we associate with the holiday season.  It’s an interesting tale of hope, redemption, and love. 

In the end, we love how Chile strives to be different. They don’t say "Feliz Navidad" which is heard throughout the Spanish-speaking countries. The traditional Chilean Christmas greeting is "Felices Pascuas" which also means Easter in Spanish. Go figure.  Also Santa Claus is known as Papa Noel throughout most of Latin America, but he is uniquely known as Viejito Pascuero in Chile. Since Christmas is called "Pascua" in Chile, they called him "Pacuero,” which translates to Old Man Christmas.  Even the holiday food is exceptional.  Pan de Pascua is a fruitcake that people actually want to eat.  

 Come with us now to discover how Chile is a vibrant fusion of different cultures and traditions — Indigenous roots, Spanish culture, and European influences. This just adds to the richness and spice that makes the holiday season feel magical.  It influences the food and the music and gives Christmas in Chile its own unique flavor.

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