FOOD INDUSTRY COLOMBIA ARGENTINA DAY OF THE CANDLES PUTTING UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE ON In every corner, Colombians light up DECEMBER 8TH piles of candles and handcrafted lanterns Despite being in summer, Argentines cele- to welcome the Immaculate Conception on brate Christmas Eve with the same the night of December 7th. With this beautiful warmth and joy as in winter countries. ritual, they ask for protection and blessings for each of their 吀栀ey have a precise date to start the homes, marking the beginning of the festivities. It's the most festivities: the Day of the Virgin of beautiful, magical, and original decoration of the season, also the Conception, a national holi- adorning doors and windows. day due to its profound Christian significance. And when do they LIGHT DECORATIONS take it down? 吀栀ere's another special National Geographic recognizes Medellin as one of the best moment for that: 吀栀ree Wise Men places on the planet to enjoy the magic of Christmas lights. Day, a tradition they replicate annually. 吀栀anks to its extravagant display of lights, the river shines brightly, and nearly a hundred parks are beauti昀椀ed. Every CHRISTMAS EVE BARBECUE year, more than four million people marvel at this specta- 吀栀e Christmas dinner in this country typically consists of cular Colombian Christmas tradition. an irresistible barbecue of beef, chicken, or lamb. During its preparation, they incorporate roasted vegetables like sweet onions, potatoes, and colorful peppers. 吀栀ey also accompany it with fresh potato and egg salads. Optionally, they serve PERU cold cuts and cheese platters. On Christmas Eve, they also make traditional appetizers served in small quantities before TURKEY AND PANETTONE the feast. A festive feast makes this celebration an extraordinary experience. Roasted turkey is the king of the table, so Peruvians prepare it to start on December 24th. Panettone, 昀椀lled with raisins and fruit, is also consu- med on this special date, being the preferred dessert. Other delicious dishes that make up the Christmas dinner are glazed ham with mustard, sweet potato puree, and onion sou昀툀é. SANTURANTIKUY FOLK ART FAIR 吀栀is is a tradition that brings together hundreds of talen- ted artisans in an exhibition on December 24th, which has been o昀케cially recognized as Cultural Heritage of Peru. 吀栀ese masters, both renowned and emerging, present works inspired by the birth of Jesus. 吀栀e "Niño Manuelito" (Baby Jesus) is the protagonist of this Christmas celebration. 吀栀e handcrafted works are created with di昀昀erent techniques and materials. 5656 NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR/ D/ DECECEEMMBBEER 2R 200224 4 AABBAASSTOTO..CCOOMM