Staying home these days ? Come along with us . . . we're going to PERU !

In these uncertain times, many, many folks are, with good reason, staying close to home.  If you and yours aren't going out and about, please join us HERE - we're taking a trip AROUND THE WORLD -- 

and the first stop is PERU!

Peru is located in South America and is bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador and the Pacific Ocean. The country has a large Christian population, so CHRISTMAS is a VERY special time of year !   

Like most South American countries, Christmas EVE, or Noche Buena, is the major celebration, with most households attending misa de gallo or Rooster Mass, which usually begins at 10 p.m.

The nativity scene is a traditional Peruvian Christmas decoration. Known as belenes, pesebres or nacimientos, a Peruvian nativity scene features models of all the classic figures, including Mary and Joseph, the Three Wise Men, and a few goats or cows (in Peru, the biblical barnyard animals might be replaced by alpacas and llamas). 

Pieces for the Nativity can be purchased from festive holiday markets, and kept on display until La Bajada de los Reyes (the arrival of the three wise men) on January 6.

Smaller scenes of the Nativity are retablos and are a form of three-dimensional folk art with paintings and carvings of religious events in stone or wood. 

As in the US, Christmas in Peru is also a time of tasty treats - a special favorite is panetón, a sweet bread loaf filled with raisins and candied fruits, accompanied by a steaming cup of hot chocolate.  YUM !

Sure hope you've enjoyed our first little tour to PERU - 

if you're not quite ready to 'go home', 

please take a longer look at all of our Fair Trade Nativities from PERU right here !

And stay tuned - we'll be travelling to another fantastic locale REAL SOON !