Christmas decorations

Have you wondered what Christmas decorations look like in tropical form? Brazil is a true example, as Christmas here falls in the hot summer. The Brazilian culture and the way of life of the locals have a strong influence on the decorations. However, Brazilians often combine European traditions, Catholic elements and commercial decorations from the USA.

Summer Christmas changes the rules of the game

December is commonly associated with cold weather, snowfall and winter romance. However, Brazil stands out as the Christmas season here is all about a flood of colourful flowers and blazing sunshine. Local decorative themes predominate, with a focus on colour. Natural elements linked to the warm climate are very popular, especially palm leaves or plants. Brazilians are very fond of decoration, as they have an eye for aesthetics.

Artificial trees instead of conifers

Everyone imagines a live Christmas tree in the form of a conifer. However, no one in Brazil would have much success with this type of tree, especially from a practical point of view, as it cannot tolerate the tropical climate and is also expensive. Artificial trees dominate here and are wildly colourful by European standards. A slightly more unusual form, floating trees, which are usually placed on lakes in parks, is also popular.

Nativity scenes as a Catholic tradition

As Brazilians are strongly religious, you will encounter a lot of Catholic traditions and decorations. Among the most typical are the nativity scenes, which are one of the symbols of Christmas. They are called “presépios” and are a much more popular and classic part of the holiday than Christmas trees. They are displayed in churches, public parks, shopping centres or in front of houses. Brazilians take great care with them, offering an absolutely breathtaking spectacle. They usually look realistic and are accompanied by tropical plants and Brazilian clothing.

Urban decorations: a light show like no other

Big cities are distinguished by absolutely stunning light displays that are second to none. If there is something fascinating and breathtaking about Brazilian Christmas, it is the lights that convey the light show. In Rio de Janeiro, light tunnels are installed on the promenades, light projections are projected on historic buildings and floating decorations adorn the lakes. In São Paulo, there are light festivals. The biggest Christmas festival full of lights is held in Gramado, where the so-called Natal Luz takes place, which lasts for 60 days. This turns the city into a twinkling theme park.

Home decorations and colours

Brazilians gravitate towards handicrafts, which is why they love to make their own decorations, called “artesanato”. The materials of choice are wood, straw or coloured fabrics. Popular motifs include stars, angels, tropical flowers or glittering garlands. They are united by their colourfulness, brightness and positivity. Red and green are commonly associated with Christmas, but Brazilians are also very fond of gold, blue, white and pink.

The influence of American and European decorations

Despite the tropical climate and its own cultural practices, the influence of the USA and Europe is evident. You will encounter the figure of Santa Claus, but he appears here as Papai Noel. A number of snowy decorations are also sold, even though the outside temperature soars above 30 °C.

Brazilian decorations are spectacular

Brazil is a country of colour, joy, energy and warmth, and this is reflected in its Christmas decorations, which are unique because of this. Christmas here takes on a completely different dimension.