Spanish word of the week: Nochebuena

This week’s Spanish word of the week takes a festive turn with Nochebuena.

Nochebuena is a noun that means  Christmas Eve (literally, ‘good night’) and you can find out how to pronounce it here:

Nos reunimos en Nochebuena. We get together on Christmas Eve.
la cena de Nochebuena Christmas Eve dinner

Most Spanish and Latin American families eat their Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, unlike families in the States or the UK, who usually eat their Christmas dinner on Christmas Day (el día de Navidad).

Traditional Latin American Christmas Eve celebrations also include going to Midnight Mass, la Misa del Gallo, named after the rooster (or gallo) that heralds the break of day.

Come back next week to learn a new word!