Welcome to a brand new Blogmas series- Unique Christmas! In this series, we are going to look at different and unique ways that the holiday season has been celebrated across time and space. While everything becomes normalised for us, there are still some truly unique celebrations. It is important to note, though- none of these traditions are bad or “weird”. There is no right or wrong way to mark the holiday season, this is simply a celebration of different approaches! For the first post in this series, I wanted something truly different. Our first Unique Christmas: Roller Skating in Venezuela!
All Night Roller Skating in Venezuela
This tradition, known as “las patinatas” began in the 1950s and has become a beloved Christmas tradition in Venezuela. From 16 to 24 December, people will roller skate all night and then make their way to church for a 5am or 6am Mass. (This mass is known as Misa de gallo, aka “the cockerel’s mass”.)
Most roads are closed overnight, people wear festive clothing, and lots of treats and hot chocolate/coffee are available. Many children would receive roller skates, roller blades, and skate boards as gifts to take part.
A Community Event
While it might sound “out there” to many of us, there are a few factors to remember. Firstly, the weather is still on the warm side in Venezuela at this time of year. Secondly, community is at the heart of this tradition. Everyone spends their nights together, and togetherness tends to be a key component of Christmas traditions.
Interestingly, this 2022 Atlas Obscura piece notes that the tradition has declined in popularity in the last decades due to an increase in crime, political instability, food security, and more. It is a sad but strong example of politics, the economy, and society as a whole influencing the holiday season. The author, Line Sidonie Talla Mafotsing, does look to a future when las patinatas will make it’s full return to popularity, though!
*Note: Unfortunately, I was not able to find any photographs or videos available for public use. However, you can easily them on Google!
I hope you enjoyed Unique Christmas: Roller Skating in Venezuela! Do you have any favourite unique holiday traditions?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Threads
