Christmas Traditions in Trinidad

As a child growing up in Trinidad, I could hardly wait for Christmas, as it meant receiving gifts and toys, visits from friends and relatives and lots of food.

CHRISTMAS  DECORATIONS

Christmas preparations usually start months before Christmas, maybe as early as September, when the stores begin displaying their Christmas merchandise. My mother would shop for Christmas curtains and decorations so she could have them ready for Christmas. Curtains and drapery have always been, and I believe still are, a focal point of decorating. New curtains and drapes have to be bought and sewn every year. The fabrics are gorgeous and range from nylon to lace to heavy brocades depending on the person's status. Every homeowner, rich or poor, prides herself on having a home that looks almost brand new for Christmas, therefore it is quite common to see homes being painted, trees and hedges being trimmed, and new furniture being delivered. The Christmas tree with all its dazzling ornaments adds the finishing touch.

Christmas Culture

Early in December, the parang bands begin appearing. These bands consist of a small group of men who go from house to house serenading the inhabitants with Spanish songs to the accompaniment of the guitar, cuatro and the marac . Where these are not available, the band may improvise by beating a spoon against a bottle in time to the melody. In exchange for the free entertainment, the home owner brings out a bottle of rum or some other alcohol and some delicacies. In addition to the house serenaders, there are parang competitions at various venues where men and women dress in colorful Spanish costumes and sing and dance their way to winning a prize, or just revel in the joy of the moment.

On the heels of the serenaders may come a band of Christmas carollers, dressed in their white outfits with red capes and carrying red paper lanterns through the darkened streets. They were always welcome at every home and they too would receive a benevolent offering along with refreshments.

CHRISTMAS  MENU 

Egg nog is traditionally served at breakfast, along with ham and homemade breads. The ham is the main item on the Christmas menu. Baked or boiled, depending on the type, it is decorated with cloves and/or pineapple. The Christmas dinner table boasts a lavish display of roast pork, pastelles (a patty made from cornmeal and stuffed with meat), turkey, chicken, stewed pigeon peas and callaloo. This is the national dish made from dasheen leaves, okra and crabs. Some homes may even serve wild game such as opossum, armadillo, deer and others. These mouth-watering dishes will be washed down with ginger beer, sorrel and homemade wines. After all of this, you may not have room for the fruitcake dessert, but that's okay, because it lasts a long time and your friends and neighbors will be all too happy to help you dispose of it.

TRADITIONAL VISITS

The main tradition of the Christmas season is going to church and visiting friends and relatives. Church services are held either on the night of christmas eve, or early Christmas morning. After the service, you may pop in for a quick visit to some friends. You will be sure to carry a gift and you can count on receiving one in return. You are also expected to eat or drink something at each house you visit, so by dinner time you may be already full. But there is always tomorrow, Boxing Day, when you can start all over again.

Trinidad Cornmeal Pastelle

Pastelle, a local favorite brings out the sophistication of any local dish and enjoyed by all.

In Trinidad, pastelle making has become another excuse to lime [get together]. Friends or family gather, possibly bringing their own ingredients and with parang music blasting and some beers chilling, everyone puts their hands to the wheel and like an assembly line pastelles are mass produced. At the end of the day, thousands are made and each person or family goes home with their share for the season and probably swaying a bit…. and that’s not from the music.

What is a pastelle?

It is a cornmeal roll stuffed with meat, fish or vegetables seasoned with fresh herbs and flavoured with raisins, olives and capers wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf.

Pastelle has its origins in the Spanish colonizers who came from South America in the 16^th/17^th century.

Thinking of trying your hand at making Pastelles? Here is a recipe.

Trinidad Cornmeal Pastelle Recipe

1 lb chicken cubed or minced

2 onions chopped

1 bunch chive and thyme

Hot pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp. black pepper

Salt to taste

¼ cup ketchup

1 tsp. Worcester sauce

3 tbsp. capers (optional)

2 tbsp. olives, chopped

½ cup raisins 

Crust

2 cups cornmeal

3 cups tepid water

4 tbsp. corn oil or

¼ lb. margarine

1 ¼ tsp. salt

Wrapping

2 -3 large fig (banana) leaves

String to tie

Method

1. Season chicken with onion, chive and thyme, garlic , hot pepper, black pepper and salt
2. Cook well and then add Worcester sauce, ketchup, capers, olives and raisins.
3. Adjust salt and pepper to taste
4. Mix cornmeal, tepid water, salt and oil to make soft balls
5. Using a pastille press or hands, press balls of corn on leaf. Put 1 tbsp or more of meat mixture and fold neatly. Tie
   
6. Place in steamer or colander and steam for 20 minutes.