Next, we travel to the country of Venezuela with PCC student David Arrieta. 

At Christmas, they prefer to have the entire family together if at all possible. He shares that the traditions for celebrating Christmas have a Christian emphasis. For example, church, and they place a manger on the table at home. There is a tree, and a lot of parties, he says. Music is part of the festivities, typically Venezuelan music, such as gaitas. 

Special foods typically served at Christmas are pork leg, ham bread, chicken salad and the traditional hallaca. According to wikipedia, hallacas are similar to a tamale, but the emphasis is on the filling, rather than the lighter dough. The outer part, of corn or cassava flour, is stuffed with a meat stew and other ingredients, perhaps raisins, capers, and olives. 

The Christmas celebration is the 24th and 25th, in observation of the birth of Christ, David tells us. 

Another holiday celebrated is El dia de los Tres Reyes Magos, or three Kings Day, observed on January 6th.

David is here to be a part of the PCC tennis team, and is excited about making history by being a part of building the team. 

He will be staying in the States for the Christmas break, either in Pratt, or perhaps in Miami, Florida. David is used to hot weather he says, and is “comfortable in this climate.” One wonders what he’ll think when winter arrives here? It will be nice for him to get to spend at least part of the winter in Miami!