Christmas in Kochi is all about joy, celebrations, and unity. As one of the most populous cities in Kerala, Kochi is rich in history and beautiful backwaters, and it comes alive during Christmas. Though mainly celebrated by Christians, the celebration involves people from different communities. It is, therefore, a unique blend of traditions and customs. In this blog, we will look at how Christmas is celebrated in Kochi and the customs that make it so special.
As December approaches, Kochi's streets, churches, and homes are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, stars, and colorful ornaments. The city exudes a festive spirit, with the scent of freshly baked goods filling the air. Christmas decorations are everywhere, be it a church, a home, or a shopping mall, bringing warmth and joy to the city. People from all walks of life wait for Christmas to arrive, and the air is filled with excitement and cheer.
Christmas preparations in Kochi begin long before Christmas day. Many Christian families start by cleaning their homes and building beautiful cribs, miniature nativity scenes that depict the birth of Jesus Christ. The cribs are usually handmade using local materials, such as bamboo and coconut shells. Some families bake traditional Christmas cakes with dried fruits and nuts. Other favorite homemade treats are 'achappam' (crispy cookies) and 'unniyappam' (sweet fritters) that are shared with friends and relatives during the season.
In Kochi, celebrating midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a part of the Christmas ritual for Christians. Church buildings are well decorated, and flowers, candles, and lights illuminate the peaceful surroundings. During Mass, churchgoers chant hymns, prayers, and the Bible account of the birth of Jesus Christ. Families visit relatives and share Christmas meals in each other's company and exchange small gifts. Most people begin Christmas Day with special church masses to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Food is an integral part of Christmas in Kochi. The Christmas feast is a grand event where families prepare a variety of dishes, such as Kerala-style biryani, appams (rice pancakes), and stew. Seafood, including fish curry and prawns, is often served, thanks to Kochi’s coastal location. The Christmas cake, made with rich dried fruits and nuts, is the highlight of the meal.
Exchanging gifts is a common practice during Christmas in Kochi. People exchange gifts as a sign of love and appreciation for each other. In most homes, children wait for gifts from Santa Claus, an imaginary character distributing gifts to children. Apart from gifts, people also exchange Christmas greetings, and the phrase “Merry Christmas” can be heard all over the city. The festive spirit brings people together, making family, friends, and neighbors closer to each other.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Christmas in Kochi is the spirit of giving. Churches and charities organize events for the underprivileged during the Christmas season. This includes food, clothes, and gifts for the poor, orphans, and elderly. Charity is an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Kochi, where people gather to spread love and kindness.
Christmas carol groups also travel from house to house, singing carols and spreading festive cheer. These groups are usually either church members or local community groups, and they all sing in different languages, Malayalam or English.
Christmas in Kochi has a touch of traditional customs mixed with modern culture. While the older crowds follow age-old traditions, it is a great time for the young generation to hit the shops and malls for Christmas decorations, go to parties, and more. Kochi is a city where old traditions and new customs go side by side.
Christmas in Kochi is celebration time. The festive decorations, the culinary delights, the carols, and the community spirit truly make Kochi a special place to enjoy Christmas. This is because beautiful cribs adorn the house, mouth-watering Christmas cake makes everyone wait for the feast, and warm greetings between neighbors make the Christmas celebrations unforgettable. It is also the time to think over what Christmas really means in one's life, along with all the fun and cheer.
For those who plan on visiting Kochi during Christmas, staying at Tribute Royale makes the best sense. It would provide a luxurious and comfortable stay as it is situated at the heart of the city, offering an ideal base in Kochi to explore the festivities all over the city. Beautifully designed rooms provide the most relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing and Christmas celebrations. Tribute Royale is also one of the best hotels with restaurants in Kochi,where you can indulge in delicious local Kerala cuisine, including traditional Christmas dishes like biryani and seafood, as well as international options. Whether you are dining over a festive meal or are looking forward to a warm evening, Tribute Royale is a great place to spend both the holiday season and a charming time in the city with great service and a friendly atmosphere.