During the Christmas season, we delight in enjoying those rich flavors and smells that define the traditions and customs passed down by our ancestors.
December Food
In Panama, when December arrives, so does Christmas—a perfect time to make necessary home preparations, set up nativity scenes, decorate the trees, and celebrate with family and friends.
That’s why it is a very joyful and colorful season, where it’s very common to feel the Christmas spirit on the streets and among everyone.
According to tradition, it is almost mandatory for Panamanian households to feature the famous egg bread ring on their Christmas tables—tender and delicious, with a touch of sweetness from the almonds that makes it so tasty.
The Delicious Ring
The egg bread ring has become a Christmas and year-end tradition in Panama. It is a type of sweet bread with soft crumb and decorated with almonds to symbolize abundance and the importance of food.
Its origin comes from Spanish tradition and was adopted by Panamanians to celebrate Christmas, a time rich in Christian significance as it commemorates the Nativity of the Baby Jesus.
The origin of the Christmas ring dates back to Europe, brought to the Americas by Catholic missionaries along with their customs. They established religious celebrations such as the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Wise Men find the Baby Jesus in the arms of His Mother and pay homage to Him.
A Tasty Cake
According to European traditions, it was common to enjoy a cake or tart with a hidden almond at Christmas. The almond represented a promise for the person who found it, which is why people started eating it discreetly.
Because of this, objects other than almonds—such as figurines of Baby Jesus—were placed instead. The crown shape of the ring symbolizes Christ the King and represents God's infinite love.
Hiding a small figurine of Baby Jesus inside the ring symbolizes the story of Mary and Joseph hiding the child to save Him from King Herod’s slaughter of the innocents. Over time, this recipe evolved into one of the most beloved holiday breads in Panama.
Table Traditions
All these traditions continue today and enrich the cultural and culinary customs of our communities. In Panama, on December 24th, the characteristic aromas of Christmas fill the air—tamales, baked ham, and delicious rice with pigeon peas.
The nativity scene and colorful decorations illuminated by lights beautify the Christmas tables, which are adorned with fruit trays, egg bread rings, and fruit sweets for Christmas Eve dinner. On Christmas Day, it’s common to wake up and enjoy a tasty egg bread sandwich stuffed with ham or roasted pork.
Every year, Panama dresses up in celebration during December, joyfully commemorating Christmas with festivities and delicious food that, without a doubt, will be the centerpiece of the Panama table.
