Tired of "Last Christmas" and dingy weather? How about a trip to Guyana? In the north of South America and at the doorstep of the Caribbean, the country offers a tropical climate, beautiful natural treasures and, due to the ethnic diversity within the population, a colorful mix of different Christmas customs at the end of the year.
Of course, carols are sung here, trees are decorated and Christmas parties are celebrated. And of course the children in the department stores of the capital Georgetown whisper their wishes in Santa's ears. However, there are some variants that can only be found here in this form.
The big clean up starts everywhere before the holidays. Houses and apartments are being overhauled, curtains cleaned and the floors scrubbed. Spring cleaning in December.
Just like with us, there are also special festive dishes. For example the traditional “black cake”. A fruitcake, but certainly not suitable for consumption by little Santas. Even when the ingredients are mixed together, rum has a permanent place. And after baking, the result is juicy and can be kept for a long time by regularly moistening with the high-proof.
Another Christmas treat is the pepperpot. A stew with less noble pieces of beef, pork and sheep and it gets its special taste from the thickened juice of the cassava bulb and the addition of cinnamon and a lot of chili. A meal that lasts during the holidays, after all, such strong stews taste better with each warming.
