The stories of the 19th century show us that Christmas Eve was celebrated in a similar way to today. Both the Christmas bonus and the rooster mass were celebrated; the inns had already separated from the religious ritual.
After the beginning of the December celebrations in the 16th century, a review in the "Diary of Gregorio M. Guijo" in 1650 tells us about the Christmas celebrations:
That day, all the residents of the city put in the windows of their houses a bundle of Our Lady and other paintings of her Majesty on canvases, of particular devotion, and adorned with many lights, so that being very dark at night were the streets very clear, and was very devout; And mulattoes, blacks, mestizos and Indians gathered at the crossroads of this city, and loudly they prayed the rosary of Our Lady, on their knees, and through the streets the boys went in groups, many of them, and people of all ages.
The Christmas bonus mass was celebrated in the morning, during the novena and the second at 12 at night on the 24th. The former today do not have the character that used to distinguish them, as was the music of the murgas and the verses that were they sang.
Today it is no longer customary to go to Christmas bonus mass. Christmas Eve is a strictly family celebration, the inn is organized with the same rites and songs as those described above until it is time to "put the child to bed." The figure of the Child God is usually carried by one or two young women in a basket, tray or canvas; a procession of attendees is formed, who sing lullabies and Christmas carols and then the Child Jesus is laid in the manger, where he remains until February 2. Previously it was customary for the priest, a friend of the family, to put the child to bed.
With songs, the Child God is laid down in his cradle, after each guest has kissed him, the family remains around the birth singing Christmas carols. These have evolved over time, although the “Adeste fidelis” and “Silent Night” continue to be interpreted.
