Coffee and Christmas traditions around the world

The festive season brings families and friends together around old traditions and new customs, and coffee often plays a central role in these celebrations around the world. At Café Castelo, we celebrate the diversity of festive traditions and the special place coffee occupies in these rituals. Find out how different cultures enjoy their coffee during the festive season.

Christmas in Italy: coffee at the heart of the festivities

In Italy, coffee is an essential part of the Christmas festivities. After the big meal on Christmas Eve, a strong espresso is often served to round off the feast and help digestion. On Christmas morning, it's traditional to start the day with a cappuccino, often accompanied by Italian pastries such as panettone or pandoro.

Scandinavian tradition: fika and festivities

In Scandinavia, the concept of "fika" - a coffee break accompanied by a sweet treat - takes on a festive dimension during the month of December. In Sweden and Finland, it's customary to serve "julbrygg", a specially roasted Christmas coffee that goes perfectly with Christmas cookies such as pepparkakor (Swedish ginger cookies).

Christmas in Ethiopia: a ceremonial coffee ceremony

In Ethiopia, where coffee (or "buna") originates, Christmas celebrations are the occasion for an elaborate coffee ceremony. After Christmas mass, which can last up to three hours, families return home to take part in the coffee ceremony, where the beans are roasted, ground and brewed in the presence of guests, in an act of sharing and community.

German coffee: a moment of conviviality

In Germany, coffee is often enjoyed at Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), where stalls sell hot drinks to warm up visitors. At home, coffee is also a staple of family gatherings, often accompanied by Stollen, a traditional dried fruit and marzipan cake.

For us, coffee is more than just a cup

Around the world, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's an integral part of festive traditions, enriching the moments shared and memories created during the Christmas season. At Café Castelo, our own family history is deeply rooted in these traditions of sharing and hospitality. Founded by immigrants looking to share their love of coffee in a new world, our company has grown by drawing on the customs of diverse cultures to offer caffeinated experiences that bring people together, not just during the holidays, but all year round.

We're honored to be part of your Christmas traditions, providing high-quality coffees that bring warmth and conviviality to your festivities. Whether you're inspired by Ethiopian rituals to organize a coffee ceremony, or prefer the simplicity of an Italian espresso after a family meal, Café Castelo is here to enrich these moments with flavors that recall both our roots and our passion for excellence.

We invite you to incorporate Café Castelo into your Christmas traditions, where every cup of coffee is a toast to family, friendship and the joy of the season. Happy holidays from our family to yours!