Belocian and Arthur on Christmas in Guadeloupe and Brazil

Hand on heart, are you fans of Christmas or more of a Grinch?

Belocian: Oh, I think we are both absolute fans of it and are more or less the same. (He laughs)

Arthur: Yes, I really love Christmas. I’ve liked the atmosphere at this time of year since being a child. We come together as the whole family, my grandmother cooks something really delicious. This time together is very important for us.

What is Christmas like in Guadeloupe and Brazil?

Arthur: Unfortunately there aren't any Christmas markets in Brazil like there are here in Germany but you can have your picture taken with Father Christmas in shopping centres for example and everywhere is full of decorations of course – but above all with artificial Christmas trees as the temperature outside is 30 degrees. (He laughs) Another nice tradition is that a lot of people – regardless of whether young or old – dress up as Father Christmas and give little gifts to other people on the street. I really like that.

Belocian: I'm familiar with artificial Christmas trees. (He laughs) At this time of year the temperature is around 25 degrees for us. There are always big celebrations as Christmas is a very important festival for us as Christians. At home we have 40, 50 or even 60 people. It's crazy. Presents are given in the night from the 24th of the 25th. And after that there's always lots of singing. Christian music and traditional songs from Guadeloupe are very important in my home country.

And are you also a good singer?

Belocian: No, definitely not! (He laughs) I prefer to leave that to my aunt or my uncle.

What is Christmas Eve like for your family, Arthur?

Arthur: There's also lots of us – around 25 people. We get together in the evening on 24 December and then cook and play games – best of all Taboo. You've got that here in Germany too, haven't you? Then I play the guitar and we sing all night! On the 25th we usually go out for a walk together or shopping and, of course, we cook again in the evening.

What are the traditional dishes?

Belocian: In Guadeloupe it is primarily beef and pork with beans and rice.

Arthur: It's turkey for us. But my absolute highlight is rabanada. It's like French toast but much better. (He laughs) It's a roll you cut through in the middle, dunk in condensed milk and sugar and then fry. You’ll have to try it! My grandmother makes them herself… I should learn how to make it. (He laughs)

Jeanuël, this is the first Christmas time in Germany for you. How's it been?

Belocian: Cold! (He laughs) But lovely and completely different from back home. I've tried to see and soak in as much as possible.

Arthur: I can give him a few tips as I'm already an absolute pro. (He laughs)

So you like Christmas time in Germany?

Arthur: Absolutely. I love the atmosphere. Last year I saw snow for the first time and built my first snowman. It turned out really well. (He laughs) There are also so many Christmas markets, so much food. My favourite is 'Öhrchen' made out of puff pastry. It's so delicious!

What's your best memory of Christmas?

Belocian: It's probably coming this year. I'm very much looking forward to going home and seeing all the family as I haven't been there for three years.

Arthur: I remember Christmas last year. My brother came to Germany with his wife and child. It was his first time here in Europe. That was really nice and the biggest gift for me.