MyWDW: Holidays Around the World

During the day, before the Candlelight Processional, you can have encounters with characters from international winter celebrations, each of them with a different story to tell about their own country's traditions. As always, Epcot seeks to offer insight into the interesting differences of people around the world, while still showing that we are brought together by the same ideals of family and warmth during the wintertime.

Beginning in Mexico, the Three Kings talk about the traditions of Dia De Los Tres Reyes, the Day of the Three Kings, on January 6, on which Mexican children leave their shoes on their doorstep, much like the Christmas tradition of stockings, and are surprised the next morning with candy and toys in their footwear.

Next, Julenissin, a jolly gnome who lives in the forests of Norway and helps protect households during the year talks about the tradition of leaving out bowls of porridge from him in thanks for his guardianship during the year, among other traditions during his annual celebrations.

In China, you are treated to an audience with the Monkey King, who talks about his rise and fall brought about by his appetite for mischief and adventure, and his eventual redemption once he learned his lesson from the Buddha.

Next, a storyteller in Germany teaches about a few Christmas traditions which we take for granted these days, such as the first tannenbaum (Christmas tree), advent calendar, and nutcrackers.

La Befana in Italy tells her tale of missing her opportunity to join the Three Kings on their journey to visit the infant Jesus, and her eternal wanderings thereafter trying to find the baby, visiting children's houses every year on his birthday and leaving presents at each home.

The American Adventure highlights the United States' status as a melting pot, featuring separate shows featuring appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a lesson on the ancient traditions of Chanukah, and a Kwanzaa storyteller.

In Japan, you can learn from O Shogatsu, a Daruma doll vendor, about the traditions of the Japanese New Year, which includes Daruma dolls as a reminder of the things one sets out to do during the following year.

Taarji, the Moroccan storyteller, tells guests about the traditions of Ramadan, including the month-ending celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a time of feasting and celebration, as well as Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Finally, in each of the remaining countries, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, features their regional version of Santa Claus tells about traditions in each nation, including the "consequences" of not believing in Santa (coal in your stocking, anyone?) and the origin of many Christmas Carols.

Of course, I haven't gone into great detail here - you'll just have to head to Epcot to spend some time with each storyteller to learn the full legends of each!