Holiday Traditions of Early Floridians

Ever wonder why Floridians celebrate the holidays by stringing lights on palm trees and eating citrus instead of roasting chestnuts over an open fire? Blame it on the holiday traditions of early Floridians. From Spanish settlers observing religious feasts to Native Americans honoring the changing seasons in their own ways, Florida’s history is as layered as a fruitcake—minus the candied mystery bits. And while snow never made the guest list, creativity certainly did.

Want to know how these early customs shaped Florida’s modern holiday quirks? Keep reading to uncover the story behind the traditions—because there’s more to the season here than inflatable Santas and flamingos in Santa hats.

Winter Traditions of Indigenous People in Florida

Florida’s indigenous tribes – the Calusa and Timucua, Tocobaga and Ocale, and many others – didn’t celebrate holidays in the winter. Those traditions were brought later by Europeans. It’s likely, however, that they followed traditional practices such as honoring the winter solstice. 

Winter in Florida is also unique from other parts of the country in that it’s mild, and this is where animals migrate, particularly birds and marine life. It’s possible indigenous tribes used this time to hunt more, gather at central villages, or hold feasts after a good hunting or fishing expedition.

Traditions Brought by Spanish Settlers

The Spanish brought their own holiday traditions when they came in the 1500s. As a predominantly Catholic country, they brought priests and all of the Christmas traditions that come with Catholicism.

The First Christmas

The Spanish held the first Christmas on Florida soil in 1539 and this was likely the first Christmas held in what would become the United States. Hernando de Soto encamped near present-day Tallahasee at the Apalachee village of Anhaica. His soldiers had forced the Apalachee to flee into the surrounding forest.

On Christmas Day, the 12 priests who accompanied de Soto celebrated Christmas mass. The soldiers then enjoyed a feast courtesy of the food stores left behind by the Apalachee. The occasion was probably not a celebratory one, though. The Apalachee frequently attacked de Soto’s expedition and even tried to burn their own village to retake it from the Spanish.

Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany)

The winter holidays in Spanish tradition stretch into January to El Dia de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings’ Day. This is the day the biblical Three Wise Men brought gifts to the baby Jesus, led by the star of Bethlehem across the desert. The day is celebrated on January 6th and marks the close of the Christmas festivities. 

Three Kings’ Day is also called Epiphany in other orthodox traditions such as Greek Orthodox. In Tarpon Springs, Epiphany is celebrated with a long mass in the morning, followed by a traditional dive for the cross, and feasting after.

Traditional Three Kings’ Day celebrations also include gifts, feasts, and another tradition which is remarkably similar to one we find in New Orleans, Rosca de Reyes, or Three Kings Bread, a round holiday bread with a figurine baked into it. Sounds a bit like King Cake, doesn’t it?

African American Communities and Their Traditions

Enslaved people and their communities once freed played a small but important role in the holiday traditions of early Floridians. Christmas often presented a small respite from the grueling plantation work many endured. This became a time for the enslaved workers to gather together. Communities used this time to infuse the Christian Christmas with their own heritage and beliefs through storytelling, music, and dancing.

After slavery was abolished, African American communities continued their celebrations for several decades. Traditions such as Johnkankus (also known as John Canoe or Junkanoo) parades were held around Christmas until the late 1800s. By then, many of the more American traditions, such as attending church for Christmas, had taken hold. Junkanoo celebrations are still held in Florida with an annual celebration in Miami every June and another in Key West every October.

Holiday Traditions of Early Floridians in the 19th Century

In the 19th Century, an influx of other settlers brought their holiday traditions to Florida, and to all of the United States. These traditions live on in some very usual and unusual ways.

German Christmas Trees

Germans brought their Christmas tree tradition. In northern climates those trees were stout – Douglas and balsam firs, Norfolk pines. Florida’s pine trees, however, were smaller and the branches not able to hold heavy ornaments so early Floridians pivoted. They used feathers, ribbons, and shells to decorate their trees. They were also generally small, most often on tables rather than the large floor to ceiling trees common today.

Germans are also credited with introducing the concept of hanging stockings on the hearth and caroling. 

English Traditions

The English are generally credited with bringing the traditions of mistletoe, Father Christmas, and turkey or goose dinners to the New World and to Florida. Florida does have a turkey called the Osceola turkey which is unique to Florida. However, wild boar were abundant then as now, and Christmas dinner was often ham.

A Florida Christmas dinner usually started with a community hunt. A single hog, deer, or bear could supply meat for several families so hunts were not just practical; they were social events, too. The meat was often smoked or salted to help preserve it in Florida’s heat. 

In the more sparsely populated regions of Florida, families gathered at a centrally located homestead where many neighbors celebrated Christmas together. Besides bear or deer meat, the Christmas table also held familiar dishes such as ham, goose, or turkey, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, white potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. Desserts leaned to Florida fruits, such as orange pie and prickly pear pie.

Other Holiday Traditions of Early Floridians

In the 19th century, small towns started celebrating with fireworks. Another popular celebration was jousting. Yes, like the medieval jousting with an important difference; they didn’t try to kill each other. Eligible knights wearing colorful costumes and riding their horses used eight foot lances to spear a ring on a stationary target. The contest was especially popular in Tampa into the 20th century.

Wrapping It Up: Holiday Traditions of Early Floridians

The next time you’re sipping a citrus cocktail under the glow of palm tree lights or watching a holiday boat parade glide across the bay, take a moment to thank the holiday traditions of early Floridians. Their resourcefulness and cultural blending laid the groundwork for Florida’s uniquely vibrant celebrations today. From feasts to festivities, they turned a land without snow into a holiday wonderland in its own right.

Florida’s traditions may not include sleigh bells or frosty mornings, but they’re rich with history, nature, and a creative spirit that’s truly one of a kind. And let’s be honest—roasting chestnuts has nothing on fresh oranges and a sunset over the Gulf. Do you have any unique holiday traditions in your family?