In Venezuelan Christmas tradition, Misa de Aguinaldo refers to the early-morning church services held during the nine days before Christmas.
These services are celebrated from 16 through 24 December, forming a novena leading to Christmas Eve. The Spanish phrase combines misa, meaning Mass, with aguinaldo, a word associated in this context with Christmas gifts, songs and seasonal customs.
In Caracas, worshippers have historically traveled to the services on roller skates, a distinctive practice that helped make the celebrations internationally recognizable. Streets may be closed before dawn so participants can reach churches safely.
Misa de Aguinaldo is different from Misa del Gallo, the midnight Mass associated with Christmas Eve in many Spanish-speaking countries. The Venezuelan services are a series of nine early celebrations rather than one midnight service.