Bakery sees rush for pan dulce ahead of Christmas eve Noche Buena celebration in Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — Christmas Day may still be two days away, but for many Latino and Hispanic families, the main celebration happens on Christmas Eve during Noche Buena, a long-standing cultural tradition centered on food, family and faith.

In the days leading up to the holiday, families across the community are busy preparing for the festive evening meal. One staple that often appears on the table is pan dulce, a sweet bread enjoyed throughout the year but especially popular during the holiday season.

The tradition of pan dulce originated in Mexico and includes a wide variety of baked goods. One of the most recognizable and popular types is the concha, named for its seashell-like pattern on top. The pastry features a soft, brioche-like base topped with a sweet, crumbly layer that comes in different colors and flavors.

Local Mexican-owned bakeries in Fayetteville are seeing an increase in demand as families prepare for Noche Buena. Sandra Torres, owner of Mi Vida Dulce, said pan dulce is one of her bakery’s top sellers during the holidays.

“It’s a Mexican pastry where each one has a different taste and different flavor,” Torres said. “Conchas are the most popular, especially the bigger ones. There’s chocolate conchas, strawberry, vanilla, and all of them have their own special flavor.”

While traditions may vary from family to family, pan dulce remains a symbol of togetherness and celebration for many households observing Noche Buena.