Christmas In Spain
Each country celebrates Christmas in its own unique ways and has a bunch of traditions that you will probably not find elsewhere. Spain is no different. The country has a number of creative ways to celebrate the holiday, and you will surely enjoy them if you’re in the country. Christmas in Spain is quite the treat.
How Is Christmas Celebrated In Spain?
The Christmas season in Spain is a two week long affair and is celebrated each year between December 24th and January 6th. During this time, you will see a spirit of jubilation, family harmony and joy wherever you go. Spanish holidays in fact are a mix of Christian and pagan traditions.
Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24th and is a family affair. Extended families will usually gather over a feast of local specialties and delicacies. The meals can include starters like Iberico ham, seafood and a variety of cheeses. The main meal follows which can be anything ranging from soups, roast meat, stuffed turkey or fish. And finally turron, Spanish sweets, marzipan and polvorones are not to be missed for dessert. In most places, restaurants and bars will also be closed. Most people will have their Christmas meal before the church service. Devout Christians attend the Midnight Mass or La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster) on this night. This is so called because it is believed a rooster crowed the night Jesus was born. It is a special time for people to get together and give thanks while singing Christmas carols and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
On Christmas Day (December 25th) families will get together again to celebrate, although the celebrations are usually not as big as the eve before. Especially in families with young children, this day is usually a time to see what gifts everyone has got. But Christmas doesn’t end here!
On December 28th the Spanish celebrate el Dia de los Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents’ Day). While a Catholic tradition originally, it is now similar to April Fool’s Day as celebrated in the US and UK. People play pranks (bromas o inocentadas) on their friends and family. News channels also run silly stories. Don’t believe everything you hear on this day, chances are you are being pranked!
This is followed by the last night of the year, New Year’s Eve or Nochevieja. While people celebrate Christmas with their families, they celebrate this night with their friends. Once they have had dinner and time for socializing with friends, in the final moments before the clock strikes 12, Spaniards will eat 12 lucky grapes with each chime of the clock so luck will be on their side for the coming year. These are interesting traditions that you will only find in Spain. And if you want to keep busy for the holiday season, head to one of the bigger cities since they will be open and you will be able to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
What Is The Advent Season In Spain?
The Spanish will typically decorate their houses with Poinsettias (Flor de Pascua) which are red and green plant blossoms which are originally from South America. They are also known as Estrella de Navidad or the Christmas Star due to their unique shape. Another common decoration is the portal de Belen, which is a model of Bethelem. Since Spain is a traditionally Catholic country, you will find such displays of Christian belief everywhere. The model of Bethelem specifically depicts the Nativity Scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. It can either be a simple structure or a more elaborate one with numerous details of the whole town of Bethelem and its inhabitants. Some people spend hours and huge amounts of money in making these displays.
Advent in Spain also means taking part in the Fat Lottery. On December 22, the Christmas lottery is drawn which is hugely popular among the Spanish. People buy their tickets months in advance and the fever reaches its peak near the start of the holidays. People usually tend to play the lottery in groups since the price of individual tickets can be very high. Once the winners have been announced on live TV, the holidays have officially begun. A lot of people will also have their calendars full with pre-Christmas festivities and reunions. Take this chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues and have dinner with family.
What Is Saint Nicholas Day In Spain?
Traditionally, there is no Santa Claus in Spain. Rather, each region has its own version of the famous figure. The Spanish do not therefore celebrate the Saint Nicholas day, rather they celebrate the day of the Three Kings or the Tres Reyes Magos. While children receive some of their gifts on Christmas Day, they will receive most on Epiphany day which is the 5th of January. Children believe that it is the Kings who bring gifts for them on this eve. They will typically also write letters to the Kings or Wise Men on the night before, requesting gifts.
And while in the US or UK you might leave out some cookies and milk for Santa, in Spain you will usually leave out some gifts, a glass of cognac for each of the three kings Gaspar, Melchoir and Balthazar, a satsuma and some walnuts. There might even be a bucket of water for the camels the Kings ride on.
During the day, each city will have special Epiphany parades called the cabalgata in which large floats will move around each street in the city. These usually carry musicians, artists and the Three Kings themselves who will wave to the children watching them and throw out candies. The Spanish will also eat a special cake called Roscon which is a ring shaped roll. It is filled with cream or chocolate and will contain a figurine gift hidden in the center. If you get the slice with the figurine, you will be able to wear the crown, but if you get the one with a bean, you will have to pay for next year’s cake.
The 6th of January is also a bittersweet day for the children, because while they get to open their gifts, their vacation is also ending and school is about to begin again.
Christmas Markets In Spain
Christmas markets are set up in the bigger squares in each city to sell everything from small gifts, local food items, delicacies and ornaments. You might even find vintage items in some. You are likely to find traditional sweets like marzipan and turron (which is a honey and almond confection) in markets as early as October.
Barcelona especially is a must-visit location for markets because of its unique Catalan Christmas traditions. The oldest and most popular market here called the Fira de Santa Llucia is a must visit. Valencia also has two great markets to visit.
If you are looking to shop for antiquities, vintage items, furniture and artwork then the markets in Madrid might be more to your taste. You’ll find that they offer a different vibe than the other markets in the country, particularly the Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor and the Feria Mercado de Artesania de Madrid. For decorations and handicrafts, Seville is a more suitable option. The Nativity Scenes at the Mercado de Belenes market are also particularly noteworthy. You’ll find that in all markets the Christmas lights, decorations and enthusiasm add to the festive spirit.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Spain for Christmas time, be sure to take part in all the unique traditions the country has, for it will surely be a thrilling experience. So go ahead and book your tickets for the holiday season and enjoy yourself. There’s nothing stopping you from celebrating like a true local. Feliz Navidad!