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What does Spain do for Christmas? People in Spain have their own practices for Christmas and the New Year, such as their own decorations, events, and ways of counting down the days. We know the specifics.
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Spain: A Unique Celebration
Christmas in Spain is a vibrant and unique affair, brimming with traditions that set it apart from celebrations in other parts of the world. While the spirit of the season remains universal – joy, family, and the anticipation of gifts – Spain infuses these elements with its own distinctive flair.
A Tapestry of Traditions:
- The Epiphany Takes Center Stage: Unlike many countries that celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Spain primarily focuses on the Epiphany on January 6th. This significant Christian holiday commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Reyes Magos) who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
- The Arrival of the Reyes Magos: The evening of January 5th witnesses a spectacular spectacle as the Three Kings parade through towns and cities across Spain. Riding on elaborately decorated floats, they shower children with sweets and candy, creating a magical atmosphere.
- The Caga Tió: A Catalan Tradition: In Catalonia, a unique tradition involves the “Caga Tió” – a wooden log adorned with a face and legs. Children “feed” the Caga Tió with delicacies, hoping it will “poop” out presents on Christmas Eve.
- El Gordo: The Christmas Lottery: The Christmas lottery, known as “El Gordo,” is a national phenomenon. Millions of Spaniards participate, eagerly awaiting the televised drawing on December 22nd. The excitement is palpable as the winning numbers are announced, often by schoolchildren.
A Feast for the Senses:
- Christmas Eve Feast: Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is a time for family gatherings and a sumptuous feast. Seafood plays a prominent role, with dishes like king prawns being a festive favorite.
- Christmas Sweets: Indulge in traditional Spanish Christmas treats such as turrón, a delectable almond nougat, and Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake often filled with whipped cream and adorned with candied fruits.
- The 12 Grapes of Luck: On New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), Spaniards partake in a unique tradition: eating 12 grapes in time with the 12 chimes of midnight. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the coming year.
A Tapestry of Regional Customs:
- Catalan Christmas: In Catalonia, “Bon Nadal” marks the festive season. The Caga Tió and the “human towers” (castells) are unique to this region.
- Galician Christmas: In Galicia, “Bo Nadal” is the traditional greeting. This region boasts its own unique Christmas traditions and delicacies.
- Basque Christmas: In the Basque Country, “Eguberri on” welcomes the festive season. The region celebrates the arrival of Olentzero, a mythical figure who brings gifts to children.
Experience the Magic of Spanish Christmas:
From the vibrant parades of the Reyes Magos to the enchanting Caga Tió and the thrilling anticipation of El Gordo, Christmas in Spain offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Embrace the festive spirit, indulge in the delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant nation.
The Portal of Belén
Many shops, local governments, and homes in Spain put up the portal de Belén as a Christmas display. But what is a Belén portal? Spain is a generally Catholic country, so many Christians choose to remember what Christmas was all about by putting up these models of Bethlehem. These scenes use small models and figures to show the Nativity Scene of Jesus’ birth. It can be just Mary, Joseph, and Jesus the baby in the manger. But some people go all out and build huge, complicated structures that show the town, the desert, the Three Wise Men, animals, and sometimes even a “caganer,” which is a tiny figure of a guy pooping on the ground.
The Caga Tió
Catalonia has its own customs that are only observed during Christmas. The ‘Caga Tió,’ which translates to “pooing log,” is one of Spain’s strangest Christmas traditions. People keep this log inside or in the yard, wrapped in a blanket to keep it warm. It has a face and legs on it. Catalan kids hit the log with sticks on Christmas Day while singing a special song to get it to bring them gifts. When the song is over, they pull the log out and find the sweets and candy they were looking for.
Santa Claus from the Basques
At the same time, Christmas in the Basque Country has its own form of Santa Claus that is only found there. His name is Olentzero, and he’s a giant who smokes a pipe and dresses like a peasant. On the night of December 23, he walks along the Gran Via in Bilbao, ready to leave gifts for children in the area on Christmas Eve.
April Fools’ Day in December
People from many countries have a day set aside just to joke around and pull pranks. People in the UK and many other places celebrate April Fools’ Day on April 1. But in Spain, they celebrate it on December 28th as Día de los Santos Inocentes. That day, if you’re in Spain, keep an eye on your back. Something bad could happen at any time.
Spain’s midnight massAsturian Christmas traditions like the Wise Kings on the Epiphany, the Nativity scene, and the Innocent Saints Day all come from the Catholic faith in Spain. In Spain, where most people are Catholic, it’s normal for people to go to church on Christmas Eve after a big Christmas dinner for the “misa del gallo” at midnight. Spanish people renew their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day at this midnight mass.
Now that you know how Christmas is enjoyed in Spain, you can do it the same way, no matter where you are this year. And this is the best place to spend Christmas in Spain if you want to see the best of the holiday season. Have a wonderful Christmas in Spain! Happy Christmas and new ear!
