Christmas in Spain is a very happy time as well as in any other country but has its own traditions.
Christmas seems to start earlier every year, so it is nice to take advantage of this to indulge in some Spanish delights, such as cured ham, select cheeses, seafood and the traditional “Mantecados”, “Polverones” and “Turron”. You can often find in some local businesses, a tray will be visible with a bottle of Anis and some delights for clients to sample.
Running up to Christmas there are a couple of important National Holidays: 6th December The Day of the Constitution and 8th December the day of the Inmaculate Conception. Both of these days most supermarkets and shops are closed, and Restaurants are very busy, being these bank holidays.
Christmas Traditions in Spain
Traditionally, Spain celebrates Christmas Eve, where families get together for an evening meal at home. Andalucia being famous for having seafood and other areas of Spain leaning more to meat and fish dishes. The evening of the 24th you will find most Spanish restaurants are closed, but some bars may open later, after dinner time.
Father Christmas now comes to Spain, and delights all nationalities of children so Christmas Day, being a public holiday, finds Spanish families going to the many restaurants open on this festive day.
There are many supermarkets which cater for all nationalities, if you decide to cook your favourite foods, if not, there are also a variety of international restaurants which serve traditional dishes. Booking in advance for these restaurants is highly recommended.
New Years Eve
New Years Eve is usually celebrated in most villages and towns, in their main public square. Spanish tradition is to eat a grape on the count of each chime of the clock at 12 midnight. This is to bring luck for the following year. Each village and town have their own special way of bringing in the New Year. In the village of Yunquera the tradition is to dress in fine gowns and suits. Coin is famous in the whole of Spain for having the biggest fancy-dress party to bring in the New Year. Many restaurants and live music venues organise events for New Years Eve offering different menu packages and entertainment.
3 Kings
Here is Spain, Christmas is not over until the 3 Kings, Melchor, Gazpar and Baltazar bring their gifts on the night of the 5th of January. Many towns will have a parade with the three kings either on floats or on camels, throwing sweets and gifts for the delighted children and adults; but make sure to be home for midnight and leave your shoes outside with some water for the camels!
The 6th of January, Three Kings Day, marks the end of Christmas with Spanish children enjoying their gifts and a family lunch either at home or at a favourite restaurant.
Life returns to normal on 7th January, but preparations will have already started for a spectacular, moving Easter….but that is another story…..