Christmas in Spain is a festive and joyous occasion celebrated with various traditions and customs. The holiday season in Spain typically starts on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and lasts until January 6th, known as Epiphany or Three Kings' Day.
Here are some key aspects of the Spanish Christmas tradition:
Christmas Markets: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, markets spring up in many cities and towns, offering a variety of festive goods, decorations and traditional foods.
Christmas Eve Traditional Dinner: The Nochebuena dinner is a significant event. Families often indulge in a feast that may include roast lamb, seafood and a variety of traditional Spanish dishes. Turron - a type of nougat - is a popular Christmas dessert.
Religious Celebrations: Christmas Day is also marked by religious celebrations, and many people attend church services. However, the focus is often more on the family and festive gatherings.
Gift Exchange: While gift-giving is more prominent on Three Kings' Day, some families exchange small gifts on Christmas Day as well.
Christmas Trees: Though not as central as in some other countries, Christmas trees are becoming more common in Spanish homes, especially in urban areas.
Three Kings' Day (Dia de los Reyes Magos):
Epiphany Celebration: January 6th, also known as Three Kings' Day or Epiphany, is a major celebration in Spain. It commemorates the arrival of the Magi to visit the baby Jesus.
Parades: Many cities and towns host parades featuring the Three Wise Men, who throw sweets and small gifts to the crowds. These parades are colourful and lively, and they often attract families with children.
Roscon de Reyes: A traditional dessert for this day is the Roscon de Reyes, a sweet, ring-shaped bread adorned with candied fruits and sometimes filled with cream or other sweet fillings.
Overall, Christmas in Spain is a time for family, feasting and religious observances. The combination of traditional customs and a festive atmosphere makes the holiday season a special time for people across the country.
