Christmas in Spain is a two-week extravaganza filled with culture, traditions, and delicious cuisine. Similar to Spain’s Semana Santa (Holy Week), Christmas is deeply ingrained in the country’s religious heritage. While the religious significance is shared nationwide, Christmas traditions in Spain can vary significantly across different regions.
Immersing yourself in Christmas traditions in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries is an important step in how to learn Spanish. For example, to explore the culinary delights of the season, you can expand your Spanish food vocabulary. To embrace Spain’s exceptional Christmas spirit, consider offering a warm Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas) to those you encounter.
By learning Spanish, you’ll be equipped with the language skills and cultural insights needed to fully immerse yourself in the magic of these 13 Christmas traditions in Spain.
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1. Celebrating la Inmaculada Concepción (the Immaculate Conception)
In the US, Thanksgiving rings in the Christmas cheer. In Spain, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception marks the unofficial start on December 8. This public holiday celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was born pure and without sin.
Although the Day of the Immaculate Conception may not be celebrated with a special event in all regions of Spain, Seville has a unique tradition called la Noche de Tunas (The Night of the Tunas). On the evening of September 7, people gather in Plaza de Triunfo to honor el Monumento a la Inmaculada Concepción (the Monument to the Immaculate Conception). Flowers are placed under the monument, and famous groups of university students called tunas serenade the crowd with traditional songs.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is not exclusive to Spain. It’s an important Italian Christmas tradition, and is celebrated in many other predominantly Catholic countries, including Mexico, Portugal, and Brazil.
2. Exploring mercados navideños (Christmas markets) in Spain
From Madrid’s charming Plaza Mayor Christmas market to the vast Feira de Santa Lucía in Barcelona, Spain has a Christmas market for everyone. They typically run from the end of November to the beginning of January.
Whether you’re buying traditional Spanish delicacies like mazapán (marzipan) or browsing handcrafted regalos (gifts) and festive decoraciones (decorations), knowing Spanish is essential for fully appreciating and navigating the delights of Christmas markets in Spain.
3. Enjoying turrón, Spain’s quintessential Christmas sweet
Turrón (nougat), Spain’s most popular Christmas confection, offers a delightful combination of chewy and crispy textures, as well as sweet and nutty flavors. This traditional Christmas nougat is typically made with almendras (almonds), miel (honey), and azúcar (sugar), and is often flavored with chocolate, fruit, or other ingredients.
Often found in festive packaging, turrón is a popular gift during the Christmas season. It’s typically enjoyed in thin slices, often accompanied by cava or sherry.
4. Setting up pesebres (nativity scenes) and other Christmas decorations
Setting up nativity scenes, or pesebres, is one of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Spain. Often displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces during the Christmas season, these elaborate displays depict the birth of Jesus.
Some towns and villages elevate the nativity scene tradition with un pesebre viviente (a living nativity scene), where individuals portray biblical characters and reenact the birth of Jesus. Alicante, a city in southeastern Spain, takes the tradition to greater heights with the world’s largest nativity scene, featuring a towering 59-foot-tall Joseph.
Nativity scenes are a widespread Christmas decoration in Spain, although there are some regional variations. In Catalonia, for example, the Caganer, a playful and somewhat controversial figurine depicting a person defecating, is a unique tradition.
5. Hoping for a Christmas miracle with El Gordo
Spain’s Christmas festivities kick into full gear on December 22 with the exhilarating El Gordo, the world’s largest and most famous lottery drawing. The name “The Fat One” refers to the substantial size of the winning prizes, attracting millions of participants worldwide.
Before heading to a local lotería (lottery kiosk), use Rosetta Stone to practice your Spanish pronunciation to feel more confident and ensure smooth communication when buying your boleto (ticket). Your hard work may bring you buena suerte (good luck)!
6. Experiencing the magic of la Misa del gallo (Midnight Mass)
For many Spaniards, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), celebrated on December 24, is more important than Christmas Day. The main event is la Misa del Gallo, a solemn and beautiful service that commemorates the birth of Jesus. This Christmas tradition often includes traditional villancicos (Christmas carols) and oraciones (prayers). The mass is typically held in a grand cathedral or church, such as the famous catedral de Sevilla, and is decorated with festive luces (lights) and velas (candles).
The festive spirit in Spain often extends well past midnight. After the traditional midnight mass, it’s customary to take to the streets, carrying torches and creating a lively Christmas atmosphere with guitars, tambourines, and drums.
7. Hosting a Nochebuena dinner
As with other holidays and festivals in Spain, Christmas is an opportunity to come together with friends and family and enjoy a delicious meal. Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), a prized delicacy known for its rich flavor and smooth texture, is a traditional part of any Christmas Eve feast. Sopa de ajo (garlic soup) is another staple, offering warmth and comfort on a chilly Christmas Eve.
While jamón ibérico and sopa de ajo are enjoyed throughout Spain, each region boasts its own distinctive Christmas dishes. In Madrid, for instance, you can enjoy cocido madrileño, a hearty stew made with chickpeas, meat, and vegetables. In the Basque Country, you might have bacalao al pil-pil, codfish cooked in its oil with garlic and chili peppers.
8. Getting treats from Caga Tió
Perhaps Spain’s most distinctive Christmas tradition is Caga Tió, a whimsical log decorated with a face and red hat that children “feed” with nuts, candy, and other treats throughout December.
On Nochebuena, children beat the Caga Tió with a stick, singing a traditional song, and the log “poops” out regalos (presents) and caramelos (sweets). This playful tradition is a hallmark of Christmas celebrations in Catalonia and Aragon, though it’s less common in other regions.
9. Waiting for Olentzero
Catalonia has Caga Tió, whereas the Basque Country welcomes Olentzero on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to children. Originally a menacing giant in Basque mythology, Olentzero has evolved into the Basque version of Papá Noel (Santa Claus), typically depicted as a cheerful old man with a long white beard and a bag of gifts.
For Basque children, Olentzero is a delightful surprise on top of the main gift-giving event, Three Kings’ Day, which is celebrated throughout Spain.
10. Celebrating el Día de los Santos Inocentes (the Day of the Innocent Saints) with mischief
On December 28, Spain celebrates el Día de los Santos Inocentes, a playful twist on a somber holiday. Celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, it honors the babies killed by King Herod who was trying to kill baby Jesus.
Despite its dark origins, this holiday is celebrated in Spain with a playful and lighthearted spirit, similar to April Fool’s Day in the United States. Prank calls, spicy sweets, and fake news are just a few of the classic pranks to watch out for on Día de los Santos Inocentes.
11. Making noise with El Arrastre (‘The Drag’)
Cádiz, a charming beach town in southwestern Spain, boasts a distinctive Christmas tradition. On January 5, the day before Three Kings’ Day, the children take to the streets, dragging strings with attached metal cans to create a lively racket.This boisterous tradition is intended to remind the three kings to come and deliver presents.
According to local folklore, the noise created by the children helps to scare away a giant who would otherwise cover the sky in smoke, preventing the three kings from visiting.
12. Opening gifts from los reyes magos (the three kings)
January 6 in Spain begins with a childlike anticipation and excitement in the air. It’s el Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day), when children receive gifts from the three wise men.
On la Noche de Reyes (Three Kings Eve), after la Calbagata de Reyes (the Three Kings Parade), children excitedly clean their best shoes and leave them outside their door, hoping they’ll be filled with gifts.
13. Bidding farewell to the holiday season with legendary roscón de reyes
Roscón de reyes is a beloved culinary tradition enjoyed by Spanish households as the Christmas season culminates on Three Kings’ Day. On January 6, families gather to enjoy this sweet, circular cake with a small toy or figurine baked inside. This traditional cake, resembling a crown with candied fruits, honors the three wise men.
Although Spaniards typically line up at their local pastelería (bakery) for this once-a-year dessert, you can try making homemade roscón de reyes to celebrate Three Kings’ Day like a local.
Discover the joy of Christmas in Spain with Rosetta Stone
From the bustling streets of Madrid to the charming coastal town of Barcelona, Spain offers a continuous celebration during the Christmas season. Imagine yourself immersed in the festive atmosphere of a Spanish Christmas market, understanding the Christmas greetings exchanged, and purchasing turrón with ease.
Language and culture are interconnected, and personalized tutoring from expert Rosetta Stone language instructors can help you enjoy your Christmas in Spain by improving your language skills and boosting your confidence in communicating with locals. ¡Feliz Navidad!
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