Christmas in Spain: From Advent to New Year
Spanish Christmas is a colorful mosaic of traditions, surprising in its richness and diversity. Let's follow this time from the first days of Advent to the New Year celebrations.
Beginning of December: Advent and preparations
December in Spain begins with Advent preparations. The streets of cities like Alicante and Valencia are illuminated with Christmas lights, and homes are adorned with colorful decorations. The most iconic decoration, which you'll see everywhere, is the Portal de Belén – the traditional Christmas nativity scene. Each year, Spaniards purchase new figurines and elements, creating increasingly elaborate and detailed scenes. The attention to every detail and the passion with which they approach this custom make Belén nativity scenes true works of art!
December 22: El Gordo – Christmas Lottery
December 22nd is the day when all of Spain eagerly watches the El Gordo draw, the country's biggest Christmas lottery! It's a moment filled with excitement that officially heralds the start of the holiday season. You can read more about this special event in our latest article:
December 24: Christmas Eve
In Spain, Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena, is a true celebration of culinary delights! Tables groan under the weight of exquisite seafood – gambas, langostinos, cigalas, and other sea delicacies that delight both in taste and appearance. There are also dishes for meat lovers: lamb or the traditional roasted suckling pig, known as cochinillo, are the mainstays. And for those who prefer something more exquisite, beef tenderloin or bull's tail appear on the table.
Christmas Eve cakes in Spain are true works of confectionery art. Instead of homemade pastries, tables are filled with tronco de navidad – a roll shaped like a cut tree trunk. Turrones and polvorones – almond confections that are the perfect ending to a Christmas feast – are also intriguing sweets.
Interestingly, Spanish Christmas carols, called villancicos, are often sung by children, and the lyrics themselves are quite simple and childish. Nevertheless, they create a joyful atmosphere and are an integral part of the Christmas tradition.
December 25: Christmas
Christmas Day in Spain is often spent away from home. Instead of preparing a meal, families head to a restaurant to enjoy time together—without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
December 28: Día de los Santos Inocentes
December 28th is the Day of Pranks and Mischief in Spain. It's a time when Spaniards play pranks on each other, both in the media and in everyday life.
December 31: New Year's Eve – Nochevieja
New Year's Eve, or Nochevieja, in Spain is a time of unforgettable celebration. The custom of eating grapes at each of the twelve chimes of the clock is a moment filled with magic, and the joy of welcoming the New Year lasts until dawn.
January 6: Epiphany – Reyes Magos
Epiphany is the culmination of the Spanish Christmas season. It's on this day that children receive most of the gifts that in Poland are given on Christmas Eve. Importantly, the gifts are brought by the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Colorful parades, known as La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos, draw crowds to the streets, and a joyful atmosphere fills towns and villages.
Summary
A Spanish Christmas, full of colorful traditions, delicious dishes, and a family atmosphere, is a unique experience that surprises with its diversity and cultural richness. If you're dreaming of a magical holiday, we invite you to book our charming apartments on the Costa Blanca! ¡Feliz Navidad y nos vemos allí!🎄🌟🇪🇸
