As Christmas is coming soon, we decided to tell you a little bit about the Spanish culture and how Christmas or “Navidad” is celebrated in Spain!
In Spain, it’s a common practice for people to attend church on Christmas Eve, after their grand Christmas dinner for the ‘misa del gallo’ at midnight, as it is a predominantly Catholic country. During this midnight mass, Spaniards renew their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day like most Catholic countries however Spain has more exciting ways to celebrate.
Usually when we think of Christmas, we think of Santa Claus however in Spain he is not celebrated, instead presents are delivered to children on 6th January by the “Reyes Magos” ( The Three Wise men”). This means Spanish kids normally have to wait 12 more days than us to receive their gifts, although nowadays this is starting to change-many get presents on Christmas day too. Moreover, on the evening of the 5th January the “Reyes Magos” ride down the streets of every town in Spain. This is a parade you don’t want to miss, especially with all the candy being tossed.
The focus on January 6th stems from the religious significance of the Epiphany, when the three kings visited the infant Jesus, symbolising the revelation of the Christ to the world.
Another Spanish tradition around Christmas is to eat 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), this is to bring good luck for each month for the upcoming year. At midnight, Spaniards eat one grape with each chime of the clock.
We also can’t forget the delicious Spanish cuisine. The main festive meal typically takes place on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena). While serrano ham is a staple, seafood also plays a big part, especially king prawns. For dessert, a sweet almond nougat (turrón) is eaten and on 6th January the Roscón de Reyes (a bread like cake with candied fruits which has a hidden figurine and a bean) is eaten.
