Spending Christmas and the Holidays in the Spanish sun? in Medvilla Spanje

Spending Christmas and the Holidays in the Spanish sun?

14.12.2022

Decorating the Christmas tree in full sun? Celebrating New Year's Day in a T-shirt and shorts? It is possible if you have a house in the south of Spain. In December it can be more than 20 degrees! Not only is the weather different than you're probably used to, the habits might be too. How do Spaniards celebrate the holidays?

Christmas in Spain

In Spain, Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the most important time of Christmas. Families then come together and enjoy an extensive meal and a good glass of cava. Before this dinner, many people still go to the evening mass in the church. As Christmas is a family celebration, many restaurants are closed this evening. Something to keep in mind if you live in Spain! December 25 is also a real family day. Spaniards then go for lunch together or set up a beautiful nativity scene with the whole family. Although gifts were traditionally only given during Epiphany, it is increasingly common that Papa Noel (as Santa Claus is called in Spain) can't wait and already puts a few surprises under the Christmas tree on Christmas Day.

12 grapes with old and new

Most Spaniards are counting down to the New Year (Nochevieja) by following the TV broadcast broadcast live from Puerta del Sol square in the heart of Madrid. This square is full of thousands of people dressed up partying together. When the clock on the town hall strikes 12 times, the Spaniards eat a grape (las Uvas de la Suerte) with every strike of the clock. Just before New Year's Eve, cans with 12 grapes are for sale in the supermarket especially for this purpose. Without seeds of course, to prevent accidents…. Is it possible to eat a grape with every strike of the clock? Then a wonderful year full of prosperity and happiness awaits you. ¡Feliz ańo nuevo!

Epiphany, the children's party

Epiphany (Reyes Magos) is celebrated in Spain on January 5 and 6. It is a real children's party that starts on January 5 in the evening with a colorful parade, the 'Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos'. The three kings usually arrive on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage and throw sweets at the crowds who flock to these processions. Children love it because they are spoiled with candies from the kings. They may also put their shoe, in which they leave some hay for the camels of the kings in the hope that they will receive a nice present. To end the party, breakfast is served on January 6 with a 'Roscón de Reyes', a round cake with pieces of fruit that symbolize the precious stones of the kings. After that, it's time for a quiet countdown to spring and summer - the period when Spain becomes even sunnier and more festive.

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