Chris tmas Tradi t ions

in Spa in

Christmas in SpainChristmas decoration is a very important tradition in Spain. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights. At home, we usually put up a tree decorated with colour balls, lights and a star at the top.

Under the tree we also put a nativity scene where there are figures of Joseph, the Virgin Mary, baby Jesus, a cow, a mule and the three Wise Men.

Decorations

Christmas in SpainIn Catalonia, we have a peculiar tradition. One of the figures in the nativity scene is that of a man shitting on a corner. Traditionally, it was a shepherd, but nowadays you can find a lot of well-known characters (actors, actresses, politicians, ...). We call this figure “caganer”.

Decorations

Christmas in SpainOur celebrations start on the 24th of December. In the evening, we stay at home with our family, we have dinner together and we give each other presents. We also sing Christmas songs!

24th December

Christmas in SpainOur king makes a speech on TV on that day. We have a new king and queen this year as the old king renounced his throne last summer.

24th December

Christmas in SpainOn the 25th December we usually have lunch at some relatives’ home (grandparents, aunts, uncles, ...). On that day, it is a tradition to eat “galets” soup and cannelloni.

25th December

Christmas in SpainFor desserts we usually have two traditional specialities: “turrones” or nougat (confection typically made of honey, sugar, egg white with toasted almonds or other nuts) and “polvorones” (Spanish shortbread made of flour, sugar, milk and nuts).

25th December

Christmas in SpainAfter lunch, there’s another Catalan tradition called “Caga Tió”.

Young children hit a tree trunk in the shape of an animal, with a stick and some small presents, usually sweets, appear under it.

25th December

Christmas in SpainSpanish New Year’s Eve celebrations begin with a family dinner, including shrimps or prawns. Tradition says that wearing new, red underwear brings good luck. Another typical tradition in Spain is to eat 12 grapes on each chime of the clock symbolizing the 12 months of the year.

31st December

Christmas in SpainIn Spain, we also celebrate Epiphany. In the evening, there are parades in every town and during the night, young children go to bed early because the three Wise Men will come and bring some presents.

5th January

Christmas in Spain

We hope you have a good Christmas!