Christmas Around the World Series: in Spain
L’Espagne compte encore beaucoup de croyants, aussi le jour de Christmas comporte d’abord une signification religieuse : la naissance de Jesus. C’est également le jour pour se retrouver en famille autour d’un repas festif.
Traditions
Christmas festivities in Spain also include the Day of the Holy Innocents and New Year's Day. In the week leading up to December 25th, every home sets up a nativity scene with the Three Wise Men, shepherds, a donkey, an ox, and sheep. Some even add representations of Roman soldiers and Pontius Pilate, a river, and mountains. During this period, homes and Christmas trees are also decorated. On December 24th, the day of "Noche Buena," people gather to celebrate and eat together as a family.
At midnight, many people go to their local church to attend Christmas Mass (Rooster Mass). While many homes distribute gifts on this day by Santa Claus, the most important presents will be given on January 6, known as Three Kings' Day.
Children's door-to-door
To honor tradition, children sing Christmas carols just before dinner, going from house to house asking for an offering (usually a little money or candy). In Spain, Christmas Eve is celebrated more than December 25th.
The Spanish table
On New Year's Eve, seafood is served as a starter before the main courses, which include roast turkey and lamb. A wide variety of side dishes of all kinds fills this wonderful buffet.
During the festivities, from December 22 to January 6, we find in every home Spanish trays of typical sweets such as "turon", "mantecado", "polvoron", and marzipan. On the evening of December 24th, anyone with a budget offers Catalan champagne, accompanied by fresh grapes, reputed to bring good luck in the coming year.
We then celebrate until the early hours, where we finish by enjoying churros and hot chocolate.
