What’s Christmas in Spain like? Here are some of the famous traditions that will give tourists a glimpse of festivity in Spain.
Although Spain has grown into a mostly secular state, its deeply-rooted Catholic faith remains alive in its Christmas celebration. Many locals consider the occasion not only as a form of festivity or merry-making but also to connect to their loved ones and spirituality.
During this period, the streets of Spain’s major towns and cities get flooded with colorful decorations. Thousands troop to the streets to join in the festivity and rekindle ties with the bigger community.
Here is the catch, though. Christmas celebrations in Spain offer more unique customers than what many tourists know now. It’s more than just the flashy lights or the sumptuous meals being served on the streets and homes.
Here are the must-try activities to try during the Spanish Navidad for a more fun-filled and meaningful experience.
Christmas in Spain: Top 7 Interesting Christmas Traditions in Spain
Whose Santa Claus?
While Santa Claus is the most famous fictional Christmas character in many countries, it’s not in Spain. Yes, Santa Claus doesn’t visit Spain. Instead, the Spanish kiddos and even party-loving adults look for the Three Wise Men to give presents.
But unlike in other Christmas traditions, these Reyes Magos arrive on January 6th, not the popular December 25th. As soon as the kings arrive, thousands, especially children, gather to meet them and grab hold of what they offer.
Riding on giant floats, the wise men then throw candies to throngs of candy lovers. These floats, known as the cabalgatas, are central to the Spanish Christmas tradition.
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Serving the Roscon de Reyes
Also known as the King’s Cake, Roscon de Reyes is a popular serving in Spain, which has become a central dessert during Christmas. It is topped with candied fruits and stuffed with pastry cream to give this sweet brioche a festive appeal.
The donut shape is intentionally meant to symbolize the Three Wise Men’s crowns while riding on the floats. But there is an added beauty, aside to its mouthwatering taste. While the family members feast on the cake, they cross their fingers to look for the hidden ceramic toy. Tradition states that whoever gets the toy enjoys a whole year of good luck.
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The Fat Lottery
The Spanish Christmas Lottery generates more than 2 billion euros every year, making it the world’s biggest. That massive scale earned it the colloquial nickname, “El Gordo,” which means the fat one.
Almost everyone in Spain tries their lock on this lottery, not only to win but to bond with their coworkers and friends. If the number they picked wins, they will have to share the earnings with all the people who bet on the ticket.
A funny story happened when an entire town bought a ticket in 2011 and won. A whopping 950 million euro was awarded to the town of Sodeto. The announcement of results happens during the morning of December 22nd, and the drawing gets broadcasted all over the nation. A choir of schoolchildren then sings as each number gets called.
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December Fool’s Day
The Spaniards don’t start watching their backs on April 1st since they start pulling pranks on December 28th. They call it El Dia de Los Santos Inocentes, which has become popular during Christmas, adding to the festive and lively mood.
For visitors who are not fond of doing pranks, they can instead dress up in a wig. But beware, even if you’re not participating, pranks can catch on your anytime and anywhere. If that happens, just join in the fun and see what it’s like.
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El Portal de Belen
Christmas trees were an uncommon sight in Spain fifty years ago. These iconic trees are more common today, and one can find them lining many major streets and public venues.
When visiting traditional households, tourists can still encounter the classic belenismo, otherwise known as, portal de Belen. These are the old-school way of decorating houses to feature the nativity scenes and portray symbolism related to Christ’s birth.
Many markets across the country offer locally-made icons and figurines, including a flock of sheep, the Three Kings, and Jesus Himself. As soon as December kicked in, shops and malls began displaying these figurines for sale and to boost the Christmas mood.
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Midnight Mass
The majority of the Spaniards remain Catholics, although less attends regular Church services. But during Christmas, their devotion reflects in different ways, such as the customary nativity scenes.
They also attend the midnight mass, usually after the main meal on Christmas Eve. It becomes a moment for family bonding while reconciling with spirituality.
The midnight mass remains one of the most attended church activities during the year. It becomes a representation of the vibrant Catholic faith in the country despite secular movements.
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The Caga Tio
Catalonia is unique among the provinces in Spain for its ingenious Christmas celebration. Once the echo resounds, families here make a figurine out of a wooden log. Covered with a blanket to keep it from getting cold, the log is kept in a garden or the house.
The locals refer to the log as Caga Tio or the pooping log. Now, what’s about it? During Christmas, kids will go circling the log and beating it with sticks.
They will sing a song while whacking the log so that it poops out candy to feast on during the occasion. When they finish singing, they then remove the blanket to grab hold of a package of sweets.
Now those are just some of the varied activities that make up a unique and meaningful Christmas in Spain. Both kids and adults can enjoy as much with all the activities and vibrant sights.
If you’re interested in going for a tour in Spain, here is our list of the best tours you might be interested in – read it here.
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