Christmas in Spain
Posted: 20 Dec 2012, 14:37I've just come back from town and (like every year) got a lump in my throat as I watched a procession of school children snaking their way down to pay their respects at the Nativity scene in the Plaza. 
I thought I'd post what Christmas is like in Spain..hopefully you'll enjoy the read.
Spanish Christmas kicks off on December 22nd with El Gordo (the fat one).
It's the worlds biggest lottery draw and takes place throughout most of the day..it definitely adds an air of extra madness.
Christmas Eve is called Nochebuena (goodnight) and is the most important family gathering of the year.
People meet at lunchtime in bars for a few beers then everyone will return home to their family for a massive celebratory meal.
All bars and restaurants tend to close around 6pm.
Christmas Day and bars and restaurants will be packed with families and friends all catching up and having a blast.
Children are given small presents that have been left by Papa Noel.
December 28th is Santos Innocentes (Holy innocents) day.
It's the equivalent of April Fools Day and is quite mad.
Two years ago some wag put washing up liquid in one of our water featured roundabouts and there was bubbles and foam for miles.
New Years Eve is Noche Vieja (old night.)
People tend to party at home then gather in their local plaza just before midnight. Everyone has 12 grapes and a glass of Cava and a grape is eaten for each of the 12 chimes for good luck.
Then it's back to the party a go go.
Three Kings Day - this starts on the evening of January 5th with processions and floats in every town.
The 3 Kings and their helpers throw thousands of sweets (caramelos) from their floats to all the children..and adults!..watching.
Everyone takes along a bag to fill with the sweets..me included!
Three Kings Day proper is January 6th and is the most important day of the year for the children.
When they wake up they'll find that the Three Kings (los Reyos Magos) have been and left them presents.
All goes back to normal on January 8th.
Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad) to all my VV friends. xx
I thought I'd post what Christmas is like in Spain..hopefully you'll enjoy the read.
Spanish Christmas kicks off on December 22nd with El Gordo (the fat one).
It's the worlds biggest lottery draw and takes place throughout most of the day..it definitely adds an air of extra madness.
Christmas Eve is called Nochebuena (goodnight) and is the most important family gathering of the year.
People meet at lunchtime in bars for a few beers then everyone will return home to their family for a massive celebratory meal.
All bars and restaurants tend to close around 6pm.
Christmas Day and bars and restaurants will be packed with families and friends all catching up and having a blast.
Children are given small presents that have been left by Papa Noel.
December 28th is Santos Innocentes (Holy innocents) day.
It's the equivalent of April Fools Day and is quite mad.
Two years ago some wag put washing up liquid in one of our water featured roundabouts and there was bubbles and foam for miles.
New Years Eve is Noche Vieja (old night.)
People tend to party at home then gather in their local plaza just before midnight. Everyone has 12 grapes and a glass of Cava and a grape is eaten for each of the 12 chimes for good luck.
Then it's back to the party a go go.
Three Kings Day - this starts on the evening of January 5th with processions and floats in every town.
The 3 Kings and their helpers throw thousands of sweets (caramelos) from their floats to all the children..and adults!..watching.
Everyone takes along a bag to fill with the sweets..me included!
Three Kings Day proper is January 6th and is the most important day of the year for the children.
When they wake up they'll find that the Three Kings (los Reyos Magos) have been and left them presents.
All goes back to normal on January 8th.
Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad) to all my VV friends. xx
