The currency blog

Christmas means a big celebration in Spain. The Spanish people enjoy the season as much for the parties as for the opportunity to celebrate their religious beliefs, which is what makes it incredibly appealing to most of the citizenry.

The Immaculada: Signalling the beginning of Christmas

The Christmas season in Spain officially begins on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. A predominantly Roman Catholic country, most Spaniards believe that the conception of Mother Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus Christ, is enough a reason to celebrate. This triggers all the festivities leading to Christmas. As such, it is normal to see store displays lit up with colourful Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations. Churches share the festive atmosphere, too, as they are decorated with colourful floral bouquets and other adornments. Additionally, almost every home in Spain will be filled with Christmas decorations.

Processions also abound during this time. In Catalonia, for example, a tree trunk wrapped with gifts and sweets are paraded into the town, and the children are invited to pluck these gifts out using sticks. This is known as the Caga Tio, one of the popular parades held during the Christmas season.

The Noche Buena

One of the highlights of spending Christmas in Spain is the Noche Buena, or the Good Night. It is held every Christmas Eve when families gather together over what is normally an elaborate Christmas dinner. Afterwards, they typically sing carols around the Christmas tree and say a prayer together. Games are also held for the benefit of the children, and guests are welcome to join in the fun.

Just before the clock strikes 12 midnight, families prepare to go to Misa Del Gallo, or the Midnight Mass, which is a Catholic thanksgiving prayer for the birth of Jesus Christ. But the festivities do not end there. Friends and families usually gather around the church courtyards after the mass to share stories, food and drinks. Also, it is typical to see churchgoers dancing the Jota, which is a special Christmas dance that has been in the Spanish tradition over 100 years.

The celebration lasts until the wee hours of the morning, but the break of dawn does not mean the party has ended. Upon returning home it is customary to distribute and open Christmas gifts. Only then will these joyous people sleep.

The Three Kings

Christmas in Spain extends for a couple more days until January 6 of the New Year. This is the Feast of the Three Kings, which is also known as the Feast of the Epiphany. This is a fun time for the Spanish children who put out their shoes on their doorsteps on the eve of January 5, only to awaken and find out that these shoes have been exchanged with gifts! The gifts are said to come from the Los Reyes, or the Three Kings. Like Christmas Eve, the Spanish people traditionally attend mass on this day.

Information courtesy of Craig Edmonds www.marbellaguide.com/blog

Marbella Guide is your personal and business guide to Marbella.

Discuss on this on the Currency Exchange Forum