Christmas and New Year traditions in Spain
Christmas in Spain is a particularly magical time of year. It is a time when ancient traditions, typical cuisine and family customs come together. For students learning Spanish, experiencing these festivities from the inside can be an unforgettable experience that enriches their learning of the Spanish language and culture.
Below, we’ll tell you about some of the most notable traditions that make Christmas and New Year in Spain so special.
The start of Christmas: lights and markets
At the beginning of December, Spanish cities are lit up with Christmas decorations that fill the streets and squares with charm. Madrid, Málaga and Vigo are some of the cities which are famous for their spectacular illuminations, attracting both tourists and locals.
This is also when the traditional Christmas markets appear. They sell nativity scene figures, decorations, traditional sweets, gifts and local crafts.
For many foreign students, visiting these markets is an excellent opportunity to practise the language outside the classroom while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
If you are spending the Christmas holidays in Valencia, here are the city’s most iconic markets.
You are sure to discover unique gifts for your friends and family.
Nativity scenes and Christmas Eve
One of Spain’s most deeply rooted traditions is the setting up of nativity scenes (belenes).
These are representations of the birth of Jesus, ranging from small homemade figures to elaborate installations with running water and moving mechanisms.
Some of them are true works of art, displayed in churches and town halls.
One of the most typical outings during the Christmas period is to take a tour of the city’s nativity scenes.
On the Valencia nativity scene tour, you can appreciate not only the mastery of this art, but also the charm of the monuments and palaces that house them.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve (December 24) is usually celebrated with the family. Dinner includes traditional dishes such as roast meats, seafood, baked fish, stuffed turkey…
Christmas Day (December 25) is also a day for get-togethers and long meals.
Christmas sweets take centre stage at all lunches and dinners during the holidays. The most famous of all is turrón.
Found in every home, turrón has become a classic of Spanish cuisine.
The Spanish towns whose names are associated with turrón production are: Alicante, the birthplace of hard turrón; Jijona, famous for its soft turrón; and Agramunt, known for its turrón made with honey, almonds or hazelnuts.
The Day of the Holy Innocents: guaranteed humour
December 28 is the Day of the Holy Innocents, a holiday similar to April Fool’s Day in the English-speaking world. On this day, friends and family play pranks on each other, and even television programmes get in on the act.
For Spanish learners, it is usually a fun and surprising tradition, and an opportunity to express their sense of humour in another language.
New Year’s Eve and the 12 lucky grapes
One of the best-known Spanish traditions around the world is eating twelve grapes at midnight on December 31. Each grape represents one of the months of the year, and eating all the grapes on time is considered a symbol of good luck.
The Puerta del Sol in Madrid becomes the epicentre of this celebration, but crowds gather in every city to see out the year.
For many students visiting Spain at this time of year, experiencing New Year’s Eve Spanish style is an unforgettable experience, full of excitement and positive energy.
The arrival of the Three Kings
Although in many countries gifts are exchanged on Christmas Day, in Spain it is traditional to do so on Three Kings’ Day (January 6).
On the afternoon of January 5, the famous Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade) takes place, a colourful parade filled with music during which the Three Kings throw sweets from their floats.
This day is especially magical for children, but also for those experiencing this tradition for the first time.
Did you know that in Valencia, the Three Kings arrive in the city by boat? Find out more here.
A unique opportunity to learn Spanish
For those studying the language, spending Christmas in Spain is an extraordinary cultural immersion. The social gatherings and cultural events that take place at this time of year are ideal situations for practising what you have learnt in your Spanish classes.
We hope you find this article useful to better understand local traditions.
We also encourage you to take advantage of Christmas and New Year to learn new words and expressions related to the festivities.
From our Spanish school, El Rincón del Tándem, we wish you a happy holiday season.
See you soon!
