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Christmas Traditions in Spain
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Christmas
in Spain: tradition and fun Make the most of the Christmas holidays and come to Spain, where you will enjoy celebrations with deep-rooted tradition. At this time of year the streets of cities, towns and villages are decked with colour, lights and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Amongst all the celebrations there are two special ones not to be missed: the New Year's Eve fiesta and the Feast of the Three Kings. On the night of New year's eve, called "Nochevieja" in Spanish, everyone fulfils a special tradition: they eat twelve grapes, one by one, keeping time with the clock as it strikes midnight. This is how we see in the New Year in Spain - an unusual, surprising tradition. What is more, if you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you are in for a year of prosperity and good luck. Be sure not to miss this moment with us Although the chiming of the bells is broadcast on live television throughout Spain, the best thing is to head for the scene of the celebration and take active part in the event. In Spain there is a place that has a special link with this tradition: the clock in Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid. Thousands of people congregate here to see in the year, mainly groups of friends and young people dressed up with hats, party blowers, horns, masks and jokes. There are still many hours of fun ahead. Hotels, pubs, bars and clubs usually hold their own New Year's Eve parties, where you can dance until dawn. Come and get carried away by this festive atmosphere. You won't regret it The magic of the Three Wise Men Just six days later comes the most magical moment of the year, especially for the little ones. On 6 January they get their presents from the Three Wise Men. In Spain it is Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar who bring Christmas presents to children who have been good during the year. After writing a letter, in which they tell the Kings which presents they would like, the long-awaited day finally arrives. The Wise Men parade through the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Spain in traditional cavalcades. Their camels loaded with presents, they go through the streets handing out sweets, accompanied by their royal pages. Little by little the colourful floats go by, entertaining all the family. Of all these parades, the one in Alcoi, Alicante, is particularly outstanding - it is Spain's oldest. When night falls, children go to bed early to wait for Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar to come in through the window and leave presents in their shoes. 
A
good time to go shopping Who doesn't go shopping at Christmas? At this time of year, the shops have a host of ideas and suggestions for presents that are sure to please. In many places you can find Christmas markets such as the one in Madrid's Plaza Mayor Square, selling seasonal decorations and figurines for the crib, along with joke items and novelties. From 1st January, make the most of a trip to the sales. This is definitely the best moment to get major discounts at all kinds of shops and shopping centres. While out shopping, nothing better than taking a break to try the traditional sweets to be found at this time of year. There is a huge variety available, although the star product is definitely turrón. Another of the most traditional Christmas sweets in Spain is marzipan, which is made with almonds and sugar and can usually be found in the form of "little shapes". SPAIN "Feliz Navidad" In Spain, the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual Christmas festivities, but there is one tradition, not at all common elsewhere. Named "Hogueras" (bonfires), this tradition originated long before Christmas itself. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. It is characterized by people jumping over fires as a symbolic protection against illness. This fire-jumping can be seen primarily in Granada and Jaen. The more common traditions include incredibly elaborate "Nacimiento" (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and remarkable Christmas markets scattered among villages and cities with piles of fruits, flowers, marzipan and other sweets, candles, decorations and hand-made Christmas gifts. Often, as the Christmas Eve stars appear in the heavens, tiny oil lamps are lighted, warming village windows. The crowds at the Christmas market thin as shoppers return to prepare for the coming meal. The Christmas Eve gaiety is interrupted at midnight be the ringing of bells calling the families to "La Misa Del Gallo" (The Mass of the Rooster). The most beautiful of these candlelight services is held at the monastery of Montserrat, high in the mountain near Barcelona, which is highlighted by a boy's choir describes as performing the Mass in "one pure voice." Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight. It is a family feast, and often highlighted with "Pavo Trufado de Navidad" (Christmas turkey with truffles; truffles are a mushroom-like delicacy found underground). After the meal, family members gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols and hymns of Christendom. The rejoicing continues through the wee hours of the morning. An old Spanish verse says... "Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no es noche de dormir" (This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep.) Christmas Day is spent at church, at feasts and in more merry-making. A custom peculiar to Spain is that of "swinging." Sings are set up throughout the courtyards and young people swing to the accompaniment of songs and laughter. It is not Santa who comes to Spain bearing gifts, but the Three Wise Men. The Spanish Christmas continues for a few weeks after Dec. 25th. On the Eve of Epiphany, January 5th, children place their shoes on the doorstep, and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts. January 6th, Epiphany is heralded with parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of children. OF SPECIAL NOTE... The three Wise men are seen everywhere in Spain at Christmas, visiting hospitals, orphanages, etc. The men who dress up in various "Wise men" garments are from all walks of life. The legend tells of the three Wise men traveling through the country on their way to Bethlehem. To properly receive them, the children fill their shoes with straw on Epiphany Eve. For their efforts, they find their shoes filled with presents the following (Epiphany) morning. Spanish children have a great fondness for the three Wise men, especially Balthazar. Christmas Traditions in Spain In Spain, the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual Christmas festivities, but there is one tradition, not at all common elsewhere. Named "Hogueras" (bonfires), this tradition originated long before Christmas itself. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. It is characterized by people jumping over fires as a symbolic protection against illness. This fire-jumping can be seen primarily in Granada and Jaen. The more common traditions include incredibly elaborate "Nacimiento" (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and remarkable Christmas markets scattered among villages and cities with piles of fruits, flowers, marzipan and other sweets, candles, decorations and hand-made Christmas gifts. Often, as the Christmas Eve stars appear in the heavens, tiny oil lamps are lighted, warming village windows. The crowds at the Christmas market thin as shoppers return to prepare for the coming meal. The Christmas Eve gaiety is interrupted at midnight be the ringing of bells calling the families to "La Misa Del Gallo" (The Mass of the Rooster). The most beautiful of these candlelight services is held at the monastery of Montserrat, high in the mountain near Barcelona, which is highlighted by a boy's choir describes as performing the Mass in "one pure voice." Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight. It is a family feast, and often highlighted with "Pavo Trufado de Navidad" (Christmas turkey with truffles; truffles are a mushroom-like delicacy found underground). After the meal, family members gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols and hymns of Christendom. The rejoicing continues through the wee hours of the morning. An old Spanish verse says... "Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no es noche de dormir" (This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep.) Christmas Day is spent at church, at feasts and in more merry-making. A custom peculiar to Spain is that of "swinging." Sings are set up throughout the courtyards and young people swing to the accompaniment of songs and laughter. It is not Santa who comes to Spain bearing gifts, but the Three Wise Men. The Spanish Christmas continues for a few weeks after Dec. 25th. On the Eve of Epiphany, January 5th, children place their shoes on the doorstep, and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts. January 6th, Epiphany is heralded with parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of children. OF SPECIAL NOTE... The three Wise men are seen everywhere in Spain at Christmas, visiting hospitals, orphanages, etc. The men who dress up in various "Wise men" garments are from all walks of life. The legend tells of the three Wise men traveling through the country on their way to Bethlehem. To properly receive them, the children fill their shoes with straw on Epiphany Eve. For their efforts, they find their shoes filled with presents the following (Epiphany) morning. Spanish children have a great fondness for the three Wise men, especially Balthazar. TRADITIONAL DISHES FROM SPAIN Pavo Trufado de Navidad (Christmas Turkey with Truffles) 1 turkey of 4 kg. ½ kg. minced lean pork 1 kg. minced veal Salt and ground black pepper 1 glass of brandy 1 large glass of dry oloroso sherry 3 tins (of 90g) truffles (mushrooms) 150 g "jamon serrano" 200 g belly of pork in rashers 6 eggs For garnish... Apple puree, Plums, Pineapple, oranges and maraschino cherries For the stock.. Carcass and giblets of the turkey ½ kg carrots ½ kg leeks ½ kg onions 1 stick of celery 1 bottle of dry sherry 2 ham bones 36 g gelatin Eggshells Place the turkey upside down, cut the skin along the backbone, and using the fingers, ease away the skin in one piece, first on one side of the backbone and then on the other. It is elastic and should come away easily. Keep the breasts apart, making fillets of the thickest parts and cutting into strips. Remove the meat from the legs and wings, etc., and mince it with the pork and veal, putting it all into a bowl. Season with salt and ground black pepper, sprinkle with the brandy and sherry, add the chopped truffles and their juice, and the ham and belly of pork in strips. Leave to marinate for 4 hours, together with the beaten eggs. Remove the sliced truffles and the strips of ham and belly of pork, and reserve. Then knead together the filling thoroughly by hand. Now spread out the skin of the turkey on the working surface and lay the fillets on top like the pages of a book. Cover the breasts with a layer of the minced meat and then with one of ham and belly of pork strips, breasts and slices of truffle, repeating the operation until the ingredients are used up. Using a stout needle, sew together the edges of the skin and also the holes made by the wings and legs. Place the sew-up skin with its filling on a white napkin, roll it around and sew with large stitches, then tie it into a roll with uncolored string. Put the roll into a large saucepan, together with the cut up carcass and cut up vegetables and pour over this the bottle of dry sherry. Add the ham bones, the gelatin and a few egg shells. Cover with 3 liters of cold water and boil briskly for 3 hours (1 ½ hours each side), seasoning with salt and ground pepper. Make sure that it is evenly cooked, then remove the roll and leave it on a dish to drain and cool. Remove the cloth in which it is wrapped, wring out the juice into the cooking liquid, rinse out the cloth and again wrap up the roll without sewing. Put it on a dish, place a chopping board on top, and on top of this a weight of 3 or 4 kg. Press for 12 hours and then put into the refrigerator. Boil the cooking liquid without a lid, reducing it to 1 liter if converting it into a jelly. If strained, this makes a magnificent soup or consomme. If required thicker, add three or four leave of gelatin. Cut the roll into slices 1 cm. thick. Serve with puree of apples and plums and decorate with slices of fresh pineapples and orange and with maraschino cherries. CARAMEL CUSTARD 8 egg yolks A few drops of vanilla essence 1 pint milk 2 tbls. syrup 4 oz. sugar Heat 3 tbls. sugar with ½ tbls. water until it is of a brown caramel consistency. Pour into an oven-proof dish or little individual dishes, which have previously been dipped into cold water and not dried (this prevents sticking). Make a custard by beating the yolks well, adding the milk and flavoring and pour into the caramel-lined dish or dishes and bake for about 20 minutes. Cool, turn out and keep in cool place until served Back |
Spanish Christmas Christmas in Spain is only celebrated slightly differently to the way it is celebrated in Britain and from around the 18th of December, all of the festivities begin. Music plays a large part in the Christmas celebrations and the type of music played can vary between different regions of Spain meaning that you may hear performances of classical music as well as the traditional flamenco music of Spain. Christmas Eve is often celebrated more vigorously than Christmas Day in Spain and the whole family normally meet at the home of their Grandparents where everyone contributes to the huge feast that is to be served. The meal is eaten late in the evening and then carols are sung around a nativity scene, which is set up in every home (without a baby Jesus until midnight when the child is added to the scene). At midnight, some families go to midnight-mass at a local church and continue with the carol singing while some families watch Christmas television programmes and drink Cava. On Christmas Day, another huge feast for family and friends is prepared and normally eaten at around midday. Every Spaniard enjoys Christmas particularly as they have such an enormous range of excellent food and wine to choose from. Although some presents are exchanged on Christmas Day, the majority of celebrations and the exchanging of gifts is kept until Epiphany (the twelfth day), which takes place on the 6th of January and is thought to be the day on which 'The Kings' arrived bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. New Years Eve is normally either celebrated at home with friends and family or out and about in the town where locals gather to hear the bells ringing at midnight. As in England, younger people tend to celebrate at parties held in restaurants or nightclubs with their friends. On the 'Eve of The Kings', a parade takes place in each town centre where locals dressed as kings walk through the towns, throwing sweets and gifts to the children watching. The Kings (Los Reyes), are the highlight of each child's Christmas and they write a gift list to 'The Kings' rather than Father Christmas, leaving food and drink out for them to enjoy while delivering the children's presents. Presents are left out later this night for the excited children to open the following morning. On the 7th January, everything returns back to normal and the schools and businesses open again. Not to worry though, because the next fiesta will already be being planned Seville Noche Buena and Navidad: It is quite normal to spend this night with your loved ones (some people get together on the 26th, El Día de San Esteban--St. Steven's' Day). And it is normal to make it a feast, with a traditional recipe (this one basically changes according to the family), eating turrón (nougat), and singing villancicos (Christmas carols). As you may know, Spain is a traditionally Catholic nation, and it is quite normal that many families attend evening mass on the 24th as well. Christmas, eventhough in many families this is fast changing, is not the time to exchange gifts. But we'll get to that later. So, you may say that Santa's are not as busy as the Kings (Beltsasar, Gaspar, and Melcior) are! Noche Vieja: Well, this is a celebration with freedom; some spend it out in bars, restaurants, clubs, and other places where they meet with friends; others just spend the celebration with the family. Whatever place you may find yourself,...you are sure to make instant friend in Spain! But, there are to things that are typical of this celebration, and one of them is as Spanish as Spain itself. The first one is the celebration of the New Year with cava. This is Spanish Champagne and it is excellent! The second is the celebration of the 12 gongs at 12:00 am of the 1st. Of January with the eating of the twelve grapes. This is a fun and yet tricky thing, ..."Why so?" We'll try to eat and swallow twelve grapes in twelve seconds! ...Now you can imagine! Nevertheless, the idea behind it is that if you are able to eat all twelve in twelve seconds, you will have a prosperous new year. "But ,...how do you know when twelve o'clock is?" Well, decades ago, in many families the patriarch would pick up a pan or pot and just go at it hitting it twelve times. Today, however, La Puerta del Sol in Madrid rules on that day! There is a clock on top the La Puerta, and when the twelve sound, you 'd better be ready to start gulping those grapes. Just one word of advice, before the twelve official gongs, there are the cuartos, four gongs of a higher pitch that announce and prepare you for the twelve. Many people confuse them with the actual twelve; beware of the Cuartos! El Día de Reyes: King's Day creates a frenzy in families, little children, and stores all over Spain. This is the traditional holiday, and the "last--minute--waiters" rush through stores and commercials to find the needed gifts they kept on putting off. Children go to bed early; some even search the skies for the Kings and their party as they cross the night from home to home placing gifts and pastries in each house. This is the time to wrap gifts, and open the closets to prepare them for the morning, and seeing in the outstanding expressions of the children their cheer and merriment. Also, bakeries prepare coal, blackened/grayish sugar lumps that look very much like coal, which is given to children, more as a joke than anything else. Oh, my! And there is so much to tell yet! For example: nougat. There are many kinds of nougat or turrón. The typical are Jijona (beige colored made with almonds, honey, etc.), Alicante (this is the hard nougat) and Yema (traditionally made with egg and much like marzipan with browned sugar on top). However now there are many kinds of nougat: marzipan, marzipan with fruits, chocolate, chocolate/truffle , chocolate/truffle and liquors, and the list could go on for several pages... Our Christmas carols are as varied as Spain. Being that there are four major cultural groups, each has its own traditional carols; the only thing that it is maintain through is the theme of the manger. We should add here that it is very normal to find, and in many places the children are in charge of it, to have a manger scene somewhere visible in the house. These manger scenes are complete with towns, buildings and towns people; sheep, shepherds and angles; traveling men and women; animals (chickens, cows, horses, donkeys, etc..); and of course the 3 kings with their entourage. The scenes are finished with grass or moss, a river and a bridge, sand, earth, and any other ideas you may think of! In many homes, the kings and their entourage is advanced a little closer to the manger as the days go by, until the 5th of January, when the kings arrive to the manger and deliver their gifts. Christmas Traditions in Spain Misa de Gallo If you've decided to spend Christmas in Spain, then don't miss out on one of the most important religious events of the year. Catholic Spain celebrates the birth of Christ with midnight masses throughout the country on Christmas Eve. Towns across Catalonia celebrate midnight mass, but you may want to head for one of the bigger churches in Barcelona for the full experience. Villaralto Christmas Tradition
Christmas In SPAIN
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