Celebrating Christmas in Spain

Traveling to Spain for Christmas? Pack warm clothing, but leave your capitalistic American ideas of Christmas behind. Spain has a rich, religious Christmas tradition that dates back centuries. Its focus is family foremost, profits last. While big retailers in America display Christmas products after Halloween, the markets in Spain wait for the official holiday kick-off on December 8. The season lasts until January 6. In that time, Spain pulls out all the stops. Costumed dancers, live nativity scenes, Christmas feasts, Midnight Mass, and Three Wise Men riding into town on donkeys are all part of the revelry. The children of Spain await the gifts left by the Three Wise Men, and have no desire to make the list of a certain plump elf of the West. Spain is a unique place to be at Christmas. Feast your eyes on the array of decorations, fruit, and marzipan. Celebrate the season with a night out on the town in Barcelona or Madrid among mighty architecture from the likes of Gaudi. Taste a fine red wine from Rioja. Then end your night with a hot cup of chocolate con churros at dawn. Here, I have listed the highlights of Spain's Christmas timeline. I hope they help you enjoy your season in Spain.

December 8, Immaculada. This is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in honor of the patron saint Virgin Mary.

December 21, Hogueras. Bonfires that are believed to have healing powers are held across Spain to celebrate the shortest day, the winter solstice. If you dare, jump through the bonfires to receive healing.

December 22, El Gordo. The people of Spain buy tickets in hope of winning the Christmas lottery. Instead of a sole winner, the prizes usually have multiple winners. Buy a ticket and take part of the suspense!

December 24, Nochebuena. Closing time comes early for shops and patrons as candles are lit in windows in the evening. Celebrators end their nights on the town early. At home, a large Christmas feast including turkey with truffles is prepared for the whole family to come together. Almond sweets and fine Spanish wines are also on hand. However, no one can eat until after the bells sound calling everyone to La Misa del Gallo, Midnight Mass. Wonderful choirs will sing Christmas hymns. And soon the families will return home to eat! You can go to Midnight Mass and celebrate too.

December 25, Christmas Day. Spain closes down for this national holiday, though there are not yet presents to open, nor huge celebrations. It is a lax day for the season. It is a good time to explore Spain and prepare for the next celebration or even call your family and friends back in America. If you get too nostalgic, exchange small gifts.

December 28, Santos Inocentes. Spain's sense of humor comes to life on the day of the Holy Innocents. It is the equivalent of April Fool's Day. Just like in America, people play pranks and the media prints ridiculous stories that are meant in good fun.

December 31, NocheVieja. New Year's celebrations in Spain are extravagant. It is like one night of Carnaval or Mardi Gras. As the clock strikes twelve times, the people of Spain eat 12 grapes for luck in the new year. Enjoy a street party and don't forget your grapes!

January 5, Three Wise Men arrive. Parades all over Spain are led by Three Wise Men who have come in search of the baby Jesus. Candy is thrown to the masses from each of the floats. Take note of the children leaving their shoes out; it is in hopes of finding a gift in them by the morning.

January 6, Epiphany. In remembrance of the gifts that the Three Wise Men gave to baby Jesus when they found him, this is the day the children of Spain receive Christmas gifts. The Christmas spirit has remained alive throughout the season and the Three Wise Men have been known to make charitable appearances in needy places on this day. Now you can exchange gifts!