Christmas is perhaps the most traditional and family-oriented celebration of the year and in Spain they go all out. They start celebrating the 22nd of December and ends on the 6 of January. If you are not familiar with all the Spanish traditions, you will become an expect by the end of this blog.
“El Gordo” the Christmas Lottery
The Spanish National Lottery is a big deal at Christmas time, and almost everyone plays it, making it the biggest lottery draw in the world. The Christmas Lottery is so big that it has been given the nickname ‘El Gordo’ or the ‘Fat One’, because of the huge amounts of cash you can win. Taking place on December 22, it has been held every year since 1812, and the winning numbers are sung out by school children. The prize money is very well spread out and the winners usually celebrate their glory in the street.
Midnight Mass on the 24th of December
Many Spanish people go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, known as La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster) to celebrate their faith. Often the main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve, just before or just after the mass. The meals normally include several starters, for example, Ibérico ham, seafood and delicious cheeses, followed by dishes such as soups, roast meat, fish or stuffed turkey. And to finish, sweet treats and desserts, the true stars of the Christmas dinner table. Turron, marzipan, Spanish sweets, shortbread and naturally, Epiphany cake are all delicacies not to be missed.
Dia de Los Santos Incentes
December 28, a few days after Christmas, is known as the Dia de los Santos Inocentes and is the Spanish version of April Fool’s Day. This is the day for playing pranks, or dressing up in funny wigs and hats.
New Year´s Eve
For the last night of the year, Spain has a tradition which promises luck. It consists of eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes 12. For Spain this is the perfect way for ringing in the New Year Spanish style.
Reyes Magos The Three Kings
The most magical night of Christmas for everyone in Spain, especially children, is the evening of the 5th January, when the three Wise Men or Kings visit houses and leave presents for everyone. On the night of January 5, the Kings parade through the towns across the country with their entourage of helpers, animals and elaborate floats, throwing sweets out for the children. When the kids return home, they leave out their shoes for the Kings to fill with presents overnight.
Living in the Costa Del Sol area?
Christmas is magical on the Costa del Sol with lots of great activities and events, the towns sparkling with beautiful lights, nativity scenes and delicious Christmas treats to enjoy. What makes it even better, is that the sun usually shines and the temperatures rarely dip below 10°C, so you can take a stroll on the beach to walk off that Christmas dinner. That is why we love that our Energy Nordic office is placed on the Costa Del Sol.
Malaga Christmas lights
If you’re planning on visiting the Costa del Sol this Christmas, you’ve got to visit Málaga City Centre to see the stunning Christmas Light display and show in the city’s famous Calle Larios. Christmas is fast approaching and nothing makes you feel more festive than the arrival of the Christmas lights. Shopping in the dark, with the lights shining and twinkling overhead is an integral part of the Christmas experience, and this year the Christmas lights in Malaga are set to be bigger and better than ever.
Las luces del Botánico
The Botanical Gardens light show is another show to consider when wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. Malaga´s botanical garden has been transformed into a fairytale landscape with Christmas lights.
Fuengirola full of events
There are lots of nice events going on in Fuengirola throughout the Christmas period such as the School Choir Contest on the 13th of December at the Palacio de la Paz, and the Christmas Choir concert on the 15th of December at the Casa de Hermandad de Jesus Cautivo.
