Customs and practices of the holidays in Spain
Christmas in Spain is a mix of religious traditions, family celebrations and regional customs, with a strong focus on togetherness, good food and celebrating the New Year. It is a time that often lasts longer than in many other countries, with festivities continuing until early January.
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve, December 24)
Christmas Eve is celebrated in style with a large family dinner. Spanish families gather to enjoy traditional dishes such as jamón ibérico, mariscos (seafood), turrón (a type of nougat) and polvorones (light cakes). At midnight, midnight mass is often attended, after which the festivities continue with music, dancing and socializing.
Christmas (December 25)
Christmas in Spain, like in most countries, consists of only one day. Although Christmas itself is celebrated less exuberantly than Christmas Eve, it is still an important day. Many Spaniards celebrate the day with family and enjoy a festive meal. There are many Christmas markets, which you will find mainly in the regions where the tradition of the nativity scene (Belenes) is strong. The nativity scenes are often impressive because they are depicted by people and animals of flesh and blood.
Noche Vieja (New Year's Eve, December 31)
New Year's Eve is often celebrated in Spain with a big party. Spanish tradition dictates that at the stroke of midnight you eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the clock. This is done to bring good luck in the new year. It is a festive time, with fireworks and music.
The Three Kings (Day of the Kings, January 6)
El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) is perhaps the most important Christmas celebration in Spain, especially for children. It is the day on which children receive their presents, instead of on Christmas Day. The evening before, on January 5, many cities have a Cavalcada de Reyes (Three Kings Parade), where the three Wise Men from the East parade through the streets and throw sweets and presents to the children. Every village, including ours in Guaro, has a Three Kings Parade. Of course, this is very popular with children. In Malaga, this is celebrated on a grand scale with a lot of hustle and bustle and a parade that lasts for hours. The decorated carts that ride in the parade throw sweets into the crowd.
On January 6th itself, it is customary to eat a Roscón de Reyes, a round cake decorated with candied fruit, which has the symbolism of the crown of kings. Inside the cake can be two surprises: a figure (which brings good luck to the one who finds it) and a fine (the one who finds the fine must buy the roscón next time!).
When are the shops closed
In Spain, December 25th (Christmas) and January 1st (New Year's Day) are public holidays, often shops close around 3pm on December 24th. However, Día de los Reyes (January 6th) is considered the most important family holiday, many shops and businesses have a day off.
Fun to experience, light festival in Malaga
In Malaga they turn on the Christmas lights on November 29th. The entire city center is then illuminated in a fairytale way. The highlight of this is on the Calle Larios. There are illuminated arches all over the street and they play a light show to the beat of various music numbers. This show takes place every day until January 6th at 18:30, 20:00 and 21:00. Come early to get a good spot, it is always very busy.