What Is The Difference Between Christmas In Spain And America?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Christmas in Spain is unlike Christmas in the United States

. The Christmas season runs much longer. While in the United States it ends on Christmas Day, in Spain it continues to January 6th, Three Kings Day

What are 3 traditions in Spain for Christmas?

  • The Nativity or Belen de Navidad. …
  • The Christmas tree. …
  • Villancicos or Spanish christmas carols. …
  • Christmas sweets (turrón, polvorones and mazapan) …
  • Cava wine. …
  • Spanish Christmas Lottery. …
  • The 12 grapes at New Years eve. …
  • Roscón de Reyes.

How is Christmas different in Spain?

Apart

from Christmas

, there is another festival that is celebrated in Spain that is about the Christmas Story. It is called Epiphany and is celebrated on 6th January. … Children have some presents on Christmas Day, but most are opened at Epiphany. Children believe that the Kings bring presents to them at Epiphany.

What is Christmas in Spain called?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of the most wonderful Spanish Christmas traditions which take place between 24th December and 6th January, you may need to know what Christmas is called in Spain. Spain truly comes alive to celebrate Christmas, or

“Navidad”

in Spanish.

Does Spain put up Christmas trees?

Christmas trees are

usually fir trees in the north of Spain and pine trees in the south

. Families take pleasure in decorating them together around mid-December. It is one of the places to be filled with presents of the Wise Men on Epiphany (Los Tres Reyes Magos).

Where is the warmest place in Spain at Christmas?

Warmest places in mainland Spain in Winter –

Valencia

In fact, you can easily enjoy Christmas at 20oC (68.0°F) here and most days, temperatures reach 16+ degrees at noon. This makes Barcelona's little sister a great place to visit year-round.

Where in Spain do they celebrate Christmas?

  • Vigo, Pontevedra.
  • Sierra Nevada, Granada.
  • Málaga.
  • Barcelona.
  • Estepa, Seville.
  • Madrid.
  • Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz.
  • Rute, Córdoba.

Is Christmas Day important in Spain?


Christmas Day in Spain is nowhere near as important

as it is in some other parts of the world. The Spanish have their Christmas meal on Christmas Eve, and the children have to wait until Three Kings Day to get their presents.

What are the holiday traditions in Spain?

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.

What traditions do Spanish people have?

Best known among Spain's folkloristic traditions are certainly

Flamenco and bullfights

. You will find bullfights indeed throughout the country, the most popular event perhaps being the “Running of Bulls” during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta.

What do Spaniards eat for Christmas?

  • Entremeses. Entremeses are like an appetiser plate, and are often served at the start of the Christmas or Christmas Eve meal. …
  • Seafood. …
  • Cochinillo Asado. …
  • Lamb. …
  • Galets. …
  • Turrón. …
  • Polvorónes and Mantecados. …
  • Roscón de Reyes.

What happens on the 22 of December in Spain?

This date marks

the winter solstice (shortest day)

and where it is celebrated involves people jumping through fires to protect themselves against illness. 22nd December – All over Spain people never stray far from a TV or radio as the Christmas lottery is drawn over a period of many hours.

Who is the gift giver in Spain?

Nation Old man Slovenia Miklavž (St Nicholas), Dedek Mraz (Grandpa Frost), Božiček (Santa Claus) South Africa Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus Spain

Papá Noel

(Father Christmas); Olentzero in the Basque Country; Apalpador in some areas of Galicia
Sri Lanka Naththal Seeya

What happens on the 25 December in Spain?

Each year between December 24 and January 6, Spain comes alive to celebrate

Christmas

, or Navidad in Spanish. … Spanish holidays are a mixture of Christian and pagan traditions. According to Catholic tradition, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the day Jesus was born.

Where are Christmas gifts placed in houses in Spain?

The Spanish often set one of these up in their homes in the lead up to Christmas, but much larger ones are placed in

shop windows or town squares

.

What happens on the 6th of January in Spain?

But in Spain,

the Feast of the Epiphany or the Three Kings' Day

is a celebration of the adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, or the Three Kings. Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar travelled to present baby Jesus with three symbolic gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.