Celebrating Christmas in Spain

The Spanish love their colourful fiestas, family time and feasts of rich food – and at no time of year is this more obvious than Christmas.

Spanish Christmas starts on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), when families gather to feast on traditional seafood dishes and turron (a nougat-like sweet). Following the feast, many people attend midnight Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Day is most often a day to recover and relax after the main event on Christmas Eve.

But, Christmas is not over as now children will be eagerly awaiting their presents with the arrival of the Three Kings on January 06.  Known as the Día de Reyes (Day of the Kings), or Epiphany, the day is celebrated with colourful parades throughout the country. The three kings, who represent the Magi who visited the baby Jesus, pass through the streets on elaborate floats, throwing sweets and small gifts to the crowds.

On the night before the Epiphany, children place their shoes by the window or under the Christmas tree, hoping to find them filled with gifts and sweets the next morning. 

A special cake, known as Roscon de Reyes, a sweet bread adorned with candied fruits that hide a surprise inside, is eaten today.

With most cities, towns and villages throughout Spain holding their own Three Kings parade, this really is a magical time to visit.