How to celebrate like a local
Christmas is a time full of lovely moments and is perhaps the most traditional, family-oriented celebration in the whole world. Visit Spain between mid-December and January 6 to take part in these five Spanish traditions and experience Christmas in a different way.
Thrills with El Gordo
Christmastime festivities kick-start in Spain on December 22 with the National Christmas Lottery. The first prize is popularly known as El Gordo (the fat one). Participation is massive and the draw is closely followed throughout the morning. A peculiarity makes it very special: the winning numbers are sung by children in an unmistakable chant. The prize money is very well distributed and the winners usually celebrate their glory in the street.
Don’t believe everything you hear on December 28
This is one of the most entertaining Christmas traditions in Spain. December 28 is the Day of the Holy Innocents, when everyone is allowed to play practical jokes (a sort of Spanish version of April Fool’s day). The word in Spanish for this practical joke is inocentada and you can find a whole range of joke items in the numerous Christmas markets.
Round off the year with a race
If you’re a sports lover, no doubt ending the year with a six-mile race sounds like an excellent idea. Go for it! Take part in the San Silvestre race, held every December 31st in practically every city in Spain. The San Silvestre Vallecana in Madrid is the most international and popular, attracting more than 40,000 runners each year, dressed up in Father Christmas hats or funny costumes. The New Year grapes that are traditional in Spain will do wonders for you afterwards.
See in the New Year eating twelve grapes
Tradition has it that you have to eat them one by one, in time with the striking of the clock at midnight on December 31st. If you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you’re in for a year of prosperity and good luck. Without a doubt, one place in Spain is especially famous for this tradition: Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Thousands of people gather every New Year’s Eve below the clock to celebrate the arrival of the new year and the chiming of the clock is broadcast on TV all over the country. In many towns and villages people go to a central square or an iconic place where there is a large clock, to eat the grapes together and share the last minutes of the old year.
Say goodbye to Santa and hello to the Three Wise Men
Christmas isn’t over until January 6th, when the Three Wise Men arrive from the East and bring presents to all children. It is traditional for every child to write a letter to the Wise Men beforehand telling them how they have behaved all year and requesting gifts. Special mailboxes are placed in shopping centers and “royal pages” make frequent appearances to collect letters by hand. On the afternoon of January 5th, the Wise Men arrive in all the cities in fun parades through the streets to the delight of young and old alike.
Discover more Spanish traditions for an unforgettable Christmas!
