Buenos Dias Feliz Navidad: Celebrating Christmas In Spain
As the holiday season approaches, many people around the world are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. In Spain, Christmas is a time for family, friends, and good food. One of the most common greetings during this time is "buenos dias feliz navidad" which means "good morning and merry Christmas". In this article, we will explore the traditions, customs, and foods that make Christmas in Spain so special.
The Christmas Season in Spain
The Christmas season in Spain officially begins on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a national holiday, and many people attend church services or participate in parades and processions. From this day on, the streets are filled with decorations, lights, and Christmas markets selling traditional foods and gifts.
Another important day in the Spanish Christmas calendar is December 22nd, which is known as "El Gordo" or "The Fat One". This is the day when the National Lottery is drawn, and it is a major event in Spain. Families and friends gather together to watch the draw, and there are often celebrations and parties afterwards.
Christmas Eve in Spain
In Spain, Christmas Eve is known as "Nochebuena". This is the most important night of the Christmas season, and families gather together to celebrate. The traditional meal on Nochebuena usually consists of seafood, followed by roasted lamb, turkey, or suckling pig. For dessert, there is often a selection of sweets and cakes, including "turrón" which is a type of nougat.
After the meal, families exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols. One of the most popular carols in Spain is "Los Peces en el Rio" which tells the story of the fish in the river who are excited to see the birth of the baby Jesus.
Christmas Day in Spain
Christmas Day in Spain is a quieter affair than Nochebuena. Many people attend church services in the morning, and then spend the rest of the day with their families. One of the most popular activities on Christmas Day is to go for a walk in the countryside or along the beach.
Another tradition on Christmas Day is to eat "roscon de reyes", which is a type of cake that is decorated with candied fruit and is typically filled with cream or chocolate. Inside the cake, there is a small figurine and a bean. The person who finds the figurine is said to have good luck for the coming year, while the person who finds the bean has to pay for the cake!
New Year's Eve in Spain
New Year's Eve in Spain is known as "Nochevieja". As in many other countries, there is a tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. This is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
Another tradition in Spain is to wear red underwear on New Year's Eve. This is believed to bring good luck and fertility for the coming year.
The Epiphany in Spain
The Epiphany, which is also known as "Dia de los Reyes" or Three Kings' Day, is celebrated on January 6th in Spain. This is the day when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. In many towns and cities in Spain, there are parades and processions to mark the occasion.
One of the most important traditions on the Epiphany is for children to receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. In some parts of Spain, children leave their shoes out on the night of January 5th, and the Three Wise Men fill them with sweets and small toys.
Conclusion
Christmas in Spain is a time for family, friends, and good food. From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to the Epiphany, there are many traditions and customs that make the Spanish Christmas season unique. Whether you are eating seafood on Nochebuena, singing carols on Christmas Eve, or watching the Three Wise Men parade through the streets, there is something special about celebrating Christmas in Spain. So next time you hear someone say "buenos dias feliz navidad", you'll know exactly what they mean!
Happy holidays and Feliz Navidad!
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