Navidad in Spain
Navidad is a holiday in Spain.
When is Navidad in Spain
Navidad is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Spain.
About Navidad in Spain
Navidad, or Christmas, is one of the most important holidays in Spain. The celebration begins on December 22nd with the Spanish Christmas Lottery, which is the world’s largest lottery and is broadcasted live on television. The holiday season officially starts on December 24th, Nochebuena, or “Good Night,” which is the night of Christmas Eve.
On Nochebuena, families gather together for a big feast, which usually includes seafood, ham, and other traditional Spanish dishes. After dinner, many people attend midnight Mass, known as La Misa del Gallo, or “Rooster’s Mass,” named for the rooster that supposedly crowed at midnight on the night of Jesus’ birth.
On Christmas Day, families continue to celebrate with more food, drinks, and gifts. In some regions of Spain, children receive presents on December 25th, while in others, they receive them on January 6th, which is known as Dia de los Reyes, or “Three Kings’ Day.”
Throughout the holiday season, many Spanish cities and towns are decorated with lights and Christmas markets, called mercadillos, where people can buy gifts and traditional Christmas decorations. The holiday season in Spain ends on January 6th, which is also known as Epiphany, or the day when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. Overall, Navidad is a time for family, food, and celebration in Spain.
History of Navidad in Spain
Navidad, or Christmas, has been celebrated in Spain since the early days of Christianity. The holiday has evolved over time, with different traditions and customs becoming popular in different regions of the country.
In the Middle Ages, Christmas was primarily a religious holiday, with midnight Mass being the centerpiece of the celebration. However, over time, other customs and traditions began to emerge. For example, in Catalonia, a region in the northeast of Spain, it became common to create a “caga tió,” or “pooping log,” which is a small log with a face painted on it. Children would “feed” the log with nuts and sweets, and then beat it with sticks until it “pooped” out the treats.
In the 19th century, the Christmas tree became popular in Spain, and it remains a common decoration today. Other traditions, such as the Belén (a nativity scene), also became popular during this time.
In the 20th century, the commercialization of Christmas became more prominent in Spain, with gift-giving and Santa Claus becoming more common. However, many of the traditional customs and traditions still remain, and Christmas remains an important holiday in Spanish culture.
Today, Navidad is celebrated throughout Spain with a variety of customs and traditions. Families gather for meals and celebrations, and many attend Mass or other religious services. In some regions, such as Catalonia and the Basque Country, there are also unique cultural events and celebrations that take place during the holiday season.
How is Navidad celebrated in Spain
Navidad, or Christmas, is celebrated in Spain with various traditions and customs that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the ways that Navidad is celebrated in Spain:
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Nativity scenes: One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Spain is the creation of elaborate nativity scenes, or belenes. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus and are often set up in public squares, churches, and homes.
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Christmas Eve: Known as Nochebuena, Christmas Eve is a time for families to gather together and enjoy a feast of traditional Spanish dishes, such as roast lamb, seafood, and turrón (a type of nougat).
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Midnight Mass: Many Spaniards attend a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, known as La Misa de Gallo (the Rooster’s Mass). This is a solemn and reflective service that celebrates the birth of Jesus.
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Three Kings Day: On January 6th, Spaniards celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men, or Los Reyes Magos. This is a day of gift-giving and feasting, and children often receive presents from the Wise Men.
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Christmas carols: Spanish Christmas carols, or villancicos, are an important part of the holiday season. These songs are often sung in churches and public squares, and many of them have been passed down through generations of Spanish families.
Overall, Navidad in Spain is a time for family, food, and faith, and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm throughout the country.
Dates
Navidad will be celebrated in Spain on 2023-12-25 2024-12-25 2025-12-25 2026-12-25 2027-12-25 in the comming years.