Holiday Traditions of Spain

"Merry Christmas"

Christmas Traditions in Spain

In Spain, the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual festivities, but there is one unique tradition called "Hogueras" (bonfires), which originated long before Christmas itself. This tradition observes the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. People jump over fires as a symbolic protection against illness. This fire-jumping is mainly practiced in the regions of Granada and Jaén.

Common Christmas Traditions

Along with this distinctive tradition, Spain celebrates Christmas with elaborate "Nacimiento" (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and bustling Christmas markets found in villages and cities. These markets are filled with fruits, flowers, marzipan and other sweets, candles, decorations, and handmade gifts. As the stars appear on Christmas Eve, many people light tiny oil lamps that warm their windows, creating a festive atmosphere. The crowds at the Christmas markets thin as families return home to prepare for the evening meal.

La Misa Del Gallo

The joyous celebrations on Christmas Eve are interrupted at midnight by the ringing of bells calling families to "La Misa Del Gallo" (The Mass of the Rooster). This beautiful candlelight service, often considered the highlight of Christmas, is performed in churches across Spain. One of the most famous services is held at the monastery of Montserrat near Barcelona, where a renowned boy's choir performs the Mass with their pure voices.

Christmas Dinner and Family Gatherings

Christmas dinner is a late-night feast, often enjoyed after attending midnight Mass. A traditional dish is "Pavo Trufado de Navidad" (Christmas turkey with truffles), where truffles, a prized delicacy, are used to flavor the turkey. After the meal, family members gather around the Christmas tree, singing carols and hymns. The celebrations often continue into the early hours of the morning. As an old Spanish verse says:

"Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no es noche de dormir" (This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep.)

Christmas Day and Epiphany Celebrations

Christmas Day in Spain is marked by attending church, enjoying feasts, and engaging in more merry-making. A unique Spanish custom is "swinging," where swings are set up in courtyards, and young people swing to the accompaniment of songs and laughter. However, the Spanish Christmas season continues well past December 25th.

The Three Wise Men and Epiphany

In Spain, it is not Santa Claus who brings gifts, but the Three Wise Men. The holiday season extends to January 6th, known as Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men are celebrated. On the eve of Epiphany, January 5th, children place their shoes on the doorstep, and during the night, the Three Wise Men pass by, leaving gifts. Epiphany is welcomed with grand parades in cities, where candy and cakes are distributed to excited children.

A Special Note on the Three Wise Men

The Three Wise Men, particularly Balthazar, are beloved figures in Spain. They visit hospitals, orphanages, and other places during the Christmas season. On Epiphany Eve, children fill their shoes with straw to feed the Wise Men’s camels, and in return, they find their shoes filled with presents on Epiphany morning. This tradition brings great joy to Spanish children, making the Wise Men an essential part of Spanish Christmas.

Holiday Traditions in Spain

Video by Colegio Divina Pastora

Traditional Spanish Holiday Recipes

Pavo Trufado de Navidad (Christmas Turkey with Truffles)

This flavorful roasted turkey dish is a traditional Christmas meal in Spain, enriched with the earthy flavors of truffles.

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
• 3 oz black truffles, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 onion, quartered

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rub the inside and outside of the turkey with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Insert the sliced truffles, rosemary, and lemon under the skin.
3. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion and more lemon slices.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the white wine over the top.
5. Cover with foil and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
6. Uncover for the last 30 minutes of cooking to brown the skin. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Turrón (Spanish Nougat)

Turrón is a beloved Spanish Christmas dessert made with almonds and honey, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.

• 1 1/4 cups blanched almonds, lightly toasted
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 sheets of wafer paper

Instructions:

1. Line a baking dish with one sheet of wafer paper.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and sugar over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Beat the egg white until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the honey mixture.
4. Stir in the toasted almonds and cinnamon.
5. Pour the mixture onto the wafer paper and press down evenly. Top with the second wafer sheet and press gently.
6. Let the turrón cool and set for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares or bars.

Polvorones (Spanish Almond Shortbread Cookies)

Polvorones are traditional Spanish shortbread cookies made with almonds and often enjoyed during the Christmas season.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending until the dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.
7. Once cooled, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar.

Roscón de Reyes (Three Kings Cake)

This traditional cake is enjoyed on January 6th, during Epiphany, and is often filled with whipped cream and topped with candied fruit.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup candied fruit (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and orange zest.
3. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Shape the dough into a ring on a baking sheet and let rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Brush the dough with an egg wash and garnish with candied fruit and sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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