Spanish New Year traditions and customs. Unusual Spanish New Year traditions. How do Spaniards celebrate the New Year?
The Spaniards are very fond of holidays, and usually celebrate them on a grand scale. Christmas and New Year in Spain, they turn into one big fiesta, which starts from the beginning of December and ends on January 6 on the Day of the Kings. The Spaniards are preparing very carefully for each stage, and where it all begins - read in our first article on the Christmas theme. And in this one, we'll talk about:
- why the Spaniards are rightly considered the biggest "spenders" and how to properly spend the "New Year's stash";
- where you can admire the animated pages of the Bible;
- what you need to stock up for the Christmas and New Year's table;
- what will help fulfill 12 cherished New Year's wishes;
- who brings gifts to Spanish children and how to get to the royal reception.
How much does a holiday cost
The statistics rightly state that the Spaniards are perhaps the biggest spenders in the world! Their expenses for pre-holiday chores this year will amount to 682 euros. They are quite a bit inferior to the Danish leaders - only some 7 euros. But they are far ahead of more prosperous Europeans, who, on average, are ready to spend more modestly - by 517 euros.
A third of the amount, 262 euros, will go to gifts. It is customary to give them not only to relatives, friends and relatives. Gifts for kids are a whole different story. Colleagues and colleagues will not be left without attention. Each leader considers it his honorable duty to please his subordinates. For them, as a rule, "Christmas baskets" are ordered from special catalogs. Depending on the scope of the donor, there will be a lot of goodies and drinks for the New Year's table. A very practical and nice gift.
In the same expense item, you should add spending on Christmas parties, which begin 2 weeks before the official holiday date.
This is "bread time" for local bars and restaurants. Cheerful campaigns stay up until the morning, tables are breaking and wines are flowing like water. Every entrepreneur is sure that his generosity on Christmas days will turn into profit and development of the company in the coming year.
The second item of expenditure is New Year's delicacies. The Spaniards, as well-known gluttons, are ready to fork out for 198 euros.
The remaining 200 will go to entertainment and travel.
And where do the Spaniards go to really and with pleasure realize their "holiday stash"? To the Christmas markets that spring up like mushrooms after the rain in the open air all over Spain.
We advise you to follow their example. After all, here you can "kill" three birds with one stone! Buy gifts, eat hot chestnuts, stock up on holiday treats, and have fun. Painted wooden houses where smiling vendors dressed as Santa sell souvenirs and handicrafts of local craftsmen. Pony and donkey rides, carousel swings, orchestras and clowns, costume processions. For children, artificial skating rinks are opened even where ice and frost have never been seen.
A charge of fun and vivacity is enough for everything holidays!
Spanish Christmas - Noche Buena
Christmas is a special day of the year. Wherever he lives or is on duty, a true Spaniard is ready to drop everything and rush to his native nest. This ubiquitous celebratory mood interferes with business life. Therefore, we do not recommend scheduling resolution of serious issues for December. On December 24, offices have a short working day, shops, bars, restaurants close earlier than usual. You can probably only have dinner with the Chinese. The rest - a hut on a stick. On Christmas Eve, the whole family infants, to the elderly should gather at the home holiday table.
This is a cozy family holiday: the most expensive and delicious dishes are on the table, mountains of sweets, belen glows with lights, gifts in bright packaging under the Christmas tree. The table is noisy and fun. The Spaniards are a melodious people, so everyone knows Christmas carols - villancicos by heart and sings in chorus with pleasure.
At 21 o'clock - TV channels throughout the country broadcast congratulations from His Highness - King Felipe of Spain. At midnight, the solemn Christmas service begins in the temples - Misa de gallo. Translated into Russian, “Mass of the Rooster”, recalls that it was the morning cock’s cry that told the world the news of the birth of Christ. It is also customary to attend Mass with the whole family. Well, then everyone returns to the interrupted fun, which lasts until the morning. This is how the Spaniards spend the Holy Night - Noche Buena.
But that's just the middle winter marathon. Ahead - New Year's holiday. In Spain it is called old night» - Noche Vieja.
Culinary Christmas and New Year Traditions
Abundant festive meal is a guarantee of well-being in the coming year. The Spaniards sincerely believe in this and make solid food stocks, although their cost is steadily increasing. After all, sit down festive table to be done at least 3 times.
In addition to the Christmas dinner, they will have a New Year's meal and gatherings on the Day of the Kings.
Some obligatory holiday dish does not exist. Rather, each region has its own culinary traditions: from stuffed turkey and leg of lamb to baked sea bream or eel. However, there are purely New Year's delicacies that will certainly appear in every home. These are all kinds of seafood - lobsters, crabs, langoustines, Spanish dry-cured ham - jamon and, of course, Christmas sweets. Most of them are the heritage of Mauritanian culinary art.
Spanish housewives do not bother with homemade pastries and willingly buy factory delicacies: marzipans, polvarons, turrons. Turrón - sweet tiles based on crushed nuts, honey and eggs. Turrón Duro - hard, reminiscent of our gozinaki, only with almonds. Turrón Blando - soft, similar to halva. Confectionery factories in Alicante and Gijon work hard for several months of the year to provide the whole country with New Year's dessert.
"Grapes of luck" or how the Spaniards celebrate the New Year
If Christmas is an event for purely family circle persons, then the Spaniards go "to the people" to celebrate the New Year. They gather in large friendly campaigns or book a table in restaurants, where a special menu is prepared for this occasion and holiday program.
The culmination of the New Year's celebration is a global flash mob. Exactly at midnight, under the chimes, the whole country eats 12 grapes. And you need to have time to make a wish and after 3 seconds go to the next berry and it is advisable not to choke. Those who did not manage to get to the main square of the country, Puerta del Sol in Madrid, join the annual ritual thanks to a television broadcast.
It is believed that this tradition attracts wealth, happiness and health for the whole year in such a peculiar way. However, the background of the story is purely commercial. Entrepreneurial farmers from Vinolopo (province of Alicante), who received an unprecedented harvest in 1909, in order not to let the excess of fruit disappear, rushed to the capital on New Year's Eve. By distributing bunches for free, they inspired the “warmed-up” people of Madrid with the idea of magical action"Grape of Luck" The tradition quickly took root retail chains ready-made packages and even tins with 12 grapes are offered for the holiday.
You also need to save a bottle of cava (Cava) - Spanish champagne and drink a glass of foamy wine right on the square, clinking glasses with everyone around and wishing them "Feliz año nuevo" - "Happy New Year!" Around the roar of firecrackers, fiery splashes of fireworks.
The fun lasts until dawn. And in the morning of the coming year, you should have breakfast with hot chocolate, dipping crispy churros (churros) - a Spanish donut there.
Who brought us presents?
Children outside the Spanish kingdom have reason to envy. After all, their Spanish peers receive gifts several times during the holiday marathon.
Probably because the honorable mission of donors is performed by a whole team of wizards. Moreover, the twin brother of Santa Claus, who is called Papa Noel (Papá Noel), plays far from the first violin. Here, a rosy-cheeked bearded man in a red cap is considered an "overseas stranger." And parents suspect that it is he who provokes dear children to festive shopaholics. Meticulous sociologists have calculated that for every child soul there are an average of 10 gifts.
Spaniards are much nicer than their own, home-grown characters. In the Basque Country and Navarre, Olentzero is greeted noisily and cheerfully. A good-natured coal miner, stained with soot, a merry fellow and a lover of a glass of wine, is closer and dearer than an impeccable Santa. He descends from the mountains to tell the joyful Christmas message and to please the children with gifts.
In Catalonia, sticks are used to “knock out” Christmas delicacies from the Caga Tió log, which you can read about in a special article "Christmas Traditions in Catalonia". Mythical forest creatures in green fur caps - Iratxoak (Iratxoak) give gifts to children in the province of Biscay.
On Christmas and New Year's Eve, the Galician Santa Claus, Apalpador, sneaks into the children's bedrooms. He feels the babies' tummies to make sure they're eating well and leaves roasted chestnuts under their pillows. In Cantabria, the lumberjack Esteru plays the honorary role of the donor.
Tio de Nadal - a Christmas log that brings gifts in Catalonia
It comes down solely to traditional religious processions, hymns praising the birth of Jesus, Christmas performances and the obligatory twelve grapes to be eaten on New Year's Eve - do not believe it! Spain, in the culture and life of which the echoes of the traditions of many peoples inhabiting in different times of her land, is capable of appearing to her guests and inquisitive hosts on these holidays as cheerful and a little reckless, witty and beautiful, mysterious and, at the same time, willingly opening her heart to anyone who wants to at least try to understand her.
So, today we are talking about something that you will not see anywhere else. Exclusivity guaranteed!
Algeciras: stocking up on empty cans
- Why? - you ask. The thing is that in this city they are an indispensable attribute of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Their new Year gifts Spanish children receive not January 1, but January 6, the Day of the Magi. But the problem is that next to the city, on Mount Botafuegos, there lives, according to legend, an evil giant. He can easily send a huge gray cloud over the city and prevent the Magi from delivering gifts. How to drive him away? Noise, of course. So the local children collect empty jars all New Year's holidays, tie them together and on January 5 solemnly drag them along the streets, scaring away the giant and reminding the Magi of themselves.
And here you are? Everything is simple. Every adult is a child at heart ... Shall we make some noise?
Balmaceda: black-faced herald of the holiday
Who, on Christmas and New Year's Eve, will be the first in the Basque Country to recognize the long-awaited good news and share it with everyone around? Believe it or not, this is a local charcoal burner who, sitting in the bushes, found out about the birth of Christ and rushed to be the first to spread the news among his fellow countrymen. So, at least, the legend says. A merry drunkard, and this is exactly how the image of the charcoal burner Olentzero appears before us, is met with special honor in the town of Balmaceda. Together with his bag filled with gifts, he is a welcome guest in any home, especially if children live in it. The function of this folklore character is to distribute gifts in kindergartens and schools and, of course, to congratulate everyone he meets on the street. So, if you find yourself in Balmaceda during the holidays, be prepared for unexpected meetings.
And quite recently, another New Year's tradition appeared here. The places around are mountainous, and one of the local peaks, Kolitz, is generally considered a symbol of Balmaceda. On January 1, local climbers arrange an ascent to it and prepare a special celebratory stew at the top, washing it down with local chakoli wine (this is something like dry champagne).
Montamart: get a trident in the back
Who is Sangarron, do not know, apparently, and the organizers of the holiday. A strange type, in no less strange clothes, with a masked face, and even with a trident in his hand. Nevertheless, there are more than enough people who want to play his role in the Castilian town of Montamart. Just not for everyone. Firstly, the role of Sangarron can only be entrusted to a guy. Secondly, he is preparing to leave for the service in the Spanish army in the very near future. The closer the term of the military share, the more likely play an honorable role at least once in your life.
On the morning of January 1, they will wake him up early and begin to dress him up in a hastily right there a suit of blankets and towels. On the face - a mask, on the belt - a bell, and - on the street. Until the end of the mass, Sangarron wanders around the town, receiving New Year's gifts from oncoming people. Then he enters the temple, bows three times, strikes with a trident on two loaves lying on the altar and, backing away, goes outside.
From that moment on, Sangarron is transformed. With every right to do so, he runs around the central square of the town, trying to hit everyone who is in the reachable zone with a trident three times.
The meaning of this action is completely clear, probably only to its participants. But it turns out to be so fun and interesting that all the surrounding towns are gradually acquiring the same Sangarrons, and in Montamart they decided to arrange the same holiday not only on January 1, but also on January 6. Little of. An association of friends of Sangarrón has been formed in the province.
San Juan de Beleno: either a kiss or a sack
New Year's Spain is rich in mysterious characters. You can guess for a long time about who is Girria, who appears every year on January 1 in the Asturian village of Beleno. Girria's honorary escort is local youths on horseback, no less than forty in number. His traditional signs are snow-white (at the first stage) trousers with scarlet fringe sewn into them and a tall cap made of sheep skins with a fox tail at the top. And most importantly - a hefty bag on his shoulder, filled with ashes.
In secret, we will tell you that this, apparently, is a mythical troll, which turned into a charming one during the New Year holiday. young boy. Only on January 1, he was granted the right to freely kiss and pinch all the girls he met on the way. And those to whom old tradition will not be to your taste, they run the risk of getting hit on the back by Girria with the same bag of ashes.
What the famous snow-white trousers of Girria turn into by the end of the holiday - guess for yourself ...
Plentzia: burn, burn, log!
Of course, the Basques for the most part are Catholics. But it is all the more interesting to see how bizarrely they intertwine Catholicism and pagan traditions. New Year's is no exception.
The tradition of burning a festive log in the hearth on New Year's Eve is one of the ancient rituals. Its logic is simple. All nature around us is alive. This means that one or another action can influence the processes taking place around us. Let's make a fire in the hearth, burn a log - and the power of fire will be transferred to the sun, which has noticeably weakened by this time. The days have become short!
But if in most Basque towns burning it is nothing more than a sweet home tradition, in Plentzia they approached the matter thoughtfully and on a large scale. The ancient Basque gods jointly deal with evil spirits so that nothing interferes with the burning of the festive log. And only then, after a colorful theatrical performance, a big fire is kindled. So the holiday turns out to be great!
A traditional holiday for most Catholic countries, of course, is Christmas. New Year's Eve is celebrated on a smaller scale. And there are far fewer established customs. Today we propose to talk about how the New Year is celebrated in Spain. This country amazes those who come here with its originality and dissimilarity to other states.
History of the New Year in Spain
New Year in this country is called Año Nuevo. This day is the middle of the holy season, which begins on December 25 and ends on January 6. The New Year was officially recognized only in the 16th century. However, at that time this holiday was not widely spread. Celebrating the New Year in Spain began only in the 20th century. Frankly speaking, New Year's traditions only continue the traditions of Christmas, but there are also some peculiarities. Let's talk about them in more detail.
How do Spaniards celebrate New Year's?
This holiday does not have the same family warmth as Christmas, but the Spaniards still love it very much. After gala dinner in the family circle, the inhabitants of this country go to the main city square. In Madrid, the New Year is celebrated on the Puerta del Sol, in Barcelona - on the square. Catalonia. Everyone takes small bags with them, in which there are 12 grapes. What is it connected with? Probably, many guessed, but more on that later.
The New Year turns the country into an incredible fireworks display: on the main streets of each city, huge fiery flowers, torches and festive garlands are burning everywhere. By the way, from the Madrid square festivities usually broadcast on television and radio.
One of the most unusual traditions observed by the Spaniards on the most magical night of the year was the wearing of red underwear. Socks, briefs or garters - at least one of these wardrobe items must certainly be bright scarlet.
Lot
What other traditions in Spain for the New Year? For example, in some places the custom of drawing lots is preserved. Boys and girls write their names on pieces of paper, and then draw them out. Thus, couples are obtained - “brides” and “grooms”. By the way, in some settlements of the country this ceremony takes place at the church porch. The resulting couples are declared in love until the very end of Christmas time.
Tradition 12 grapes
The celebration of the New Year in Spain is impossible to imagine without this original tradition. Under the beat of the clock, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes, each of which is a symbol of a successful month for the coming year. At the same time, it is important to have time and spit out the bones - before the clock ends.
The beginning of this interesting tradition was established at the end of the 19th century. And it happened quite by accident. Then in Vinalopo it was possible to collect an unprecedentedly large harvest of grapes. Someone came up with the idea to take the surplus to Madrid right before the New Year, where they distribute it absolutely free, so that everyone can appreciate the taste of fruits from this region of the country.
After that, another idea appeared - to swallow grapes to the sound of chimes in the square, where people are having fun. The custom took root. Today, on New Year's Eve, the Spaniards think about the most cherished dreams. By the way, it is not necessary to limit yourself to only 12 grapes. The Spaniards believe that all the grapes eaten in main night year, brings financial well-being and throughout the year scares away dark forces. It is customary to use sweets: turron, dried fruits and chocolate will bring happiness and prosperity to the house.
There is another custom: when you go to someone to wish them a Happy New Year, you should take with you a gift basket with a bottle of champagne and nougat.
Kaganer
One of the strangest and at the same time the most typical representatives of Spanish culture can be safely called the caganer.
The history of its appearance is unclear. Historians believe that this impudent little man who relieves himself appeared in Spain in pre-Christian times and was a symbol of fertility. The stubborn Spaniards did not abandon their tradition even when the Catholic priests offered to renounce the pagan symbol.
Since then, Spain has been celebrating the New Year, connecting two cultures at once - Christianity and paganism. The presence of a kaganer is a sign of well-being and prosperity in the coming year.
New Year's menu
What is the difference between the New Year in Spain and the Russian celebration? First of all, in the country of bullfighting and flamenco, it is not customary to cook too much on this night different dishes. Usually they manage here with light snacks and no less light alcohol. The fact is that after midnight young people go to various places of entertainment, while representatives of the older generation usually return home.
What is prepared here to celebrate the New Year? In Spain, it is customary to serve "Russian salad", which includes boiled potatoes, tuna, boiled eggs, natural yogurt or mayonnaise. There are options with the addition of cucumbers, olives, canned peppers.
A magical night will not do without a variety of snacks from meat, fish, seafood. There must be grapes and turron on the table - a sweet made from nougat, honey, roasted almonds and sugar.
"Kava"
Celebrate the New Year in Spain with light sparkling wine. As a festive drink, it is customary for the Spaniards to serve an analogue of champagne called "Cava". What it is? The real sparkling pride of the country, a magnificent sparkling drink. Only on this holiday, residents and guests of this state consume about 60% of the entire production of "Kava".
This drink is made from white grapes and aged for at least 9 months. "Kava" is ideal for sweets, sausages and cheeses, fish and seafood snacks. The drink is served very cold, and it is not recommended to cool it in freezer- because of this, the drink may lose its aroma and taste.
Spanish Santa Claus
What is a holiday without symbols and heroes? Santa Claus is called Olentzero in Spain. He wears a national homespun costume, and always has a flask of excellent Spanish wine with him. The name of this winter wizard can literally be translated as "time for good people." One of the legends says that Olentzero comes from the Basque race. It was he who first learned about the birth of Jesus and descended into the valley to bring this joyful news to people.
There is another legend, according to which the baby Olentzero was found in the forest by a fairy. She gave it to an elderly couple who dreamed of children. After his parents died, Olentzero tried to somehow escape from loneliness. To do this, he began to make toys and give them to children. The man was a coal miner, so his clothes were always stained with soot. Once Olentzero saved children in a fire, he himself died. But the fairy wished that the good man lived forever and gave joy to others. Since then, it is this character who leaves gifts on the balcony.
Helping Santa Claus in Spain is a whole army of wizards, including fairies, magi, Papa Noel and even a magic log. By the way, the main holiday for Spanish children is not the New Year or even Christmas. Here, children receive gifts on the Day of the Magi, also called the Day of the Three Kings. It is celebrated on January 6th. The day before, carnival processions are held in the country, which traditionally end with the speech of the Magi. Every year children look forward to what they will say. The wizards' speech is always the same: "Every child will receive a gift this year!"
Present
Before celebrating the New Year, it is customary in Spain to prepare gifts. Main present, which is customary to give - "cotillion". This small bag is filled with various paraphernalia of the celebration: it contains serpentine and confetti, multi-colored Balloons, carnival masks and many other interesting things. There is a rule: you can open the cotillion only after the clock strikes midnight and congratulations on the New Year sound.
By the way, the average Spanish family spends about 530 euros on gifts for friends and family.
From the end of December to the beginning of January, an endless and cheerful series of various holidays begins in Spain. The most important and revered among them is Christmas, which begins on December 25th. Next comes the traditional New Year on December 31st, and then the feast of the Three Kings, celebrated on January 5th.
Spanish Catholic Christmas- This is a home holiday that the Spaniards tend to meet with their families. Almost always on the eve of Christmas, many kilometers of traffic jams occur on roads across the country, turning any trip at this time into a rather difficult event.
Christmas sweets
For the traditional Christmas table in Spain, in addition to the usual dishes, confectionery products that are popular here are specially prepared. These are Polvoron and Turon, which were previously only produced between September and January, but are now available to customers throughout the year.
Polvoron (Polvoron) is one of the popular shortbread biscuits, which is made from crumbly flour, sugar, milk and nuts. Its main production is located in Andalusia, where there are about 70 factories for the production of this cookie. Nowadays, Polvoron has earned recognition as a popular holiday dessert not only in Spain, but also in the former Spanish colonies. Latin America and also in the Philippines.
Another favorite Christmas candy is Turon (Turron). it pastry obtained by heat treatment of honey, sugar and peeled roasted almonds with the addition of egg white. The resulting mass is given rectangular shape in the form of a large chocolate bar.
Turon, like Polvoron, are an integral part of Christmas desserts, but, in addition to sweets, various marine crustaceans - shrimp, crabs and lobsters - will definitely be present on every festive table. And of course, no festive table is complete without a bottle of Cava sparkling wine, made using the technology of champagne wines. The most popular sparkling wine producers in Spain are Codorniu and Freixenet.
Christmas markets
On the streets and squares of almost all Spanish cities, from large cities to small towns, traditional Christmas markets are held, where, in addition to food and sweets for the Christmas table, numerous souvenirs and gifts are sold, as well as attractive handmade items produced by local artisans. AT without fail an integral part of each of the fairs will be a tent selling clay figurines dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ, which are used to create a traditional nativity scene.
The name of the Nativity scene, or as the Spaniards call it - belen(belenes), comes from the Spanish name for the city of Bethlehem. Belen is an old Spanish tradition, which is a composition made up of three-dimensional figures, decorations and painted miniatures, reproducing the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. As a rule, they are collected during the Christmas holidays in houses, in shop windows various shops as well as churches and various public buildings. There are henbanes different sizes- from very miniature for shop windows and restaurants, to large life-size models installed in city squares. They always arouse genuine keen interest not only of adults, but also of numerous children.
Hot chestnuts in cold winter
Christmas holidays are not complete without hot chestnut sellers who set up their barbecues right on the streets and city squares to prepare this exotic product for many tourists. Next to the warm coals, you can wait until another portion of hot chestnuts is prepared especially for you, which will help you warm up in order to continue your walk through the Christmas Market.
On the traditional New Year on December 31, Papa Noel comes to the Spaniards in their homes - brother Russian Grandfather Frost and American Santa Claus. familiar to us Christmas tree, which is called here " christmas tree”, is not a mandatory attribute of decorating houses and public places. Before the holidays, the Spaniards decorate their houses with figurines of Papa Noel climbing into their house on a rope ladder.
There is an old Spanish tradition: on New Year's Eve, while the clock strikes the last twelve strikes of the outgoing year, you must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Try it and don't forget to make your wish!
And also happy New Year's omen in Spain, red underwear is considered to be worn on New Year's Eve - it attracts good luck to its owner!
Feast of the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men. They are the main ones on it. actors. The Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, followed the guiding star to Bethlehem to give the baby Jesus their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. According to the canons of Catholicism, these Magi were representatives of pagan religions from neighboring countries who, according to the Gospel, were the first to adopt the Catholic religion.
In later interpretations, the Magi are believed to have come from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Melchor, who arrived from Europe, appears as an elderly gray-haired old man with a long beard. Gaspar - from Asia; he is younger and has a golden beard and mustache. Balthazar appears to the Spaniards as a black king from Africa.
Huge processions accompanied by three Kings pass in various cities Spain by central streets. To the delight of the children, the Kings and their large retinue throw a lot of sweets into the crowd. This is especially rejoicing for children, who always get best places. In Spain, there is also a tradition according to which children ask for gifts in their letters on the night before Epiphany from the three kings.
New Year holidays last in Spain for almost a month, and after them the whole kingdom comes to its senses for a long time ... :)
Feliz Año Nuevo! Feliz Navidad!
Happy New Year! Merry Christmas!
Each country has its own characteristics and traditions of celebrating winter holidays. Spain is no exception in this regard. In all cities and provinces, streets, shop windows, houses of residents are decorated with various lights, Christmas trees are put up, which creates a festive mood for residents.
Christmas Eve is celebrated in Spain on December 24, the day before Christmas. This is a family holiday, like Christmas, so only family members gather at the table. According to the established tradition, children sing songs and eat sweets on the table.
Children also receive symbolic gifts. The pagan character "Caga tio" is not uncommon in Catalan homes. This log looks unusual. It has human face, front legs and covered with a blanket. Children either buy it or make it themselves. It is believed that if you take care of it, it will bring gifts.
Caga tió (Tio de Nadal)
At night, at two o'clock, all the people gather for the Rooster Mass (Misa de gallo). According to beliefs, it was the rooster who first saw the birth of Christ and then spread the news throughout the world.
When is Christmas celebrated
Christmas is officially celebrated on December 25, but the celebration itself begins a little earlier. Christmas is an exclusively family holiday in Spain. Every family gets together, even the most distant relatives. All houses according to ancient custom, illuminated by kerosene lamps. On Christmas night, the festive table is filled with numerous sweets and seafood. The main dish is turkey with mushrooms. And after dinner, until the morning, everyone has fun and sings Christmas songs near the Christmas tree.
Christmas traditions
The celebration of the Hogueras is an old Spanish tradition of celebrating winter solstice. This is the shortest day of the year. In some regions, the Spaniards jump over the fires, and this is considered a ritual that protects against diseases.
The most popular and important traditional symbol is, of course, white. It has the shape of a mock-up that demonstrates the birth of Christ. It is a real decoration of the city and houses. All shops, offices, restaurants put their own belen on public display. And the most beautiful Christmas compositions are located on the main square of each city. These are real works of art that display a piece of life. Now any store in Spain sells items for the construction of henbane, and the material is the most diverse. Therefore, each family has its own composition.
Every year the residents are entertained with pyrotechnic shows, music, Christmas markets and traditional fairs. All this provides a special mood. In a town located in the province of Malaga (Málaga), in Andalusia (Andalucía), Christmas is celebrated in the style of flamenco, along with competitions and related concerts. This is a major cultural event. The tradition is not old. It has emerged quite recently. Residents enjoy the performances of singers and dancers. And also, tasting of anise liqueur, dessert wine and local pastries.
Archena at Christmas becomes a real medieval trading point. The market sells old jugs, mixtures of herbs, fat tails for wine. Clowns, witches and fortune tellers are essential attribute. Residents seem to fall into the last century.
Every year on December 25, on the first Sunday of January and on January 6, the Brotherhood good name Jesus performs an unusual ritual in Caudete (province of Albacete). These days, dances "Reinado infantil" (" children's kingdom”), then “Reinados adultos” (“Adult Kingdom”). Venue: Church Square. From the square, all the fun is transferred to the halls of the local Compars Association.
Residents of the town of Galisteo, located in the province of Caceres, have a slightly different Christmas experience. The members of the brotherhood, formed in 1662, perform an Act of Faith. Actors present to the audience only one "play" of the brotherhood. Preparations begin on the first Sunday in November. The host himself chooses the theme of the rehearsals. On Christmas Eve, around 10 am, the assistant steward appears outside and beats a drum. Thus, he calls all the members of the brotherhood to the house of the steward. There is already a cradle with the baby Christ. All the brothers bow to the cradle. After a peculiar ceremony, they all collect Christmas alms. In the process, they sing various songs. And on December 25, the steward treats all the brothers to dinner. In parallel, Carantolha, who personifies Herod, "scares" people on the street with his appearance. The performance of the "Sacred Act", which begins at 3 pm, brings the holiday to its logical conclusion.
Jerez, located in the province of Cadiz (Cádiz), on the eve of Christmas strikes the city with New Year's illumination. The Christmas program includes a market, competitions, the Cotillion holiday. The tradition is to perform hymns to the glory of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child accompanied by sambobo. This is an old noise instrument. Improvised concerts are also arranged and songs are sung.
Vejer de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz has its own traditions. During the Christmas period, the town is simply filled with the sounds of sambobo. A whitewash competition is also held among all residents and a display of "Live Pictures of Bethlehem" is organized.
Spanish New Year's carols, or "", originated in the 13th century and spread to Spain in the 16th century. The term itself is associated with the word "villa" - a village. That is, this suggests that the songs originally originated in the villages. In those days, they were performed by peasants at various festivals and had absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. But in the 19th century everything changed. These songs became associated with the birth of the baby Jesus.
December 28 is celebrated. It is an analogue of the Russian April 1. The Spaniards are a cheerful people, so they know how to joke with each other. On this day, newspapers publish various false announcements, and the fountains are filled with soap foam. It is considered a standard joke to stick a “monigote” figurine to the back of a friend. It is also popular to replace sugar with salt. family table. This day, by the way, has a religious origin. According to Catholic traditions This is the Day of the Infant Martyrs. And it is celebrated in memory of the children who were beaten on the orders of Herod in Bethlehem.
When is the New Year celebrated
Celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. It is public in nature, as all residents flock to the main squares of cities and expect the chiming clock. New Year in Spain is exactly what differs from the quiet and family Christmas in the family circle. Of course, on New Year's Eve, the Spaniards have dinner with their families at home or in restaurants, but after that, they definitely go outside.
New Year traditions
The most famous tradition is eating 12 grapes, which must be eaten under the chiming clock. Grapes in Spain have long symbolized wealth, happiness and health. By the way, ready-made packages of grapes (12 pieces) are sold in stores.
Red, which symbolizes mostly Spain, is also preferred for the New Year. It is believed that red Underwear will bring good luck and happiness in the new year.
The Spaniards have one symbol called "Caganer" ("El Caganer"). This is not an ordinary figurine. It represents a defecating little man, which, as it turns out, symbolizes good luck in the new year. It is believed that he thus fertilizes the earth.
San Juan de Beleño (San Juan de Beleño) has its own peculiarity of celebrating the New Year. A mysterious figure collects New Year offerings on January 1st from the people of Beleno. This figure is accompanied by 40 people on horseback. "Girria" main character, dressed in white pants with red inserts, a cap on his head, and a bag of ashes on his shoulders. With this bag, he beats women who prevent him from approaching him. Every year "Girria" is different. And the face is revealed only at the end of the ritual.
Final holiday
The series of Christmas and New Year holidays and traditions ends on January 6, which is the day. This is a children's holiday. On the square there is a performance with the participation of fairy-tale characters. According to traditions, children write a letter not to Santa Claus, but to the three Magi.
During the holiday, you can also watch the procession in all cities of Spain. Kings on camels pass through the streets and scatter candies, while children and adults collect them. It is on this day that children receive long-awaited gifts. The procession itself begins at about 7 pm and is broadcast on all central channels.
Christmas and New Year traditions in Spain are numerous. Each town and province has its own, but the festive mood, brightly decorated streets and the cheerful nature of the Spaniards make the series of New Year holidays unforgettable.