Celebrating the festive season in Spain can be a vibrant and culturally rich experience if you plan your days well. Here are six ways to immerse yourself in the festive spirit while in Spain this Christmas time.

Visit a Christmas Market (Mercado de Navidad):

Explore the colourful Christmas markets that pop up in cities across Spain during the festive season. These markets, often featuring handmade crafts, decorations, and festive treats, are a great place to soak in the Spanish holiday atmosphere. The most famous one is in Madrid’s ‘Plaza Mayor‘, but you can find markets in many of the main tourist cities; Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

Participate in a ‘Nochebuena’ Feast:

Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve to you and I, much like the UK, is a time for families and friends to come together for a sumptuous feast. Savour the traditional Spanish dishes of roast lamb, seafood, and ‘turron’ (a sweet almond nougat). It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate with locals, and you can join in by making reservations at a local restaurant or by accepting an invitation from a Spanish friend if you’re lucky enough!

Witness the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes):

On January 5th, Spain celebrates ‘Epiphany Eve’, known as “Noche de Reyes.” This is when the Three Wise Men or Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) bring gifts to children. The night before, there are vibrant parades featuring the Three Kings and their entourage, accompanied by music and festivities. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville host spectacular parades that are a joy to watch.

Experience Flamenco Shows:

Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture, and during the festive season, you can enjoy special festive-themed Flamenco performances. Look for venues in cities like Seville, Granada or Madrid to witness the passionate dance, music, and singing that define this art of Flamenco. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

Enter the ‘El Gordo Spanish Christmas Lottery’ in Madrid:

One of the most unusually exciting festive traditions in Spain is the ‘El Gordo Spanish Christmas Lottery‘, which takes place every year on December 22nd. “El Gordo“, translating to “The Fat One,” is the world’s largest lottery draw and has been a Spanish tradition since 1812! The excitement surrounding the lottery is palpable, as people gather around televisions and radios to listen for the winning numbers all across the country. The prize pool is enormous, with millions of euros up for grabs.

Visit Nativity Scenes (Belenes):

Nativity scenes are an essential part of Spanish Christmas traditions. Cities, churches, and even households create elaborate nativity scenes, known as “Belenes.” These scenes often depict not only the Holy Family but also various scenes from daily life. The most famous one is the Belén de la Plaza de Oriente in Madrid, but you can find impressive nativity scenes throughout Spain.

Remember that Spain’s festive season extends further than Christmas Day, with celebrations continuing through the Epiphany on January 6th. Embrace the local customs, enjoy the delicious cuisine, and take part in the festive traditions to have a memorable holiday experience in Spain!