Christmas and New Year in Spain – magic with an Andalusian accent

Christmas and New Year in Spain is a time full of joy, family gatherings, unique flavors, and colorful traditions. Although the holidays are celebrated throughout the country, each autonomous community, especially sunny Andalusia, brings something special to them. Discover the most interesting Christmas and New Year customs in Spain and see how this time is celebrated in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

Christmas in Spain: when does the festive atmosphere begin?

In Spain, the festive atmosphere appears already at the beginning of December. Illuminations appear in cities and towns, and nativity scenes (belénes) are set up on squares. On December 22, the famous Lotería de Navidad, the big Christmas lottery, takes place, officially kicking off the holiday season. 

“El Gordo”

On Monday morning, the eyes of all Spain turned to Madrid’s Teatro Real, where precisely at 9:00 a.m. the draw for the country’s most famous lottery began. This event, which has electrified Spaniards for years, has become a permanent part of the holiday calendar. The maximum prize, the famous “El Gordo,” is as much as 4 million euros: an amount that can change a life. But that’s not all: the prize pool this year exceeded 2.77 billion euros, and lucky winners can also count on smaller prizes, with the lowest being one thousand euros.

As every year, the winning numbers were sung by children from Colegio de San Ildefonso, one of the oldest schools in Madrid. This year’s winning combination was: 7-9-4-3-2. The prize was won in the province of Leon. 

However, Lotería de Navidad is more than just a game for big money. It is a tradition dating back to 1812, which survived even the times of the civil war and Franco’s dictatorship. Today it is one of the most important holiday events in Spain, broadcasted on television, followed by millions, and stirring emotions that are hard to compare with anything else.

In Andalusia, the tradition of building nativity scenes is especially strong; they are often true works of art, with moving figurines, water, and light effects. In Seville, Malaga, or Cadiz, you can admire both huge city nativity scenes and those made by families at home. Usually, somewhere in the corner of each nativity scene sits El Caganer. 

Nativity scenes and him, El Caganer

He is one of the most unusual and characteristic figures appearing in Spanish Christmas nativity scenes. The history of El Caganer dates back to the end of the 18th century. The oldest mentions of this figure come from the area around Girona. Initially, El Caganer was an ordinary peasant, but over time figurines depicting famous people, politicians, athletes, and even pop culture characters began to be made.

The figurine depicts a man (sometimes a woman or a celebrity) in traditional Catalan dress. El Caganer squats in the corner of the nativity scene with his pants down and… relieving himself.

The meaning of El Caganer is deeply rooted in Catalan tradition and symbolism. The figurine, which may seem controversial or funny to foreigners, carries a positive message. It symbolizes fertility, luck, abundance, and hope for a good year. According to tradition, the presence of El Caganer in the nativity scene is meant to ensure a good harvest and prosperity for the family. It is also an expression of Catalan humor and self-irony.

El Caganer is proof of how rich and diverse the Spanish Christmas tradition is and how beautifully it combines respect for the past, a sense of humor, and local identity.

Christmas Eve and Christmas – Spanish flavors and customs

Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, is celebrated on December 24. It is the most important evening of the holidays, spent with family around a richly set table. Unlike Polish tradition, fasting is not observed in Spain. Tables feature meats, seafood, fish, and regional specialties. In Andalusia, popular dishes include cod, lamb, as well as shrimp and other seafood. Sweets cannot be missing: turrón (almond nougat), polvorones (crumbly cookies), and mantecados are obligatory items on the holiday table.

After dinner, families often attend Midnight Mass, Misa del Gallo. In Andalusia, these masses can be very solemn, and afterwards, Christmas carols (villancicos) ring out in the streets, often accompanied by guitars, tambourines, and castanets. In many towns, joint singing and dancing are organized, and children go from house to house singing carols in exchange for sweets.

Christmas Day and the second day of the holidays

December 25, Navidad, is a time for family meetings and rest. In Spain, the second day of the holidays (December 26) is not celebrated as in Poland; it is a normal working day, although in some regions, e.g., Catalonia, it is a holiday (Sant Esteve).

New Year’s Eve Spanish style: 12 grapes for luck

Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a time of joy, fun, and numerous traditions in Spain. The most famous of them is eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. This custom is meant to bring luck in the coming year. In Andalusia, as throughout Spain, families and friends gather in squares, homes, or restaurants to count down the last seconds of the old year together. In Malaga or Seville, crowds gather in main squares to celebrate and admire fireworks displays.

It is worth adding that in Andalusia, grapes are often accompanied by a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine), and in some homes, there is a custom of wearing red underwear for luck.

Epiphany, the most important day for children

In Spain, it is not Santa Claus but the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) who bring gifts to children. On January 5, colorful parades (Cabalgata de Reyes) take place across the country, during which the Three Kings ride through cities on horses or floats, throwing candies and small gifts to children. In Andalusia, these parades are especially spectacular. In Seville, Malaga, or Granada, hundreds of people participate, and the streets turn into colorful, dancing processions.

January 6, Día de Reyes, is the day of gift giving and family gatherings. On tables appears Roscón de Reyes, a round cake with candied fruits, in which a figurine and a fava bean are hidden. Whoever finds the figurine becomes the “king” of the day, and whoever gets the fava bean must buy the cake next year.

Christmas and New Year in Spain – Andalusian accents: what distinguishes the holidays in the south?

Andalusia is famous for its joyful, open approach to life, which is also visible in holiday traditions. In many cities and villages, joint caroling, flamenco concerts, and Christmas markets are organized. In Malaga, the illuminations on Larios Street are famous, attracting thousands of tourists every year. In Seville, you can admire huge nativity scenes and participate in traditional Christmas fairs.

In some Andalusian homes, the custom of “zambomba” is still cultivated, meaning playing traditional instruments together, singing carols, and dancing until late at night. In many towns, contests for the most beautiful nativity scene are held, and children participate in nativity plays.

Holidays Spanish style: joy, family, and tradition

Christmas and New Year in Spain, especially in Andalusia, is a time full of warmth, joy, and shared celebration. It is also an opportunity to nurture traditions that connect generations and give this period a unique character. If you dream of holidays in a sunny climate, with a touch of flamenco and the taste of turrón, Andalusia will be the perfect place to feel the magic of Spanish traditions.

No matter where you spend the holidays, it’s worth getting inspired by Spanish openness, joy, and the ability to enjoy the moment. 

¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!

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