Getting ready for a Spanish Christmas
As the end of the year approaches in many corners of the world, people rush to have all the preparations ready to enjoy this holidays with colleagues, friends and family! Here is our particular final countdown to live this celebration the Spanish way!
10| Enjoy the lights on the Streets and feel the festive spirits! In Spanish cities, the Christmas decorations shine since the beginning of December. In Madrid this year famous designers, like Ángel Schlesser, Hannibal Laguna, Victorio & Luchino or Purificación García have created the design of the lights on the main streets, chic decorations for a fashion city!
09| Translate to your house the Christmas spirit! Starting with a Nativity Scene a tradition that many families keep. The best place to find all sorts of figurines, tinsel, lights and ornaments is the Christmas Market in the Plaza Mayor. There you can also buy Christmas trees and mistletoe!
Photo: Barcex. Adapted under license (CC BY-SA 3.0)
08| In Catalonia, you will find in the Christmas Markets a typical character: the caganer. This figure of a man relieving himself is placed in every Catalan nativity. You can find little caganers of popular personalities like football players or politicians.
Photo: OK Apartment. Adapted under license (CC BY 2.0)
07| Buy a Lottery number and follow the draw on December 22. Among the 75% of the Spanish population buys a Christmas lottery ticket, the odds to be lucky are not good but hope is the last thing to lose!
Photo: Thirunavukkarasye-Raveendran. Adapted under license (CC BY 4.0)
06| Turrón is the perfect dessert for a Christmas meal. This sweet treat traditionally made of almond and honey dates back in the 13th century. In Madrid, you can find the best turrón of the city in Casa Mira a business that has been running since 1855 and maintains the same decoration since the first day! Centrally located in Carrera de San Jerónimo, 30.
Photo: Tamorlan. Adapted under license (CC BY 3.0)
05| Try to keep your good shape by running the San Silvestre a popular race that takes place the last day of the year.
Photo: Diario de Madrid. Adapted under license (CC BY 4.0)
04| Celebrate the New Year’s Eve in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid and don’t forget your 12 grapes! The tradition says you have to each one at each bell stroke to have a year of good luck!
03| Toast with Sparkling Cider from the Asturias region or Cava (sparkling wine) from Cataluña for a happy new year.
Wait, Christmas is not over yet! In Spain, it ends on January 6 when the Three Wise Kings bring gifts to the children.
Photo: Diario de Madrid. Adapted under license (CC BY 4.0)
02| Watch one of the traditional Three Wise Kings Parade in any Spanish city or town.
Photo: Diario de Madrid. Adapted under license (CC BY 4.0)
01| End the holidays opening your presents and eating a Roscón de Reyes. At El Pozo Bakery in the center of Madrid, you will find one of the best Roscón de Reyes in the city.
Photo: Bruno Sanchez-Andrade Nuño. Adapted under license (CC BY 2.0)
