Christmas in Spain
Christmas around the world is a time for celebration, festive feasts and a variety of Christmas traditions around the world. Wherever you spend your Christmas around the world it is sure to be a holiday full of memories and time honored traditions passed on from generation to generation.
One of the most common Christmas traditions around the world is that of the use of the nativity scene in holiday celebrations.
If you were to look at how people spend Christmas around the world you would see many homes with the nativity scene.
In Spain this is especially true with the nativity scene (nacimiento) being the heart of the Spanish Christmas. The Nacimento are often passed down from generation to generation and can be found in most homes, churches and public places. The Spanish treat the Nacimiento with pride and scenes are worked on as community projects throughout the year.
Christmas markets are also popular in Spain selling specialty items such as pomegranates of Andalusia, Arrogonese apples, walnuts, chestnuts and Valencia oranges. Flowers, candles, baked goods, marzipan candies, decorations and hand crafted Christmas gifts are other favorites.
Church bells play on Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) bringing everyone together for mass followed by a feast at home, the celebration usually carries over until dawn. On Christmas Day there is more festive eating with some attending another church service.
