{"id":9845,"date":"2024-12-13T17:50:45","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T17:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/turiahotels.es\/christmas-in-spain-traditions-history-and-sweets-you-cant-miss\/"},"modified":"2024-12-19T11:09:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T11:09:43","slug":"christmas-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turiahotels.es\/en\/christmas-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas in Spain: Traditions, History, and Sweets You Can\u2019t Miss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Christmas in Spain is not just a season of celebrations; it\u2019s a mosaic of traditions rooted in history, unique flavours, and unforgettable moments. Every custom has meaning, every sweet tells a story, and every date holds a special kind of magic. In this article, we\u2019ll take you on a journey through Spanish Christmas traditions to help you understand why we celebrate the way we do and how you can experience this season like a true local. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Key Dates of Christmas in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Christmas Eve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

24th December<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The most family-oriented night of the year, when families gather around the table to share a special dinner. Dishes like roasted lamb, seafood, and Christmas sweets fill the tables. Did you know that it was once common to wait until the Misa del Gallo (midnight mass) to dine? Today, many families still keep the tradition of attending this mass. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Christmas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

25th December<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A day of joy and gifts, although in Spain, Santa Claus wasn\u2019t always the star. His popularity grew in the 20th century under Anglo-Saxon influence. Traditionally, gifts were brought exclusively by the Three Kings on 6th January. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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New Year’s Eve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

31st December<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The year can\u2019t begin without the 12 lucky grapes. This tradition, which began in the late 19th century, was created by Alicante farmers to sell a surplus of grapes. Today, eating the 12 grapes to the chime of the bells is one of the most iconic and fun moments of Christmas in Spain\u2014a true challenge! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Epiphany Eve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5th and 6th January<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The grand finale of the Christmas season. On the evening of 5th January, parades fill the streets with floats representing the arrival of the Three Kings, distributing sweets and joy. The next day, children discover their gifts (symbolising the presents offered to Baby Jesus by the Wise Men). The rosc\u00f3n de reyes, with its hidden bean and king, provides a sweet ending to the celebrations. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Why Do We Eat These Sweets at Christmas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Turr\u00f3n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of Spain\u2019s most iconic Christmas treats, turr\u00f3n has Arab roots. Its recipe arrived during the Moorish occupation and became popular in the 16th century. Today, towns like Jijona and Alicante are famous for their artisanal turr\u00f3n. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2. Marzipans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marzipan also has Arab origins. In Toledo, its production became a tradition in the 13th century thanks to convents of nuns. Every bite is a piece of history. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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3. Sprinkles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originating in Andalusia, polvorones began as a rural sweet made with lard. Over time, they became a Christmas essential across the country. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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4. Rosc\u00f3n de reyes<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rosc\u00f3n has both pagan and Christian roots. Its circular shape symbolises the crown of the Three Kings, but its origins date back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia. During these celebrations, a bean was hidden in bread as a symbol of fertility and good fortune. In Spain, this tradition evolved into the sweet we know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE INFORMATION<\/summary>\n