El Gordo, the big Christmas lottery
The biggest and oldest lottery in Spain is known as ‘El Gordo’. The name is due to the total amount of the prize.
The Spanish Christmas lottery ranks as the world’s leading lottery in terms of total prizes.
The tradition of buying the Christmas lottery began in 1812. Since then, every morning on December 22nd, Spaniards eagerly await the draw to find out if they have won the 2 billion euros.
Sources:https://www.elmundo.es/loterias/loteria-de-navidad/2024/12/20/6762eebfe9cf4a75298b4581.html
The Nativity or Belen de Navidad
Nativity scenes are a popular tradition in Spanish towns and homes. Although they come in different sizes and styles, they always depict Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child and the Three Wise Men: Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar.
Some families create elaborate representations, while others simply place a small scene near the Christmas tree. These representations can be found in cities and towns all over Spain, often in central squares or in front of churches.
In Malaga, more than 80 nativity scenes are on display in churches, squares and cultural centres during this time of year. Highlights in the coastal city include the Town Hall Nativity Scene, the Cathedral Nativity Scene and the Carmen Thyssen Museum Nativity Scene.
Sources:https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/navidad-malaga-belen-mosca-coronavirus-20201210175403-nt.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diariosur.es%2Fmalaga%2Fnavidad-malaga-belen-mosca-coronavirus-20201210175403-nt.html
Look out for the Caganer in the Nativity scene
The Caganer is a unique and traditional figure that is often included in Spanish nativity scenes, especially in Catalonia. It depicts a person, usually dressed in traditional clothing, in the act of defecating.
Although it may seem unusual, the Caganer is considered a symbol of fertility, good luck and the cycle of life.
In modern times, the Caganer has become a humorous and playful figure, with some versions featuring famous personalities or contemporary characters.
Sources:https://salirporbarcelona.com/explorando-la-tradicion-catalana-del-caganer-en-navidades/
December 28th
December 28th is April Fool’s Day in Spain.
Mark your calendars and watch out for pranks, as people are often very witty, even on television!
If you are fooled, you are likely to hear someone shouting ‘Innocent, Innocent!
For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Ibi, Alicante, where locals celebrate El Enfarinats by throwing eggs and flour at each other in a lively and fun tradition.
Christmas in not over until 6th of January
On January 5th, the eve of Epiphany (Feast of the Three Wise Men), crowds fill the streets to watch the great Three Wise Men parade.
After the celebration, children leave their shoes outside or under the Christmas tree for the Three Wise Men to give them presents. In some areas, children also leave gifts for the mythical characters and their camels, such as water, cognac and chocolate. The next day, the children receive their long-awaited Christmas presents.
To round off the festivities, families enjoy a delicious Roscón, a doughnut-shaped dessert filled with cream and containing surprises. If you find a dry bean, you will have to buy next year’s Roscón de Reyes, but if you find the figurine of the king, a year of good luck awaits you.
The 12 grapes at New Years Eve
New Year’s Eve is the party that marks the new year in Spain. Just before midnight, Spaniards take part in a unique tradition: eating 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock. It is believed that finishing the 12 grapes before the clock stops will bring good luck for the coming year.
Although most people watch the countdown on television, several cities hold the countdown in their main squares – don’t forget the grapes!
Sources: https://computerhoy.20minutos.es/life/alternativas-originales-12-uvas-fin-ano-1170500
Christmas sweets (turrón and polvorones)
Turron and polvorones are two emblematic Spanish sweets, especially popular at Christmas time.
Traditional Spanish nougat is made mainly with almonds, sugar, honey and egg white. There are two main types: turrón de Alicante, which is crunchy and made with whole almonds, and turrón de Jijona, which is softer and made with ground almonds. This sweet is consumed throughout the country during the festive season and has a long history dating back to the 16th century.
Polvorones, on the other hand, are traditional biscuits, made with flour, sugar, almonds and butter. Known for their crumbly, melting texture, they are usually sprinkled with icing sugar.
Sources:https://www.rtve.es/television/20201217/turrones-mazapanes-polvorones-diferentes-celebrar-navidad-como-sapiens/2060423.shtml
