SPANISH CHRISTMAS



Spanish Christmas The Spanish Christmas is one of the most important celebrations of all year in the Spanish-speaking countries, especially for the children. This important celebration take place on December 25th, when it is celebrates the Jesus' birth. Christmas is a tradition like deeply religious in Spain and in all Latin American countries.

The Spanish Christmas begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) and ends with the celebration of The Three Wise Men (January 6th). Children wake up and find their gifts left by the Reyes Magos (Wise Men), almost similar to the tradition of Papa Noel (Santa Claus).

In Spanish, the Christmas Eve is known as "Noche Buena" (Night Good), which is a special night that has a great festive atmosphere with small oil lamps in almost every house. According to history, a cock was the first to announce the birth of the child god, that's the reason why there was a Midnight mass, also known as "La Misa del Gallo" (Cock Mass). After the Mass and dinner, people return to their homes, where children receive gifts on behalf of "The Wise Men"

Spanish Christmas: Wise Men Among the most common Christmas traditions awe can find: the elaboration of nativity scenes, also known as "Nacimientos", decor a Christmas tree and visit one of the remarkable Christmas markets, which are stuffed of fruits, flowers, marzipans, candles, decorations and other large number of beautiful gifts. At midnight, some people will go to the Midnight Mass at the church and others stay in their home, drinking champagne with biscuits and wine, and of course celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus

The Christmas in Spanish-speaking countries evokes the desire where family members share a time together in a special dinner, this is also the time when all people enjoy a delicious "turron" that is a kind of almond candy.

Although, every Latin American country has its own festivities on Christmas, there is a tradition that is not common in any other place. The Spanish Christmas Lottery, also known as "El Gordo" or "The Fat One", organized by the Spanish Government since 1812 on 22 December. People have chances to win this national lottery game, in which one can see children sing the results in a TV program.


 Spanish Christmas Food and Drink

Christmas is also one of the best opportunities to enjoy of delicious food and drink, along with family and friends.

The main dish could be accompanied by a selection of breads, soups, seafood, pates, jamón Serrano (Serrano hams), and any kind of wine. Here you have the most common list of dishes in Spain:
  • Pavo trufado de Navidad (Christmas turkey with truffles) - A turkey stuffed with truffles, this is the traditional SpanishChristmas dinner.
  • Langosta (Spiny Lobster) - The larger is the better. It is very popular on Christmas Eve,
  • Cordero asado (Spanish Roast lamb) - Also known as "lechazo" asado.
  • Cochinillo (Suckling Pig) - Also known as "Lechón de leche"
  • Bacalao (Cod) - is the more common seafood, served like principal meal.
The meal is complemented with a wine that may be the sparkling wine Cava from Spain. Red and white wines are commonly served as well as sherry and cider.

Food and drink: Turron - Spanish nougat In the Spanish Christmas, the majority of Christmas sweets are prepared. However, we can also offer fruit as dessert. Some of the most important are:
  • Rosca de los Reyes (Kings' Ring) - It is home baked bread with a ring shape decorated with colored jellies.
  • Turron (Nougat) - It is a sweet dough that comes in different varieties, and is the essential Spanish Christmas sweet.
  • Mazapan (Marzipan) - Made primarily of sugar and almond meal.
  • Polvorones - Made at home, these small cakes are made from basic ingredients with a selection of flavours added
  • Mantecados (Spanish crumble cakes) - Spanish crumble cakes similar to polvorones.
  • Rosquillos de vino (Spanish wine cookies) - Small biscuits flavoured with anise and sometimes wine.
See more:
Spanish Christmas Recipes


 Spanish Christmas Carols Lyrics
El Tamborilero (Little Drummer Boy)

El camino que lleva a Belén
baja hasta el valle que la nieve cubrió.
Los pastorcillos quieren ver a su Rey,
le traen regalos en su humilde zurrón
al Redentor, al Redentor.

Yo quisiera poner a tu pies
algún presente que te agrade Señor,
mas Tú ya sabes que soy pobre también,
y no poseo más que un viejo tambor.
(rom pom pom pom, rom pom pom pom)
¡En tu honor frente al portal tocaré
con mi tambor!

El camino que lleva a Belén
voy marcando con mi viejo tambor,
nada hay mejor que yo pueda ofrecer,
su ronco acento es un canto de amor
al Redentor, al Redentor.

Cuando Dios me vio tocando ante Él
me sonrió.
Noche de Paz (Silent Night)

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Entre los astros que esparcen su luz
Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús
Brilla la estrella de paz
Brilla la estrella de paz.

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor
Sólo velan en la oscuridad
Los pastores que en el campo están;
Y la estrella de Belén
Y la estrella de Belén.

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor;
sobre el santo niño Jesús
Una estrella esparce su luz,
Brilla sobre el Rey
Brilla sobre el Rey.

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor
Fieles velando allí en Belén
Los pastores, la madre también.
Y la estrella de paz
Y la estrella de paz.
See more:
Spanish Christmas Carols Lyrics


 Spanish Christmas Carols Videos
El Tamborilero (Little Drummer Boy)
Noche De Paz (Silent Night)
See more:
Spanish Christmas Carols Videos



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