Spend Christmas around Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort

Holiday Traditions in Spain
Christmas in Spain includes the usual Christmas festivities which can be found elsewhere, but there is one tradition that isn’t very common called Hogueras (bonfires), and it is a tradition that originated long before Christmas. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of winter. During these bonfires, people jump over fires as a symbolic protection against illness.

The more common traditions include very elaborate Nacimiento (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and incredible Christmas markets scattered around villages and cities. These markets include fruits, flowers, sweets, candles, decorations, and various types of handmade gifts.

Christmas Eve is interrupted at midnight by the ringing of bells calling the families to La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster).

On Christmas Day, children find gifts, not brought by Santa, but by the Three Wise Men.
Christmas in Spain continues for a few weeks past Christmas until January 6th. On January 5th, children place their shoes on their doorstep, and in the middle of the night, the three wise men pass leaving gifts behind. On January 6th, the day is celebrated with parades were candy and cakes are given out to children.

Christmas Holiday Dishes
Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight and is quite the feast. The most highlighted dish at the dinner is Pave Trufado de Navidad (Christmas turkey with truffles) and the one dessert you are likely to find on everyone’s tables is caramelized custard.

After the meal, all family members gather around and sing Christmas carols until the early morning hours.

There is an old Spanish saying that goes “Esta noche es Noche – Buena, Y no es noche de dormer”, which means, “This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep”.