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Christmas in Spain is a lively, heartwarming celebration that mixes centuries-old traditions, mouthwatering feasts and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Every region has its own special ways of celebrating, but there are a few things that every Spanish Christmas has in common: amazing food, lots of laughter and moments filled with warmth and gratitude. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic traditions and holiday meals!
Spanish Holiday Traditions and Festivities
Spain’s cultural diversity shines brightly during the holiday season, with each region showcasing its own unique customs and celebrations. Here are some traditions that make it a magical season across the country!
The Big Christmas Lotteries: El Gordo and El Niño
“El Gordo,” the Spanish Christmas Lottery, is a significant event for many, celebrated with the same excitement as any other holiday, followed by “El Niño” in early January, extending the festive season.
The Twelve Grapes of Luck
On New Year’s Eve, Spaniards partake in the custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the coming year. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, families and friends gather around, hoping to keep up with the countdown, creating moments of laughter and joy!
Regional Traditions
Each region in Spain adds its own flair to the season’s festivities. In Catalonia, the Caga Tió (or “Pooping Log”) is a beloved tradition where children “feed” a log covered in a blanket in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, they hit it with sticks, singing songs to make it “release” small gifts and sweets
Another notable tradition is Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings), which is celebrated across Spain on January 6. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the three wise men and involves grand parades, with children eagerly awaiting their gifts. The day’s treat is a traditional ring-shaped cake called roscón, often filled with cream and containing a small toy or surprise inside.
A feast with no end…
Ever been out for tapas in Spain, with those bars full of tempting, bite-sized portions? That’s the inspiration for Spanish holiday meals! Christmas celebrations often start with a spread of delicious appetizers that look like a tapas bar come to life. You’ll find jamón ibérico, an array of cheeses, seafood, canned foods, pickled vegetables and special seasonal dishes—almost unbelievable that these are just the starters!
Once everyone’s warmed up, it’s time for a hearty first course, usually a comforting soup or broth. Each region has its favorite: Andalusian puchero, Catalan escudella, garlic soup from Castilla-La Mancha, creamy almond soup in the Balearic Islands and even trout soup, a Castilla y León classic. These are just a few of the traditional spoon dishes that start the feast.
The main course brings out the star of the meal: a roast. Most families opt for succulent cuts of lamb, suckling pig, or ternasco (young lamb), ideally slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven. In coastal areas, a whole roasted fish, like sea bream or seabass, often takes center stage. These dishes are prepared with love and care, honoring centuries-old traditions.
And then comes the sweet finale… We weren’t kidding about this being an endless feast! After the meal, the table overflows with sweet treats, as friends and family settle in for a long sobremesa (a relaxed, post-meal chat which is very typical in Spain which can last hours!). Christmas in Spain is practically defined by its sweets, with each region offering something unique. Traditional sweets like turrón, polvorones, mazapanes, and mantecados are must-tries, and they’re so plentiful you’ll want to save room just for dessert.
Lastly, of course, there’s the iconic roscón de reyes—a crown-shaped cake adorned with candied fruit and served on January 5th or 6th to celebrate Three Kings’ Day. Tradition has it that inside the cake lies a hidden figurine; whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck for the year. Moreover, there is also a hidden bean, and whoever finds it will have to pay the roscón!
Cheers or ¡Salud!…
We’re talking about toasting with cava! This sparkling white wine, dry and full of bubbles, is produced in Spain and is perfect for special occasions. Want to make your toast even more Spanish? Say “¡Salud!” as you clink glasses! For a more relaxed version, you might hear “¡Chin-chin!” But if you really want to join in the fun, try the classic Spanish toast: “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro!” (Up, down, to the center, and in!). It’s a lively way to celebrate with friends and family the Spanish way!
Celebrate at Socarrat
Choosing the right venue for your private event in New York can truly enhance the experience and create lasting memories. At Socarrat, we offer you the most traditional Spanish dishes, drinks and ambiance for the perfect holiday celebration!
We offer private and semi-private rooms that are designed to accommodate groups of 10 to 65 seated guests. Each area is ideal for hosting holiday celebrations.
Contact Us
Ready to book your holiday event? Please call 917-656-8939 or email us at [email protected] to start planning your holiday event, and make this season one to remember!
