Christmas in Spain By:

Decorations They have out Christmas trees They will make and use home made candles Also, they will put out oil lamps out as the Christmas Eve stars appear.

Traditions They do a tradition called Hogierus. It is where the people go and jump over fires, which symbolizes protection against illness. Also, they do another one called La Misa de Del Gallo. It is where people ring bells and call out to families at midnight. They go to a place and have a service where they light candles and sing. La Misa de Del Gallo, or Mass of the rooster, is the only time a rooster crowed at midnight, when Jesus was born.

Ceremonies and Events On December 8 the Feast of the Immaculate Conception begins. They hold it in front of the great gothic cathedral in Seville, Spain. After, they have another ceremony called los seises (the dance of 6) which is where six (now 10) boys dress up in elaborate costumes and dance. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena. Families will feast and rejoice around nativity scenes. On December 28, towns have the Feast of the Holy innocents. It is where young boys of villages or towns go around and light bonfires and one acts as mayor, ordering the townspeople to perform civic chores. If someone refuses, they are fined. Also, they have feast of the Epiphany. It is believed that the Magi reenact their journey to Bethehem at this time of year. Kids leave their shoes on windowsills and fill them with carrots, hay, barely, or the horses of the wise men. Balthazar is believed to ride a donkey and leave gifts.

Food Pavo Trufado de Navidad- turkey stuffed with mushroom truffles. Champinoes al ajillo- ajillo olives dripping with olive oil, garlic, and dry Spanish sherry. Cordero asado- roast lamb Merluza en Salsa verde- clams, fish, and asparagus. Marmatiako- a casserole Pollo Campurraiano- fried chiken served with rice Grouper la Mallorquina- fish topped with a lot of vegetables. Calderta de Langosta- Lobster Stew. Polvorones- almond cookies Turron- almond candy Montecados- Spanish crumble cakes.

Presents On Christmas Eve, children put their shoes in windowsills of houses and fill them up with carrots, hay, barley, for the horses of the wise men. It is believed that Balthazar delivers the presents to them and rides a donkey while doing it.

Christmas Terms and Meanings Noche buena- Christmas Eve Dia de Navidad- Christmas day Ano Nuevo- New year Noche veija- New year’s eve El dia de ano nuevo- new year’s day Regalo de navidad- Christmas present Adornes de navidad- Christmas decorations