If you are looking for unique and charming Christmas traditions, Spain is the place to be. Christmas here is not only magical, but full of customs that you probably won't find anywhere else - get ready for a cultural journey full of surprises!
The Christmas Lottery: the beginning of the magic
Can you imagine starting Christmas with your fingers crossed and dreaming of becoming a millionaire? In Spain, 22 December marks the official start of the festive season with the Christmas Lottery draw, also known as El Gordo. This event is quite a spectacle: the winning numbers are sung by children from the Colegio de San Ildefonso, and the excitement is contagious! Even if you don't win, participating in this draw makes you feel part of the Christmas magic.
April Fools' Day: watch out for pranks!
If you visit Spain on 28 December, be prepared for a day of laughter and surprises. April Fools‘ Day is our version of April Fools’ Day. From pranks on the news to little hoaxes between friends and family, everything is allowed, always in good humour. If you see a coin stuck to the ground, don't duck... it's sure to be a trap.
The delicious Roscón de Reyes
And, of course, we cannot talk about Christmas traditions without mentioning the Roscón de Reyes. This typical sweet, decorated with candied fruits that look like jewels, is enjoyed on 6 January, Three Kings' Day. The fun thing is that inside the roscón there is usually a figure of a king and a dried bean.If you get the king, you are crowned!But if you find the bean... you have to pay for the roscón.
I love the Roscón de Reyes, but they all have their charm, don't you think? Besides, exploring these traditions is not only fun, it's also a great opportunity to learn Spanish and immerse yourself in the culture!
Learning a language is much more than memorising words; it's about understanding how the people who speak it live.And there is no better time to do it than Christmas, when everything is full of emotions and meaning.If you want to further explore Spanish culture and improve your Spanish, I am here to accompany you on this journey!
