Oct 12 2007
Christmas in Barcelona and Spain
For Christmas, most homes have a manger, cathedrals and churches also have one. These are complete with carved figures, some are very big. The most amazing figure is the “cajador” … he is doing a big “caca” (shit) on the ground surrounded by chickens … It symbolizes fertilization of the ground or disrespect toward the catholics power. You can see the “cajador” in almost every manger ! very funny !
Christmas festivities start on December 22, the day of the draw for the winning number of the Chistmas lottery.
This Christmas lottery is very popular in Spain. They start selling it very early in the year.
During the weeks before Christmas, families gather around their manger to sing (los villancicos), while the children play tambourines and dance.
Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena or “the Good Night.” It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in nearly every home. A traditional Christmas candy is the turron, a kind of almond candy, the best is the tender one.
The children of Spain do not receive gifts from Santa Claus on the christmas tree but from the Kings, on the feast of the Epiphany, on January 6th. There is a big procession with the the Three Kings’ arrival through Barcelona on January 5, the “Cabalgata de los Reyes” (see post on this blog).
The shoes are filled with straw or barley for the tired camels that must carry their riders through the busy night. By morning the camel food is gone and in place of the straw or barley are presents. Shoes also may be placed on balconies on the night of the 6th January in the hope that the Wise Men will fill them with gifts. The favorite Wise Man is Balthazar who rides a donkey and is supposed to be the one who leaves the gifts for the children.
The Spanish Christmas is Navidad. People usually go to church after the meal or to the cathedral. The mass is called “Misa del gallo”. Many tourists come in Barcelona at Christmas time, it is very nice to hire a holiday apartment , you feel more like at home.
In Barcelona from the 29 of November to the 30 of December is the Feria de Santa Llucia.
A traditional market, set up in front of the Cathedral in the Barrí Gothic. It sells festive goods from Christmas trees and decorations. Perfect for wandering around and soaking up the festive spirit, or for some original gift ideas.
Watch out December 26 is also holiday in Barcelona ! Most shops are closed.
December 28, the Innocent’s day, is the joke’s day. You might see people with a paper on their shoulders…. a joke from friends … Also jokes on radio, TV ….
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