Christmas · Traditions
Christmas Traditions in Spain
Every corner of Spain celebrates Christmas in its own way: characters who come down from the mountain loaded with presents, logs that give out sweets, zambombas around the candela bonfire and nativity scenes that come to life in the streets. These are the traditions celebrated in Spain's most beautiful villages.
Olentzero
The charcoal burner of Basque and Navarrese folklore who comes down from the mountain on Christmas Eve loaded with gifts.
When: 24 December, Christmas Eve
Discover the tradition →
Tió de Nadal
The Catalan log that is looked after during Advent and which, at Christmas, ‘gives’ sweets and presents when beaten with a stick.
When: From early December until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Discover the tradition →
Apalpador
The charcoal-burner giant from the mountains of Galicia who, on New Year's Eve, feels the children's bellies and leaves them chestnuts.
When: 31 December, New Year's Eve
Discover the tradition →
Zambombas
Andalusian gatherings around a bonfire with flamenco-style Christmas carols, zambomba, pandereta and kitchen mortar.
When: Weekends in December, before Christmas
Discover the tradition →
Living nativity scenes
The nativity scene performed by the residents themselves in the streets and squares of the old town.
When: Weekends in December and Christmas days
Discover the tradition →
Pastoradas and Pastorets
Shepherd performances on Christmas Eve and popular Christmas plays.
When: Christmas Eve and Christmas days
Discover the tradition →
Midnight Mass (Misa del Gallo)
The midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, in many villages with carols and traditional songs.
When: 24 December, at midnight
Discover the tradition →
Three Kings Parade
Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar wind through the streets on the afternoon of 5 January, handing out sweets and joy.
When: 5 January, afternoon
Discover the tradition →
New Year's Eve and the chimes
Twelve grapes to the chimes to see the year out in the village square.
When: 31 December, at midnight
Discover the tradition →
San Silvestre
Popular races on the last day of the year, many in fancy dress, to see it out running.
When: 31 December
Discover the tradition →
Christmas Markets
Stalls selling crafts, decorations, sweets and local produce, for doing your Christmas shopping at a leisurely pace.
When: From late November or early December until Three Kings' Day
Discover the tradition →