New Year in Spain is a relatively young holiday. It was officially recognized by the government back in the 16th century, but people here, like all Catholics, celebrated only Christmas. In the 20th century, a custom was established among the people, which included the celebration of the coming of the New Year. In fact, this is a continuation of the same Christmas ceremonies, but with its own characteristics. How to celebrate the New Year in Spain? What traditions have been established in this country? How is their New Year different from ours? Read all the answers below.
The origin of tradition
Many residents of other countries know little about how the New Year is celebrated in Spain, by what rules and customs. This is not surprising, because this triumph appeared here only in 1897. Then in the country there was an overabundance of grapes and the fruits had to be put somewhere. Just in the night from December 31 to January 1, the crop was brought to the central square of Madrid, where every passerby could take as much as he wanted. People began to eat grapes right on the street under the beat of a clock. Since then, a tradition has emerged, to eat exactly 12 grapes at the time of the transition of the old year to the new. Gradually, this custom "grew" with traditions borrowed from neighboring countries, and the celebration of the New Year in Spain became an official celebration.
How do Spaniards celebrate New Year today?
Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated here in the family circle, the onset of the New Year is much more noisy. Since there are no certain ancient traditions for this holiday, people just gather on the streets, in bars, clubs, restaurants, throw parties, dances, competitions, games there. If you have ever seen with your own eyes how the New Year is celebrated in Spain, then you probably know that the action is not complete without fireworks. Fireworks thunder in all cities - both small and large, people give each other champagne, dress in beautiful dresses and relax with friends, acquaintances and distant relatives.
Santa Claus ... Santa Claus ... Who gives presents to children here?
In Spain, the very volunteer who presents everyone on New Year's Eve is called Olentzero. Not only his name, but also clothing is fundamentally different from the generally accepted one. He is always dressed in a national Spanish costume handmade, embroidered with various ornaments and accessories. As an attribute, he always carries with him a bottle of excellent wine, which gradually watered all his wards. He leaves gifts for the children on the windowsills of the houses. In the morning, after New Year's Eve, they can unpack their gifts and thank the good Olentzero.
New Year's Eve Spanish cuisine
As you may have guessed, this night the Spaniards on the table there are the juiciest and most satisfying of their national dishes. An essential ingredient in almost every one of them is jamon. It is used to make a salad with melon and citrus fruits, it is placed in meat rolls and served with main dishes. The following are seafood dishes. We will not list them, since each region of Spain has its own separate recipes. In the next place are sweets - macaroons, cakes with caraway seeds, pies, other pastries. Necessarily on each table should be a bottle of native wine, which was made from the harvest of the outgoing year. Well, as a dessert served grapes in unlimited quantities.
Holy Twelve Day
New Year's holidays in Spain begin on December 24, and end on January 6. On the first day of the cycle, Christmas Eve begins. Before Christmas, people get ready for a family celebration. They clean the houses, prepare various goodies, decorate their homes. The next day, Christmas itself is celebrated, which is accompanied by a compulsory church service. December 28, the Spaniards celebrate the Day of Holy Babies. They remember all those children whom Herod killed after the birth of the Messiah. Then follows the New Year celebration. How to celebrate the New Year in Spain and according to what traditions, we examined above. After it comes the last holiday - January 6 is the day of the Magi. It is believed that it was they who brought the gifts to the newly born Jesus in a nursery when Mary was in a difficult situation.
Holidays in Spain in December
In addition to the bright New Year festivals, which take place at the end of December, throughout the month the Spaniards celebrate several other important holidays for the country. The first is celebrated on the 6th, celebrate the adoption of the country's constitution on this day. Officially, this date is a day off, but the Spaniards are not happy with the big celebration in honor of the constitution. The second holiday is also not very bright, but it bears a sacred meaning. December 8 celebrate the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. All believers on this day go to church service and, of course, observe strict fasting.
National and religious holidays in Spain
The soul and face of the country is a sacred celebration called Semana Santa. It takes place in the pre-Easter week and always has a public character. Starting on Monday, people dress up as ancient prophets, put on black robes, caps and other paraphernalia, walk this way in the streets, preaching the basics of Catholicism. It is worth noting that this action is incredibly beautiful and even magical, and in order to see it and feel the whole atmosphere of the holiday, tourists come here from all over the Earth. The celebration called bullfighting is completely different. Not many holidays in Spain can boast such cruelty and brightness. The bullfighting scenario is known all over the world. Picador and the bull are fighting in the arena. As a result, one of them dies (most often an animal), which is accompanied by an orchestra playing and a storm of public cheers and applause.