Interesting Christmas Traditions in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Christmas is a time for coming together with loved ones and sharing special moments. The season brings different traditions and rituals that are practiced by people across the world. Spanish-speaking countries have their own set of Christmas traditions. These countries generally celebrate the holiday as Navidad (Christmas), and some also call it La Noche Vieja (Old Night). They share some similarities with other Christmas traditions, but there are many differences as well. These cultures also have their version of Santa Claus, known as el Papá Noel or simply El Coco. We bring you interesting Christmas traditions in Spanish-speaking countries:
Wrapping gifts with newspaper
The Spanish are famous for their newspaper gift wrapping. Wrapping gifts with newspapers is a tradition that is followed in many Latin American countries. For example, in Mexico, gifts are generally wrapped with newspaper and decorated with colorful ribbons. The tradition dates back to the 1930s when florists had a shortage of wrapping paper. As a result, they used newspapers to wrap bouquets. Since then, it has become a custom to gift flowers with a newspaper. It is believed that wrapping gifts with a newspaper brings good luck and prosperity. It is also a creative way to reuse old newspapers. You can use this tradition for gifts for both children and adults.
Caroling
Caroling is a popular Christmas tradition in Spain. It is believed that caroling was brought to Spain by the Catholic Church. In Spain, carolers visit houses and play Christmas songs in exchange for money or food. The tradition is usually associated with the Christmas season, but it is also celebrated at Easter or during the Fallas festival. While most carolers dress in fancy costumes, some also go door to door in normal clothing. A common Christmas carol in Spain is “Callejeros”. If you are traveling to Spain during the festive season, you can join carolers in their singing. However, make sure you know the words of the songs in Spanish. This is a great way to experience Spanish culture and celebrate the Christmas season.
Dinner on Christmas Eve
The Christmas Eve dinner is a popular tradition in Spain and many other Spanish-speaking countries. It’s often a large, hearty meal that is prepared on Christmas Eve. The timing of the meal is usually in the evening before the holiday, with many families eating together between 6 or 7 PM. The Christmas Eve dinner is usually composed of seven dishes, representing the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. These include roasted chestnuts, which represent faith, a bean dish that represents charity, lentils that represent justice, fish that represents hope, an apple dish that represents love, and grapes that represent the wine used by sacraments. Many other delicacies are also served during the Christmas Eve dinner, including chicken, ham, turkey, lamb, and specially prepared desserts. The Christmas Eve dinner is not only a delicious meal; it’s also a time to celebrate with family and friends.
noelero and cartoneros
The noelero is a Christmas tradition in Spain, as well as other Latin American countries. The noelero is a man who goes door to door with a wooden cart and collects food and money for the poor. Although he typically collects food, he may accept other gifts such as clothing or money. The noelero tradition began in the eighteenth century during the Spanish Inquisition. It was celebrated during the Christmas season as a way to help the poor, who could not afford the high cost of food during the holiday. The noelero tradition is still observed in many parts of Spain today, particularly in Andalusia and other southern parts of the country. The cartoneros are a group of people who go door to door collecting cardboard boxes. They sell the boxes to recycling companies that use cardboard to make new products. They are often employed by large companies that employ them in a part-time jobs. The cartoneros are a common sight in Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Posadas
The tradition of Posadas is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. The word “posadas” is derived from the Spanish word for “inns”. As the name suggests, this tradition is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging during their travels to Bethlehem. The posadas tradition is observed on nine consecutive nights between the 16th and 24th of December. Posadas are observed in many Spanish-speaking countries on December 16th, but in some countries, it’s on December 24th. This is the night that Christmas is celebrated in most Spanish-speaking countries. The nine nights is a time for families to gather and celebrate the Christmas season together. A typical gathering includes singing Christmas carols, playing games, and eating traditional Christmas dishes.
Spanish version of Santa Claus
In Spain, Santa Claus is known as el Papá Noel or simply El Coco. The Spanish Santa is quite different from the Western version of Santa Claus. He is a jolly man dressed in red and with a white beard. He travels from house to house with his reindeer on a magical sleigh, bringing gifts for kids. Like the Western version of Santa, he knows all the kids’ wishes and keeps a list of their names. However, in Spain, he has a different method of keeping track of presents. Unlike Santa Claus, who puts the gifts in kids’ stockings, El Coco puts them under the Christmas trees. It is believed that the trees in Spain are magical, and they hold all the presents.
Summary
These countries generally celebrate the holiday as Navidad (Christmas), and some also call it La Noche Vieja (Old Night). They share some similarities with other Christmas traditions, but there are many differences as well. These cultures also have their version of Santa Claus, known as el Papá Noel or simply El Coco.
