Spain’s Festive Season: from December 6 to January 6
From the early days of December until the Feast of the Three Kings in January, Spain’s festive season is marked by a unique blend of tradition, faith and family gatherings. Here’s a glimpse into what makes Spain’s holiday season so magical.
December 6: Día de la Constitución – Celebrating Democracy
On December 6, Spaniards celebrate Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day), a public holiday commemorating the Spanish Constitution of 1978. After decades under the Franco dictatorship, the ratification of this constitution signalled a new era of democracy, freedom, and unity for Spain.
While this day is an official holiday marked by ceremonies and reflections on Spain’s democratic journey, it’s also the beginning of the holiday spirit. It acts as a prelude to a month of celebrations and family gatherings, as Spaniards start to prepare for Christmas. Constitution Day, along with December 8, forms a popular long holiday weekend, giving people time to enjoy the start of winter festivities with friends and family.
December 8: La Inmaculada Concepción – Honouring the Virgin Mary
Just two days later, on December 8, Spain celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or La Inmaculada Concepción since 1644.
The Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint of the Spanish Infantry and the Civil Guard. This patronage has its origins in the so-called "Miracle of Empel" in 1585. The Official Colleges of Pharmacists and the Faculties of Pharmacy also have her as their patron saint.
There are many festivals in honour of the Immaculate Conception, but two are very special: the «Encamisá» in Torrejoncillo (Cáceres) and in Yecla (Murcia).
December 24–25: Nochebuena and Navidad – The Heart of Christmas
For Spaniards, Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the highlight of the season, a time for families to gather for a grand feast and reflect on the birth of Jesus. While the world rushes to buy gifts and prepare for Christmas morning, in Spain, the celebrations start on the evening of the 24th.
Christmas Eve dinner is a lavish affair, featuring dishes like seafood, lamb, and roast suckling pig, accompanied by traditional sweets like turrón (nougat) and polvorones (almond cookies). Families laugh, reminisce, and toast to the year’s blessings. Many families attend La Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass) after dinner, gathering in candlelit churches to celebrate the birth of Christ in an atmosphere filled with reverence.
Christmas Day (Navidad) is a more subdued day, often spent enjoying a festive lunch and relaxing with family. Unlike in other cultures where Christmas morning means tearing into presents, gift-giving in Spain is traditionally reserved for January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings.
December 31–January 1: Nochevieja and Año Nuevo – Grapes and Good Fortune
As December 31 approaches, Spaniards prepare for Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve), a night marked by a quirky tradition known as the Doce Uvas de la Suerte (Twelve Grapes of Luck). At the stroke of midnight, families and friends gather around, each with a small bunch of twelve grapes. The goal? Eat one grape for each chime of the clock, a challenge that’s harder than it sounds!
Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year, and those who can keep up with the clock are thought to have a prosperous year ahead. This tradition is especially popular in Madrid, where crowds gather at Puerta del Sol to eat their grapes as the clock chimes, with the scene broadcast on TV for everyone to join in.
After a night of parties and celebrations that last until dawn, Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day) is typically a quiet holiday. Spaniards spend the day with family, enjoying a peaceful meal and a well-deserved siesta.
January 6: Día de los Reyes Magos – A Day for the Children
Just when it seems the festive season is over, Spain celebrates one of its most magical traditions on January 6: Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings’ Day. This holiday, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar—who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus.
On the evening of January 5, cities and towns host the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, an enchanting parade where the Three Kings arrive, throwing sweets to the excited crowds. Children prepare by leaving their shoes out, hoping the Kings will leave presents and treats as they did for the baby Jesus. They also leave food and water for the Kings and their camels.
The morning of January 6 is filled with excitement as children are enjoying their new toys and gifts. Families gather for a special breakfast featuring Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread ring decorated with candied fruit. Inside the Roscón, there’s a hidden surprise: a figurine and a bean. Finding the figurine brings luck, while finding the bean means the “winner” has to buy next year’s Roscón!
Spain’s festive season is an unforgettable experience that honours the past while embracing the future.