People in Spain start their Christmas celebrations on 24th December. Feliz Navidad! ‘Merry Christmas’ in Spanish is Feliz Navidad. People in Spain start their Christmas celebrations on 24th December. Photo courtesy of Alberto Ceballos (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

Food The main meal at Christmas is usually eaten on Christmas Eve. This is shared with family and friends. The Christmas Day meal usually consists of seafood. ‘Pavo Trufado de Navidad’ is a speciality. This is turkey stuffed with mushrooms, called truffles.

Mass After the meal, many Spanish people go to Midnight Mass in church. This is a special Christmas service, called La Misa Del Gallo – The Mass of the Rooster. It is called this because it is said that a rooster crowed when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Celebrating After Mass, people walk through the streets carrying lit torches, playing guitars and beating tambourines. They wish one another “Feliz Navidad”.

Decorations The streets are decorated with lights. Statues of Papa Noel, or Father Christmas, are seen on balconies and windowsills. Photo courtesy of Gonmi and subherwa (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

There is often a Nativity scene set up in the living area. Spanish Homes In the hallways of many Spanish homes, there will be a tray filled with sweets called alfores. These are sugared almonds, marzipan and candied fruit. Spanish people welcome guests to their houses. There is often a Nativity scene set up in the living area. Photo courtesy of Weldon Kennedy (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

28th December This day is called ‘Diade los Santos Inocentes’ which is the Day of the Innocent Saints. On this day, people try to trick one another into believing made-up stories.

Epiphany Epiphany, on 6th January, is a very special day in Spain. It is called ‘Fiesta de los Tres Reyes Mages’ – the Festival of the Three Magic Kings. It is a celebration of the Three Kings visiting the Baby Jesus in the stable after he was born, and taking him gifts. Children often leave out gifts for the Kings: a drink of cognac, a satsuma and walnuts.

Epiphany On this day, it is believed that the Three Kings bring presents to all the children. On 5th January, Epiphany Eve, children will leave shoes on their windowsills and balconies, to be filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.

Sometimes there are even some real camels in the parade! Epiphany Parades Many towns have Epiphany parades, where people dress up as the Three Kings and travel through the town on a float made to look like a camel. Sometimes there are even some real camels in the parade! Photo courtesy of donaldjudge (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

Epiphany Food A special cake called Roscón is eaten during Epiphany. It is doughy, round and filled with cream. It is given as a small gift.