VALENCIA AT CHRISTMAS

VALENCIA AT CHRISTMAS TIME Valencia becomes alive with the spirit of Christmas with its exquisite decorations and stunning lighting. The council decorates its gardens of seasonal flowers and makes sure that all the shops and business participate in the season and placing red carpets at the entrance, special packaging and having the traditional Christmas “lotes” where people can buy raffle tickets. It is not only the sights that make it Christmas but also the smells including “Turron”, roast chestnuts and almonds.

The city is full of street markets. The circus also comes to town and it is traditional for the parents to take the children to see the wonderful specticle. The tradition of the Nativity Display dates back to 1223 when San Francisco of Asís placed a display of the Baby Jesus and the donkey in their setting amongst some caves. It is tradition that continues to the present day with people placing nativity scenes in their houses amongst their other decorations. In Valencia they place an extremely beautiful scenes called “Belén Monumenetal” that the Council places in the”Plaza del Ayuntamiento” from approximately the 17th December until the 7th January. Additionally schools also places a large nativity display around the same times.

Of course, Valencia would not be Valencia without a bit of gunpowder! On New Years Day there is the best “Mascletà” of the year which takes place in the Plaza Ayuntamiento. On Christmas eve all the churches hold a special mass which is called “Misa del Gallo” and this takes place al 12 o’clock midnight and they sing the traditional Christmas hymns and carols.

Don’t forget your grapes as at New Year at 12 midnight it is traditional to pop a grape when the bell tolls. For the children, the presents are usually received on Christmas Day like in England but over here one special present is withheld to be given by the Three Wise Kings from the Orient. This is on the 6th of January. At this time floats fill the streets along with the Three Kings and their group of workers. They throw sweets to all the children as well as footballs and other small toys etc.

A TRADITIONAL SPANISH CHRISTMAS

POLVORONES These are found in the supermarkets and are wrapped in paper. They are flour based with many varieties including coconut, cinnamon and chocolate. They are fun to eat but can be a bit messy if you don’t know the trick! Firstly (and with the paper on), squash and compact them in your hands. Then you can eat them and they will not crumble all over the place.

GRATES /UVAS Traditions has it that on New Years Eve, when the bells toll midnight you pop a grape in your mouth with every “dong”. This sounds easy and is for the first four and five but after that it starts getting more difficult and if that wasn’t bad enough, after, the 12 grape you have to shout “Feliz Año Nuevo”. This is the point where most of the grapes come flying out! The grapes are often accompanied with a glass of cava to wash them down and ring in the New Year.

ROSCÓN DE REYES This is a ring of sweet bread which is decorated on top with crystallised fruit and sugar with a paper crown on top. Some of them are also halved and filled with cream. These are eaten to celebrate the day of Reyes but be careful as there is a surprise in everyone! Hidden inside there is a bean and a king. Whoever gets the slice with the king. Whoever gets the slice with the king has to wear the crown and has good luck for the year. However, if you are the one who has the slice with the bean, then you have to buy the Roscon the next year!

TURRÓN El Turrón is similar to our nougat. However, in Spain there are many varieties from chocolate to almond and honey. The handmade Turrones are unbeatable and it is worth paying the extra. They are usually brought out after dinner along with the coffees and often are accompanied with polvorones.

GAMBAS On Christmas the Spanish celebrate with a large family dinner. On the table you can expect to see all the traditional Spanish treats including special cheeses, embutidos (cold meats) and normally they cook lamb. However, very traditional are the prawns and the table would not be complete without the seafood. Normally all types of prawns are placed on the grill and then enjoyed by everyone.

COTILLÓN This is a little party bag that provides everything you need to welcome in the New Year. Many bars and restaurants supply these free of charge and the host of a party will provide one for all their guests. They contain party hats, balloons, streamers, party poppers and hooters.

HONEY ROAST TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING INGREDIENTS KG. TURKEY 75 GMS, BUTTER- SOFTENED 45ML CLEAR HONEY SALT & BLACK PEPPER STUFFING PAVO CON MIEL ACOMPAÑADO DE CASTAÑA

STUFFING INGREDIENTS 100 gms. Fresh breadcrumbs small onion chopped finely half tsp. Dried sage 100 gms chesnuts – chopped Stock to mix.

TURKEY 1.Place the turkey in a large roasting tin. Mix the butter & honey together & spread over the turkey. 2.Roast at 190c (375) for 2.5 to 3 hrs. basting regularly. To test if ready insert a sharp knife into the thigh joint & check juices run clear. 3.Cover with foil and rest for at least 30 mins.

STUFFINF 1.Saute the onions & sage in a little butter or olive oil. 2.Put breadcrumbs, chestnuts in a mixing bowl, add onion mixture. Mix well and bring to a ball with the stock, adding a little at a time. 3.Shape into with your hands or use an ice cream scoop. Place on an lightly oiled baking sheet and cook for 20 mins along with your roasties.

These can also be made in advance and put in the freezer – will take about an hour to thaw, then cook as above.

GRAVY Pour the juices from the turkey into saucepan, stir in 2 tbsps. Plain flour & cook over a low heat for 1 min. gradually add 500ml. Of the liquid from the vegetables – 2 tbsps. Redcurrant jelly and a glass of red wine. Salt & pepper. Bring to the boil, simmer for 3-4 mins. Serve in a warm gravy boat.

COM CELEBREM EL NADAL EN L’ESCOLA L’ARBRE DE NADAL EL.LABORAT AMB ESTRELLES AMB FOTOS DELS XIQUETS/TES

TARGETES NADALENQUES

LES NADALES

EL BETLEM

EL PARE NOEL

REYES MAGOS Y PARA TERMINAR LAS FIESTAS SE CELEBRA LA GRAN CABALGATA DE LOS REYES MAGOS.