Wherever you are based in Spain as a franchisee of Hamiltons of London you will want to keep your clients informed of what they can expect when they buy a home here. Spain in December is transformed with lights, and the festive spirit is felt everywhere whether in the snow topped mountains of the Pyrenees, a busy city or on the sunny coast, every town embraces the holiday season. There are lots of events in every town and village, tasty bites to savour and a warm feeling even in the cool winter air.
The Magic of Winter in Spain
Although Spain is often associated with holidays in warm coastal resorts, those who are hoping to relocate and buy a home here may want a different experience and as a Hamiltons of London franchise you will be in an excellent position to show them everything this beautiful country can offer. In December all parts of Spain offer a different charm with weather that varies across the country from cool, misty days in the northern cities like Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela to the crisp frosty blue skies of the central area including Madrid, the white snowy mountain area and the milder south and Canary Islands where sitting in the sun during the day is still an option. The varied terrain means that anyone who is hoping to buy a property in Spain will be able to find a location that suits their preferences and in December can choose whether they will be skiing or enjoying the warmth of the winter sun.
Lights and Markets
Brilliant, colourful, lights, decorations and trees appear all over Spain as December begins and the lighting is marked by communities gathering together to enjoy the occasion with music and performances to begin the festive season. Wooden market stalls selling gifts, ornaments, nativity figures and traditional sweets spring up in cities, towns and villages. The oldest Christmas market is in the capital Madrid and in Barcelona close to the cathedral you can buy the joke nativity scene character known as the caganer who is hidden in Belén displays that is a uniquely Catalan traditions.
The Importance of Food at Christmas
Along with many countries food is central to celebrations throughout December in Spain with families gathered for long meals and treats. The Christmas Eve feast is a tradition throughout the country with the menu varying from one region to another reflecting the ingredients available locally during December. Wine, particularly sparkling cava is often drunk to toast the season and each other.
Tradition and Religion
Spain celebrates both cultural and religious events in December beginning with Constitution Day on the 6th and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th. These are national holidays in Spain and may create a long weekend known as the Puenta de Diciembre when Spaniards take the time to decorate their homes. Nativity scenes are displayed privately and publicly, and, in many regions, there will be parades, live nativity performances, children’s activities, Christmas concerts and ice-rinks. Those who buy property in Andalusia may experience zambombas, impromptu street parties with signing, dancing and percussion filling the air with festive cheer. In Catalonia a wooden log Tió de Nadal is “fed” by children during December and “beat” it on Christmas Eve to release gifts and treats.
New Year’s Eve: Superstition and Celebration
At the end of both December and the year Spain prepares for one of its most iconic traditions with their New Year’s Eve celebrations when the highlight is the campanadas with the eating of twelve grapes, one for each stroke of midnight. It is believed this will bring luck during the next year and happens throughout Spain in homes, restaurants and town squares. As the New Year begins there are often fireworks, and the celebrations continue with music and dancing until dawn. Many people believe wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is good luck and at midnight glasses of cave are raised to toast the New Year.
Warmth and Togetherness
In Spain December is not just about Christmas but community and tradition, it is a joyful and indulgent time of year. As a Hamiltons of London franchisee find out what is happening in your town during December and let your clients know, they will enjoy beginning to become part of the community as they look for their new home. If you would like to start your New Year as an owner of a Hamiltons of London real estate office in Spain please send your enquiry to franchise@hamiltonsoflondon.net. We look forward to meeting you and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!
