International Community Christmas Celebrations in Spain
Wherever you operate as a Hamiltons of London real estate franchise it is worth knowing what happens over the Christmas period. This is the sort of information that helps you to build relationships with your clients and adds to a positive experience for them. Spain‘s festive season begins early in December and continues with lively good cheer until early January, one of the longest in Europe. However, in addition to the traditional Spanish celebrations of Nochebuena, El Belén and Los Reyes Magos Spain‘s international communities have enriched this time of year with traditions from their home countries. Everyone can enjoy these extra celebrations from Dutch Sinterklaas, to English carol singing, Scandinavian Lucia processions and Italy’s La Befana who concludes the season in some parts of Spain alongside the Three Kings. The influence of such a combination of traditions transforms Christmas time in Spain into an inclusive international experience.
St. Nicholas Arrives to Start the Season
For many European expatriates in Spain the Christmas season begins with the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6th December. German and Dutch residents will be awaiting the arrival of Nikolaus or Sinterklaas. Spanish towns with larger numbers of residents from the Netherlands and Germany live, for example in Marbella, Alicante and Barcelona, will see families gathered for Sinterklaasavond when children receive sweets and gifts from the friendly red robed bishop and children’s shoes will be filled with nuts and chocolates on Nikolaustag to mark the beginning of Advent. These festivities in early December often mix with local customs in Spain with children in international schools and community centres singing both Stille Nacht and Campana Sobre Campana with celebrations transcending both language and nationality.
Advent and the Build-Up to Christmas
During December Advent calendars, wreaths and trees are put up in homes across Spain with lights sparking from balconies and terraces no matter which nationality lives there. Churches all over Spain, regardless of denomination, host Advent services, candlelight vigils, and charity events are hosted by residents to infuse the Christmas spirit and provide funds for local children’s homes and animal shelters. You will find that British communities arrange Christmas fairs with mince pies, mulled wine, carol singing and raffles for local charities. The Scandinavian community add their traditions to add hope and light to dark winter days with the Feast of St. Lucia on 13th December. Dressed in white robes and carry candle crowns the procession is led by young girls singing Santa Lucia. Everyone is welcome to participate in the serenity of this beautiful Nordic Christmas custom.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: A Wonderful Mix of Traditions
In Spain, Christmas Eve – Nochebuena – is the main family celebration with a late-night feast followed by Midnight Mass – Misa del Gallo. International residents often adapt this and combine it with their own traditions with British an Irish residents still celebrating on Christmas Day itself with roast turkey and all the trimmings followed by watching the King’s speech while Italians may enjoy a seafood dinner on Christmas Eve followed by Panettone or Pandoro. In Spain’s international communities you will frequently find everyone participating in each other’s traditions and joining each other for a celebratory drink and sweet treat. This fusion of flavour, culture and joy reflects the welcoming spirit that attracts many to buy property in Spain.
The Italian Touch: La Befana and Epiphany
Many counties put away their decorations and Christmas spirit for another year once the New Year has made its appearance. However, in Spain and other Catholic countries the season is not finished until after Epiphany on 6th January. In Spain Three Kings Day is celebrated – El Día de los Reyes Magos, while Italians welcome La Befana – a kindly witch who delivers gifts on the eve of Epiphany and on the same evening towns throughout Spain will celebrate the arrival of the kings who parade through the towns distributing small gifts and sweets to the children. In towns where many Italians have made Spain their home you may see La Befana joining the Kings parade. This follows the tale that the three wise men stopped to rest at the witch’s home and invited her to join them to bring gifts to the baby Jesus but, she claimed to be too busy. Upon reflection she changes her mind and follows behind with her own gifts. The celebrations for the arrival of Epiphany on the evening of 5th January in Spain are often spectacular with the kings arriving by boat, horse, camel and even elephants to towns and cities across the country. The parades include floats, music, the distribution of gifts and fireworks and for Spain it is the highlight of the season as the Christmas period draws to its close until next December!!!
A Shared Celebration
Christmas in Spain embraces the spirit of the season with its inclusivity, no matter where they are from, is included. Each nationality provides their town with a taste of their own traditions, foods and songs creating cocktail of celebrations that reflect modern Spain. Whether it’s a Sinterklaas parade in Alicante, a Lucia concert in Madrid or a Carol service in Malaga and a Three Kings Parade in any Spanish town, these events provide everyone who buys a home in Spain to feel the true spirit and inclusion of Christmas in their community. From St. Nicholas to Epiphany Spain celebrates a combination of Christmas tradition with warmth, hospitality and cherished customs.
A Merry Hamiltons of London Christmas!!!
When you open a Hamiltons of London franchise in Spain be aware of the Christmas events taking place in your area and inform your clients, those who are already buying a property will be pleased to become a part of their new community and existing clients may recommend you to others who are considering the move. It is all part of the Hamiltons of London tradition for excellent customer service. The Christmas season in Spain feels both global and local and brings a deeper meaning to the true spirit of the season. As a representative of Hamiltons you can help make it extra special for your customers. If you are interested in becoming one of our franchisees, please send your enquiry to franchise@hamiltonsoflondon.net and Merry Christmas!!!
