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.
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.
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!!!
