Traditions that make us smile every Christmas
THE MOST CHARACTER OF EUSKADI: THE OLENTZERO IS HERE!
In Basque lands, Santa Claus has it a little more difficult , because they have a good-natured rascal who has won the sympathy of adults and children. On the 23rd he prepares to go down from the mountains where he lives to the city. Bilbao is one of the places where this festival is most experienced. He arrives accompanied by his inseparable Mari Domingo and other companions from the forest and he travels the city with music, gifts and surprises . On December 24 he has an appointment with the little ones at the Arriaga Theater and at night he visits the homes of the town and the rest of the community to make children's dreams come true.
Those who want to know more about this tradition can visit the Izenaduba Basoa farmhouse, in Mungia (Vizcaya), one of the oldest farmhouses in all of Euskadi . It dates from the 16th century and here we will be able to learn more about all the mythology and legends surrounding the Basque Country: the olentzero, the galtzagorris, the lamias, Basajaun, Tarta… There are interactive games, 3D simulators, exhibitions, themed attractions in the air free etc Ideal to visit with children on these holidays.
CATALONIA: THE CHRISTMAS UNCLE WHO LOSES SWEETS AND NUTS
About 15 days before Christmas officially arrives in Catalan homes a curious guest is received, Tió Nadal, also known as cagatió, a character from the Catalan imaginary with a smiling face, a wooden trunk body and four legs . The boys of the house must take care of feeding him during this time, they leave him his food that mysteriously disappears when they are not there, Uncle Nadal has eaten it! The more generous they are with what they give, it seems that the better this curious friend will behave.
On the night of the 24th or the morning of the 25th, depending on the family's preference, they gather around Tió Nadal to sing popular songs such as shit man, shit torró, and if you don't shit, I'll donate a cop de bastó . This is just one of the songs about him, the fact is that when he finishes he hits the trunk and it will take care of leaving sweets, nougats, wafers and some other larger gift. Normally the children are the ones who come out better...
Catalan homes receive a curious guest, Tió Nadal
SONG OF THE SIBYL IN MALLORCA
It is Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since November 2010 and in the Balearic Islands it is the starting signal for the festivities. Every December 24th, Midnight Mass is celebrated in the churches of the archipelago to celebrate the birth of Christ and the ceremony is accompanied by a musical piece of medieval origin that prophesies the end of the world. To interpret the theme selects a young person who is dressed in a beautiful tunic, with a large sword in his hands.
Where to enjoy the Song of the Sibyl? Turismo de Mallorca highlights the act that takes place in the Sanctuary of Lluc and in the cathedral of Mallorca. The event begins at 11:00 p.m. and many people usually attend. Presumably if we want to attend it is best to have dinner very early to be before the door of the cathedral.
THE PASTORELA OF BRAOJOS DE LA SIERRA
We're going to this town Sierra North of Madrid to participate in a tradition that can be celebrated on December 24 and 25 as in New Year and kings. The pastorela is a traditional pastoral dance that takes place in the church: a group of musicians play homemade instruments – Zambombas, tambourines, drums, mortar and a bottle – while shepherds enter the temple carrying a cane, wearing leather suits, swimming pools and a backpack. They are led by another shepherd, the so-called zagarrón, who is a man who takes care of leaving a lamb at the feet of the Child Jesus, along with whom they dance and play at mass.
LIVING NATIVITY OF BEAS
We could take a tour of the many living nativity scenes in Spain. However, how not to highlight that of Beas, considered the oldest in Andalusia and the second in the country . This Huelva municipality began to represent the birth of Jesus 47 years ago and over time it has been growing more and more, so much so that now people come from all over Spain to meet him . We can visit it from December 26 to January 2.
The Living Nativity of Beas
MUDA SOUL FOR THE SAINTS INNOCENT IN ALBACETE
In the town of El Ballestero, On the morning of December 28, a person gets up earlier than usual... Dressed in immaculate white, with her face hidden, she goes through the streets of the town ringing a bell and asking for alms. Everything that she collects will be delivered to the altar of the Virgin, as an offering for the souls in purgatory. Is about a 17th century attrition which is still especially valid in El Ballestero. The act ends when the silent soul hands over the baton to the person who will play that role the following year.
PARADE OF KINGS THROUGH NAZARÍ LANDS
Let's start by saying that it is difficult to choose which cavalcade to go to because in Spain there are magnificent retinues that accompany Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar. We stay with Granda because she is the 'oldest', the oldest, and for having a truly spectacular setting, the streets of Granada . We will see Arabs, Syrians, Egyptians, elves, children's characters well known to children and, of course, their Majesties the Kings of the East. One of the strangest things is that these arrive in the city sliding with their skis through Sierra Nevada . What we don't know is what they will do with the camels and the gifts, but well, let's leave that in the hands of tonight's magic, right?
SAY GOODBYE TO THE YEAR WITH THE 12 GRAPES AT PUERTA DEL SOL… IN BROAD DAYLIGHT!
We doubted whether to include this tradition, because it was obvious. Saying goodbye to 2016 by drinking twelve grapes when the chimes sound and deciding to start 2017 from Madrid's Puerta del Sol is very obvious, yes, we agree with you. But what we want to highlight is the twist that has been given to this kind of ritual for a few years now... Who hasn't heard of pre-grapes?! More and more people are attracted by these kind of drills that take place on December 30, at 12 at night, in that same place. What started out as a joke now It is a moment awaited by many people , both the people of Madrid and the lucky ones who spend those days in the capital. Nothing should be missing, right? Well bundled up, party favors, drink to toast and of course the grapes. There are also those who date the same 31 at noon, but without a doubt the big party is the previous midnight.
"It's over... one more..."