Christmas customs in Spain

Question

I thought this was the cutest thing! I found it on a website for Spanish/English cultures!

Write a composition in English comparing and contrasting the Christmas customs in Spain (including New Year's) to one of the following: Hanukkah, Christmas in the U.S., or Kwanzaa.

(2-10 sentences)

January 6th is Three Kings Day (El Día de los Reyes) and the day for exchanging gifts. The Kings visit the homes of children on the night of January 5th. The children leave their shoes filled with straw (for the camels to eat) and in turn, the kings leave gifts for the children. This is symbolic of the kings that visited the Christ child in the manger. They then pointed at a bakery. In the window there were all of these breads, in the shapes of circles. They told me that they were called Three Kings Bread (Roscón de Reyes). They explained that inside each bread ring there is a toy. Whoever gets the slice of bread with the toy (or trinket) inside, will have good luck for a year!

My next question was that if Three King's Day was so important, what about Christmas Day itself? What is the difference between this and Christmas Eve? This is what they told me:

"**Christmas Eve (Nochebuena or "Good Night") begins the Christmas celebration in Spain. Spain is a very devout Roman Catholic country so one will see nativity scenes (Nacimientos) everywhere. Generally the family spends this time together, going to Midnight mass (La Misa Del Gallo or "The Mass of the Rooster"). At midnight (medianoche) the ringing of bells can be heard in many parts of the city. After going to church, the families return home to have a family feast. Some of the special dishes and desserts include:***

Pavo Trufado de Navidad - turkey with truffles Mariscos y Pescado - shellfish and fish Polvorones - a special kind of candy (usually bought at a candy shop) made of almonds, flour and sugar Turrón - a nougat sort of candy, made with honey and almonds Mazapanes - marzipan

thank god for this thread. - autumnspeaksspanish, Dec 1, 2013

Answer 1

I thought of another one - around the beginning of December suddenly the 'castañeros' appear in the plazas - it is a very nice cold weather treat!

Now, that one looks familiar to me! I eat chestnuts every night on my way back home from work every fall/winter! :))) - Gocika, Dec 21, 2010

Answer 2

Yes thank you for this thread! Do you know Princess till I read your story I had completely forgotten about one of my favorite treats at Christmas in Spain... turrón

Yummy! I hope I try them some day! - Gocika, Dec 21, 2010

Answer 3

Thanks for this thread!

Answer 4

I was ready this time. Instead of waiting to get to the question at the end (you tricked me last time) I simply read and enjoyed! Thanks for sharing that.

Answer 5

Christmas Day (La Navidad), is spent with family and friends and another big meal is shared! Some exchanging of gifts occurs on Christmas Day, but most happens on Three Kings Day."

Answer 6

Ok people!

Write a composition in English comparing and contrasting the Christmas customs in Spain (including New Year's) to one of the following: Hanukkah, Christmas in the U.S., or Kwanzaa.

(2-10 sentences)