Holidays in Spain

Wow - it has been a crazy month! I had a wonderful time with my parents, as well as Nick. It was so great to see friends and family during the holidays. Although I missed being at home for Christmas, I'm actually so glad I stayed here for Christmas. It was such a cultural experience! Although the priorities are the same, Spaniards definitely celebrate Christmas a bit differently. For example:

"Nochebuena"

(Good Night/Christmas Eve)

This night is actually more important than Christmas Day. It's a time for family to enjoy a huge dinner together, as well as listen to villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols). Most families have a Belen (Bethlehem) set up in their houses. These nativity scenes can be seen all over the city as well.

A student of Anna's actually invited us over for dinner with her family. It was amazing! Dinner consisted of three courses - the first included chorizo, jamon, pulpo (octopus), cheese, picos, artichokes; the second was bacalao (salted cod) with a salmorejo (spicy tomato) sauce; and the third was pineapple slices with cinnamon, as well as chocolates. We also had wine, champagne, desert liquors, and mixed drinks. It was unbelievable!

The best part was when the family started dancing Sevillanos (flamenco dances) to thevillancicos. Around midnight, tons of friends started showing up and all of a sudden tambourines and drums accompanied all of the singing, clapping, and dancing. I was in heaven! Around 2:00, everyone left to "go to the street" for more drinks. Needless to say, it was quite a night!

Sevillano-style Dancing

Remnants of Dinner

"Navidad"

(Christmas)

Not all families celebrate Christmas, at least not like we do in the US. Papa Noel/Santa is relatively new to Spain. (Most presents come from The Three Kings on January 6th.) Families usually still get together and enjoy leftovers from the night before. A few of us that were in town enjoyed a late lunch, wine, and present-opening with one another. It was a great day!

Our Christmas Lunch

"Nochevieja"

(Old Night/New Year's Eve)

Wow - the traditions here in Spain for this night are fantastic! At midnight, everyone is supposed to eat one uva (grape) for each chime of the bell - 12 grapes in 12 seconds! In addition, you are also supposed to wear red underwear for good luck. However, this underwear has to be a gift from someone and no one can see you in it. You are also supposed to drop something gold into your champagne for good luck as well. Firecrackers are also set off all over the place.

We were actually in Italy for New Year's Eve. No grapes, but the red underwear tradition is there as well! I wish we could have seen the Spaniards celebrate!

Anna and I celebrating in Milan!

Three Kings Day

This day is much bigger than Christmas for most families. On January 5th, there are parades in most cities. The "kings" throw candy out to children (and apparently legs of ham in small towns!) during the parade. Children wake up on the 6th to find presents waiting for them.

Crazy Times at the Three Kings' Parade

My favorite part of traveling has always been seeing the differences between cultures. I feel so lucky to have been here to experience the holidays, while still spending time with new friends, talking to my parents and friends in the US, and feeling very lucky for all I have. Prospero Ano Nuevo!