Christmas Celebration in Spain and Latin American Countries Ends
The Christmas season is widely celebrated in Spain and Latin American countries, and it comes to a close on January 6th, which is known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day. This day marks the end of the festive season and is just as important a day as Christmas Day itself. Let’s delve into how the holiday season is celebrated in Spain and Latin American countries and what happens on Epiphany.
Christmas Celebrations in Spain
Spain’s Christmas celebrations revolve around religious traditions and family gatherings. One of the most important customs in Spain is to celebrate the Misa de Gallo, also known as “Rooster’s Mass,” which is held on Christmas Eve. It’s called “Rooster’s Mass” because a rooster is supposed to have crowed when Jesus was born. After the mass, families gather together for a copious feast that usually lasts until the early hours of the morning.
Another Spanish Christmas tradition is to set up a Belén or Nativity scene. These intricate displays represent the entire town of Bethlehem, and some can be as big as a small village. Spanish children also receive gifts from “El Niño Jesus” following a midnight mass service on January 6th.
Christmas Celebrations in Latin America
Christmas celebrations in Latin America vary from country to country, but many of the same traditions have been adopted across the region. Christmas Day is typically reserved for families, with a feast held to celebrate the occasion.
In some Latin American countries, people take part in La Novena, which involves nine days of prayer that culminates on Christmas Eve. Villagers come together to pray the rosary, sing carols, and share food.
In Mexico, it’s tradition to celebrate Las Posadas, a commemoration of Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay before Jesus was born. People head out in processions to look for an open door and are welcomed in, where they can partake in food and drink.
Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day
Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day is celebrated on January 6th in Spain and Latin American countries. It’s a religious holiday that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. Typical celebrations involve processions, gift-giving and feasting.
In Spain, children often wake up on the morning of January 6th to find that the Three Wise Men have left gifts for them overnight. In some Latin American countries, children leave their shoes outside their doors the night before, and the next day, they find their shoes filled with presents.
In conclusion, the Christmas season in Spain and Latin America is an enchanting time of year, where family traditions and religious customs blend together to create a unique experience. Although the festive season may officially end on Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, memories made during this special time of year last a lifetime.