How is Christmas Celebrated in Spain and Latin America?

Christmas is celebrated throughout the world with different traditions and customs. In Spain and Latin America, Christmas is a very important holiday and it is celebrated in a unique way. Here, we will take a look at how Christmas is celebrated in Spain and Latin America.

Christmas in Spain

In Spain, Christmas is a time when families come together and celebrate. One of the most important things in Spain during Christmas is the nativity scene. In many towns and cities, there are large nativity scenes that are displayed in public. The nativity scene is believed to have been created by St. Francis of Assisi and it has become a tradition in Spain.

On Christmas Eve, families gather together for a feast that includes seafood, lamb, and other dishes. The children receive presents from the Three Wise Men on January 6th also known as Epiphany Day. This is a very important day in Spain and is celebrated with parades.

Christmas in Latin America

In Latin America, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of religious and cultural traditions. The celebration usually starts on December 16th, when people begin to participate in Posadas. Posadas is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. People go from house to house, singing and asking for shelter.

In Mexico, a big part of the Christmas celebration is the decoration called “nacimiento” which is essentially a nativity scene with all the characters including Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, angels and the Wise Men. There are also special foods and drinks that are made during the Christmas holiday. In Mexico, tamales are a common dish served during Christmas.

In addition, Latin America also celebrates Epiphany Day on January 6th. This day commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It is also known as “Dia de los Reyes Magos” or “Three Kings Day”. It is a tradition for children to leave their shoes under the bed in the hope of finding them filled with presents the next morning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas is celebrated in unique ways in Spain and Latin America. The nativity scene, feast on Christmas Eve, and Epiphany day are common traditions celebrated in Spain while Posadas, nacimiento decoration, and the Three Kings Day are celebrated in Latin America. Regardless of the traditions, Christmas is a time for families to come together, enjoy each other’s company, give thanks, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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