Christmas Traditions in Spain and Catalonia: From December 8 to Three Kings Day

Christmas in Spain is a season rich with traditions, blending religious observances, family gatherings, and unique customs that vary by region. Catalonia, in particular, brings its own vibrant and quirky twist to the festivities. Let’s take a journey through Spain’s Christmas season, from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 to the grand celebration of Three Kings Day on January 6.

December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The holiday season officially begins on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day honoring the Virgin Mary. It’s a public holiday across Spain and includes masses, processions, and the start of Christmas decorations. In cities like Seville, you’ll find special celebrations with traditional dances in the cathedrals, and families everywhere begin setting up their nativity scenes, known as belenes. In Catalonia, this day also marks the start of a quirky tradition called Caga Tió.

December 8 – Caga Tió in Catalonia

In Catalonia, December 8 is when families introduce Caga Tió, or the “Pooping Log,” into their holiday routine. Families find or create a log with a painted face, hat, and blanket. Children feed Caga Tió scraps of orange peels and nuts each night, preparing it for Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, children sing a fun, traditional song while hitting Caga Tió with a stick, encouraging it to “poop” out candy and small gifts hidden under its blanket. This playful tradition brings joy and laughter to Catalan households, adding a whimsical touch to the holiday season.

December 24 – Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)

Christmas Eve is a significant night for families across Spain, traditionally spent at home with a large family meal. In most regions, this meal includes seafood, lamb, and special desserts like turrón (nougat made from almonds and honey). Midnight Mass, known as La Misa del Gallo or “Rooster’s Mass,” is attended by many, symbolizing the beginning of Christmas Day.

In Catalonia, while the feast and mass traditions are similar, the focus also remains on the Caga Tió ritual for children. Christmas Eve is less about exchanging gifts than about family and food, as the main gift-giving day arrives later in the season.

December 25 – Christmas Day (Navidad)

In Spain, Christmas Day is a relaxed holiday usually spent at home with family. It’s a day for another big meal, often featuring roast lamb, jamón (cured ham), and regional specialties. Some families exchange gifts, though many wait until Three Kings Day. In Catalonia, it’s common to have escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty Catalan stew with meat, pasta, and vegetables.

December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day (San Esteban) in Catalonia

Catalonia uniquely celebrates December 26 as St. Stephen’s Day (San Esteban), a public holiday allowing extended family to gather and enjoy another festive meal. Traditional Catalan cannelloni, stuffed with leftovers from Christmas Day, is often on the menu. This holiday is celebrated less widely in other parts of Spain but is a cherished extension of the Christmas season for Catalan families.

December 28 – Day of the Holy Innocents (Día de los Santos Inocentes)

Spain’s version of April Fool’s Day arrives on December 28 with Día de los Santos Inocentes. People play light-hearted pranks on one another, and newspapers and TV stations may report humorous fake news stories. It’s a day for laughter and surprises, breaking up the holiday season with a playful spirit.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja)

New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja, is celebrated with parties and gatherings across Spain. At midnight, Spaniards follow a unique tradition: eating 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the clock as it strikes midnight. This ritual, believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year, is practiced nationwide. Celebrations often continue into the early hours with

music, dancing, and fireworks.

January 5 – The Three Kings Parade (La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos)

In Spain, the main gift-giving celebration comes not on Christmas but on January 6, known as Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). On the evening of January 5, cities and towns across Spain host La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, a colorful parade where the Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar) ride through the

streets on elaborate floats, throwing candy to the excited children lining the streets. In Barcelona, Madrid, and other major cities, these parades are spectacular events with music, dancing, and festive lights.

Children leave out their shoes overnight to be filled with presents from the Three Kings. They may also leave treats for the Kings and water for their camels, a gesture of hospitality in exchange for their gifts.

January 6 – Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes)

January 6 marks the end of Spain’s Christmas season with Día de los Reyes, a day when families come together for one final holiday feast and children open their gifts. Traditionally, Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake decorated with candied fruits, is enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Hidden inside the cake is a small figurine of a king and a bean; whoever finds the figurine is “king” for the day, while the unlucky bean-finder pays for the roscón next year.

In Catalonia, this day is celebrated with as much excitement as Christmas Day, rounding off the festive season with warmth, tradition, and family gatherings.