The different meanings of the verb “tocar” (touch) in Spanish
Uncover how the verb “tocar” (touch) transcends its literal sense to encompass multiple meanings in Spanish, explored in our detailed discussion
As Christmas approaches, the festive lights adorning the streets signal that the holiday season is just around the corner. Spain is known for its rich Christmas traditions, many of which make this time of year uniquely special. From the traditional lottery draw to the grand celebration of the Three Kings, Spanish Christmas is a vibrant tapestry of events. Let’s explore the most important dates and customs that make Christmas in Spain unforgettable.
Christmas in Spain kicks off with the traditional Lotería de Navidad draw on December 22. Known as “El Gordo” (The Fat One), this lottery is a nationwide event that sees people buying at least one ticket, with many participating in local, work, and family lotteries as well. This lottery is a major highlight of the season, often accompanied by significant advertising and anticipation.
On Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, Spaniards come together for a special family dinner. This is one of the most important celebrations of the year and is known for its sumptuous feasts. The meal typically includes a wide range of dishes from seafood to turrón, a type of nougat. It’s common to indulge in such an elaborate spread that you end up feeling quite full, often gaining an extra kilo or two.
Christmas Day is another significant occasion when Spanish families gather for a festive lunch. Although it’s not the norm, some families also receive a visit from Santa Claus, who delivers gifts. In the eastern part of Spain, families continue the celebration with another meal on December 26, known as San Esteban (St. Stephen’s Day).
While many around the world celebrate April Fool’s Day on April 1, Spain observes Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) on December 28. This day is dedicated to playing pranks and jokes, making it a time to be cautious about the news and information you receive.
New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja, is one of the most festive days of the year in Spain. The celebrations typically start with drinks before a grand dinner. For the more active, it’s common to participate in the traditional San Silvestre races held in various cities. As the clock strikes midnight, Spaniards eat twelve grapes, one with each chime, for good luck. This ritual is crucial, especially this year, to ensure we don’t repeat another challenging year like 2020.
January 1 is the quietest day of the Spanish holiday season. It is a day of rest following the festivities, with minimal activity on the streets and many businesses closed. It’s known as the national siesta day, a perfect time to recuperate from the celebrations.
As previously mentioned, Santa Claus is not the primary gift-giver in Spain. Instead, Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) bring gifts to children on the night of January 5. The Kings parade through the streets, and their arrival is eagerly anticipated. On January 6, families enjoy the roscón de Reyes, a traditional sweet bread decorated with fruits, marking the end of the Christmas season.
Christmas in Spain is a time of joy, tradition, and family gatherings. From the festive lottery draw to the grand arrival of the Reyes Magos, these dates and customs offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Spanish holiday celebrations. If you’re looking to celebrate with a Spanish touch, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore our holiday offers. Happy holidays, and ¡Feliz Navidad!
Uncover how the verb “tocar” (touch) transcends its literal sense to encompass multiple meanings in Spanish, explored in our detailed discussion
Si has estado alguna vez en un país de habla hispana, sabrás perfectamente cuál es nuestro deporte favorito. Efectivamente, es el fútbol. Aunque también nos gusta practicarlo, la principal atracción hacia el balón se da en el estadio o en la televisión. Evidentemente, en nuestros países hay muchas personas a las que no les gusta este deporte, sin embargo, también ellas usan muchas expresiones relacionadas con el fútbol en su día a día. Hoy, en nuestro blog, te traemos cinco expresiones de fútbol que usamos todos los días en cualquier conversación. Meterle un gol a alguien: El momento más importante del fútbol es marcar un gol. Un momento alegre para unos y triste para otros. De este modo, meterle un gol a alguien es obtener ventaja de la otra persona.
Seguro que estos días estás preparando tus maletas para irte a la playa. Uno de los grandes atractivos de viajar (al menos para el equipo de Jaleo Madrid) es poder probar la comida de los diferentes lugares que visitamos. Comer es una actividad muy importante para los hispanos y solemos hablar mucho sobre el tema. De hecho, hoy vamos a explicarte algunas expresiones relacionadas con la comida que son muy habituales en las conversaciones con hispanohablantes. Darle la vuelta a la tortilla: La tortilla de patatas es uno de los platos más queridos por los españoles. De hecho, uno de los principales debates nacionales es si lleva cebolla o no. En este caso, la expresión se usa para cuando una situación da un giro de 180º. Por ejemplo: “Antes no