Christmas Costa Blanca Style
Made a trip to the capital today, and it seems that Christmas is in full swing down in Alicante. The festive season in Spain is celebrated differently than most places, and takes a little getting used to.
Christmas eve, day, and the Three Wise Men
At first, Christmas in the Costa Blanca is much like it is in most other countries: it gets colder here in December, people string lights and Santa Claus can be seen in storefronts and street corners.
But the Spanish have a little twist here and there that makes things a little different, and the following pretty much outlines my experience here in Spain.
I suppose the first twist for me is a reflection of midnight mass on Christmas eve. Families tend to get together for a typical late Spanish dinner on the 24th, and for those who still practice, they make their way to midnight mass. Other families continue the festivities at home, while many of the young head out to the local pubs for a drink and some fun with their friends.
This was a bit odd for me, as I'm used to hitting the bed at around midnight on Christmas eve, because the next morning we exchange gifts. However in Spain they don't exchange gifts on the 25th, they save that for the Three Wise Men day on the 6th of January.
Christmas day is another family meal, this time lunch, which is followed by a paseo (walk) and some family time together in a casita (cabin) or simply at home.
On the evening of the 5th of January, we've traditionally gotten together with friends until way to late, and the next morning when we exchange gifts coffee is always on the menu. On this day families will also have a big Spanish lunch together.
Around Town
The buildup to the holidays can be felt around the towns and villages as well. This is a time of year that I quite enjoy in Alicante, as the stores get nicely decorated, people are out on the streets - some selling roasted chestnuts! - and overall the mood is quite jovial.
In my wifes' villiage, the town hall blasts Christmas carols pretty much all the during the season it seems (though it might just be closer to the actual holidays - we're not there long enough to know).
Anyway, things are getting Christmassy around here.
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