Christmas Markets in Spain

Posted by Barbara Rogers Nov 4, 2006

Even before December 1 the stalls have begun to appear in Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s “living room,” signaling the annual extravaganza of Christmas decorations and gifts. Lights twinkle overhead and throughout the streets, and beautiful Belenes, nativity scenes, appear in churches and museums. Among the most spectacular are the 18th Neopolitan figures in the Royal Palace and the baroque nativity at the church of San Genes. But Madrid isn’t the only place where travelers can take part in the pre-Christmas events. Here are some of Spain’s best holiday experiences.

• Seville – At the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8, los Seises is an elaborate dance performed by costumed boys, in front of the cathedral.
• Barcelona – Beginning on December 13, the Santa Lucia Market fills the plaza in front of the Cathedral with more nativity sets and figures, along with piñatas shaped like Yule Logs with faces.
• Granada – Hogueras (bonfires) light the night sky on the longest night of the year, December 21, in a celebration that predates Christmas.
• Mallorca (Balearic Islands) and Tenerife (Canary Islands) – The three kings arrive by boat on January 5, the night before Epiphany, and form a procession from the harbor through the streets, throwing candy to children. Elsewhere in Spain, the Wise Men arrive more conventionally, by land.