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• In Spain, Christianity is an important part of the Christmas holiday for many residents, and nativity scenes are one of the more popular decorations during the season. If you'd like to learn more about how the Christmas holiday is celebrated in the country of Spain, check out the links on this page.

• Fast Facts

  1. Christmas Day is December 25
  2. In 2009 Christmas is on a Friday
  3. "Feliz Navidad" is how you say "Merry Christmas" in Spain
  4. One of Spain's special traditions during the Christmas holiday are the Hogueras (bonfires)Don Quijote: The Fiestas of Spain
  5. The hogueros were once part of the winter solstice celebrations during pagan timesDon Quijote: The Fiestas of Spain
  6. December 22: Christmas lottery winners are announcedEscuela Internacional: Christmas in Spain
  7. December 28: The Day of the Innocents
  8. Instead of Santa Claus bringing children gifts on Christmas Eve, the gifts are brought by the Three Wise Men
  9. Christmas figures made from marzipan are a popular holiday treatBBC: Christmas in Spain

• The Christmas Lottery

  The Christmas lottery in Spain originated in the mid-eighteenth century and was initiated by Carlos III. The sum of the lottery was so large that whoever won it would become instantly rich, making it one of the most desirable lottery pots of the year. For many of Spain's residents, the announcement of the lottery winners on December 22nd is the official kickoff of Christmas holiday celebrations.Escuela Internacional: Christmas in Spain

• Holy Innocents' Day

  On December 28, Spain celebrates what is often referred to as the equivalent to America's April Fools' Day. Commemorating the bloody murder of thousands of children committed by Herod of Judea, it is actually a holiday filled with fun and laughter. The government and citizens alike are known for their outlandish practical jokes at this time.Escuela Internacional: Christmas in Spain BBC: Christmas in Spain

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Christmas | Christmas Around the World | Christmas in England | Christmas in France | Christmas in India | Christmas in Ireland | Christmas in Sweden | Christmas in Germany | Christmas in Iraq | Christmas in Italy | Christmas in Mexico | Christmas in China | Christmas in Japan | Christmas in Russia | Christmas in the Philippines | Christmas in Australia | Spanish Christmas Music | Christmas in Brazil | Christmas in Switzerland

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