In Spain, Christmas Day, celebrated on the 25th of December, marks the culmination of the Christmas festivities that commence on the 8th of December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm across the country. The significance of the day is deeply rooted in religious traditions, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
On Christmas Day, Spaniards attend La Misa Del Gallo, The Mass of the Rooster, as it's believed that a rooster crowed on the night when Jesus was born. Churches hold midnight masses adorned with beautiful nativity scenes. Traditional Spanish Christmas delicacies like turron, marzipan, and polvorones are enjoyed. Family gatherings are common, with lavish meals serving roasted meats, seafood, and local wines.
Spanish homes are beautifully decorated with 'Pesebre' or 'Belenes', miniature nativity scenes, which may also sometimes include local landmarks in addition to the typical setting of Bethlehem. Christmas Day in Spain is followed by the celebration of 'Dia de los Santos Inocentes', equivalent to April Fool’s Day, on December 28th, and ends with the 'El Dia De Reyes', also known as Epiphany, on January 6th, where the gifts are traditionally exchanged.