Christmas in Valencia

I was in Valencia for the majority of December and learnt about some of its Christmas traditions. Valencia is really pretty over Christmas, especially in Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de Ayuntamiento, which hosts the annual nativity scene, a huge Christmas tree and light decorations! There is also an ice rink set up in this square, but it doesn't open until around the 21st. 

El Gordo- literally meaning 'the fat one,' is a Spanish Christmas lottery which everyone wants to win! It is one of the most famous in the world, and almost everyone in Spain participates!

Turrón is traditional at Christmas and has been a popular sweet for centuries. There are two traditional types of turrón; one is soft and very smooth like fudge, and the other is hard like thick almond nougat. Families come together for their main dinner on Christmas Eve. These days a lot of people in Spain do receive gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but traditionally the main presents are given on Kings Day, the 6th January. This day is as important as Christmas, especially for children. The evening before, the Kings lead a procession down the streets of the City Centre, where families gather to watch. The next day the children find their presents from the Kings (If they've been good...)

New Year in Spain sounds pretty crazy with numerous events. Crowds of people gather in the Plaza de Auyntamiento for the fireworks at midnight. Spain has a tradition where everyone eats 12 grapes, one on every chime of the clock! There are no religious connotations with this, but similar to La Tomatina festival in August with tomatoes, there was a large production of grapes one harvest!