Even though most tourists come to Spain in summer, wintertime is also a beautiful period to visit this country. Spain at Christmas time turns into a magical wonderland full of shimmering lights and nativity scenes (Belenes). This holiday is very cozy and family-oriented. The traditional Spanish Christmas dinner is called 'Pavo Trufado de Navidad,' including turkey stuffed with truffles.
A new holiday tradition has also been brought from the popular culture of other countries—Santa Claus, known in Spain as Papá Noel, brings gifts for children to open on Christmas Eve, which means that on Christmas Day parks and plazas are full of children playing with their friends and showing them their gifts. The atmosphere is really warm and pleasant.
There is another special date during the celebration: the 28th of December. This day is called the “Día de Los Santos Inocentes”, a day that originally commemorated the young victims of a massacre ordered by the biblical-age governor of Judea Herodes.
Generally, Christmas spirit resides in Spain starting from early December until early January. The festivities are extended from the Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) to the Epiphany (January 6th).
