Felíz Navidad

Spain celebrates Christmas in 4 parts :- 2. Nochebuena Christmas Eve 4. Los Reyes Three Kings Day 3. El año nuevoNew Years 1. Las Posadas – 16/12 -24/12

1. LAS POSADAS

Fiestas, which represent Joseph and Mary's arduous pilgrimage on their way to Bethlehem, and there are nine posadas, from the 16 to the 24 of December, because theysymbolize Mary's nine months of pregnancy

PASTORELAS The Pastorelas in Mexico starts as simple parables of the struggle of good against evil. The light, humor- filled pastorelas are reenactments of the shepherds' adoration of the Christ Child

2. Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) Family time at home Meal of cold seafood and cold meats Followed by baked fish and potatoes Then roast lamb or suckling pig Dessert = túrron (nougat with almonds) or polvorones ( ground almond biscuits with marzipan)

FLOR DE NOCHE BUENA (Poinsettias) Native to Mexico In Náhuatl they were called Cuitlaxochitl or star flowers In Spanish they are known as Noche Buena

Children receive only one present on Christmas Eve At midnight, people go to church for midnight mass Most towns display a belén (nativity display)

3. El año nuevo Tradition to wear red underwear !! Fireworks and fancy dress in the evening. Eat 12 grapes at midnight

4. Los Reyes (Three Kings Day) 6 de enero Children leave straw & barley in their shoes the night before to feed the camels which the Three Kings ride The Three Kings empty the shoes and leave presents

Processions in the streets and sweets are thrown Eat Rosca del Reyes (cake with plastic toys or charms inside)

Other activities in the lead-up to Christmas 8 th Dec Immaculada (beginning of the religious celebrations 21 st Dec Hogueras (bonfires) 22 nd Dec El Gordo (Lottery). The largest in the world 28 th Dec Santos Inocentes (Same as April Fools Day and people play practical jokes on each other)

Christmas blessings – las bendiciones de Navidad Christmas spirit - el espíritu Navideño Christmas wishes – deseos de la Navidad Happy holidays - Felices fiestas warm wishes from ___– Un caluroso saludo desde __ with our sincerest wishes – con nuestros sinceros deseos blessings for your home - bendición para su hogar warm wishes – deseo cordial loved ones - seres queridos Baby Jesus – al Niño Jesús The Three Kings – los Tres Reyes Magos peace on earth – la paz para todo el mundo Hanukkah – Janucá menorah – menorá to light candles – encender velas El kwanzaa – Kwanzaa La kinara - kinara New Year - El año nuevo El Gordo El turrón La Rosca de Reyes Las posadas Santos Innocentes joy/happiness – alegria peace – paz light – luz bright – brillante hope – esperanza holiday – fiesta celebration – celebración Christmas eve - Noche Buena congratulations (all the best) – Felicidades Santa Claus – Papá Noel bell/sleighbell – cascabel Christmas tree – árbol de Navidad Christmas wreath – Corona de Navidad candle – vela star – estrella angel – angel manger (scene) – pesebre snow – nieve reindeer – reno rejoice – alegrar wonder – maravilla gifts – regalos snowman – hombre de nieve