Christmas in Spain is quite different to Christmas in Australia.
In today’s podcast episode we discuss some of the differences between Christmas in our two countries. We will also cover some important Spanish Christmas vocabulary.
Christmas in Spain starts on the 22nd of December with the famous Christmas lottery (La Lotería de Navidad). Celebrations then continue until the 6th January. Christmas in Spain is mostly spent with the family. But, there are opportunities to catch up with friends during the Christmas period on nights such as New Years Eve (Nochevieja).
One of the main differences between Christmas in Australia and Christmas in Spain is the seasons. It is, of course, the middle of summer here in Australia. For Maria, seeing the people in shorts and t-shirts is a bit strange for Christmas time.
Another interesting difference is that the children in Spain have to wait until the 6th of January before they can open their presents.
But, one thing both of our countries do have in common is the eating. We eat a lot at christmas as do the Spanish. (and probably most countries that celebrate Christmas.) Look out for the christmas spanish food vocabulary and listen for Maria’s reaction to my translation of Turrón to english.
Examples from the episode:
Fat – Gordo.
The lottery prize for Christmas – El gordo de Navidad.
The Christmas lottery – La lotería de Navidad.
Time/period/season – Época.
Present/gift – Regalo.
The lottery day (22nd December) – El día de la lotería. (22 de diciembre)
Christmas Eve (24th December) – Nochebuena. (24 de diciembre)
Christmas (25th December) – Navidad. (25 de diciembre)
New Years Eve (31st December) – Nochevieja. (31 de diciembre)
New Years Day (1st January) – Año Nuevo (1 de enero)
The day of the wise kings (6th January) – El día de Los Reyes Magos (6 de enero)
Grapes – Uvas.
Nougat – Turrón.
Shortbread – Polvorón.
Shortbread – Mantecado.
You can get access to the Spanish podcast transcripts and English translations here.
What other Spanish Christmas vocabulary do you know?
Podcast: Play in new window
Didn’t realize your great Spanish tips were coming from Spain and/or Australia! Recently met some wonderful folks from New Zealand visiting here in Costa Rica. The Latin American expression I have learned for the holidays is “¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!” This is from my time in Mexico, as well as here in Costa Rica. Here much of the country shuts down for about two weeks. Banks, businesses (yes, even retail!), schools, the entire government, etc. mostly going to the beaches (over 800 miles of coastline in this tiny country). Christmas eve here is the big night. No sleep for most. Big meal and lots of reminiscing. Celebrations with family and maybe friends. Very quiet, very private.
¡Gracias Bob! Thanks for sharing!
¿Y lechón la nochebuena? That was the big deal in Puerto Rico when we were there.
Thanks for sharing Rob!! 🙂