Overall, the Christmas traditions in Spain, except for some characteristics listed below, are similar to the rest of Europe as for Christmas dinner, family reunions and gifts.

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Christmas officially begins on December 24th but unofficially Spaniards open the Christmas period on December 22nd with the draw of the Christmas lottery.

Why is the Christmas lottery so important and famous?

We will give you some data: average Spaniard spends on this particular lottery 50 euros every year. The draw achieved up to 50% of audience share (only football finals reach this figure). Also, about 2500 million euros Leer más »

October 12 commemorates the discovery of America in 1492, so each Spanish-speaking country celebrates it in some way or another. The discovery of America resulted in the so-called “meeting of two worlds” that transformed the life and the world-view of Europeans and Americans and was followed by European colonization of America.

Although it is a public holiday in Latin America, the relevance of this day is Leer más »

Every June 10th, the Portuguese celebrate their national holiday. It is known as the Day of Portugal, but it is officially called the Day of Camões, of Portugal and Portuguese Communities (Dia de Camões, de Portugal e das Comunidades Portuguesas).

Day of Camões

The day marks the death of Luís de Camões on June 10th of 1580. Camões is considered Portugal’s and the Portuguese language’s greatest poet. He is best known for his work “Os Lusíadas”, the national epic poem of Portugal that celebrates the nation’s successes and rich history, dedicated to King Sebastian who died in the Battle of Alcazarquivir in Morocco.

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After a fabulous Easter, Spain prepares for another very traditional festival. La Fiesta de las Cruces (“Festival of the Crosses”) or Cruz de Mayo (“May Cross”) is a holiday celebrated the 3^rd of May in many parts of Spain and Latin America, such as: Chile, Venezuela, Mexico or Peru. This day many cities in Spain and especially south regions of the country become a rainbow of colors during the first days of May.

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