The Essential A to Z of Spanish Christmas Vocabulary

If you’re planning to celebrate Christmas in Spain, it’s a great idea to learn some festive Spanish vocabulary. This not only helps you fit in, but also makes your holiday experience much richer. Here’s the essential A to Z guide on Spanish Christmas vocabulary that will have you chatting like a local.

A: Árbol de Navidad and Ángel de Navidad

Let’s start with the basics. “Árbol de Navidad” means Christmas tree, while “ángel de Navidad” translates to Christmas angel. Both of these symbols are essential in any Spanish household during the festive season.

B: Belén and Brindar

Next up is the letter B. “Belén” refers to a nativity scene, which is a common decoration in homes and public places across Spain. Get ready to hear “brindar,” which means “to toast.” Expect to raise your glass for “un brindis” (a toast) at many holiday gatherings!

C: Cabalgatas and Campanadas

Moving to C, we have “cabalgatas,” which are parades for the Three Wise Men on January 5th, and “campanadas,” which refers to the chimes of bells at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s a tradition to enjoy a “cotillón,” a fun bag of party items like hats and confetti, as well as to sip Cava, a sparkling wine similar to Champagne. Don’t forget about the “cesta navideña,” or Christmas hamper, that many workers receive as a bonus.

D: Décimo

The letter D stands for “décimo,” which is a €20 lottery ticket for Spain’s Christmas Lottery. This is a popular way for Spaniards to try their luck, as the top prize can reach €400,000!

E: Estrella de Navidad

For E, we have “estrella de Navidad,” the Christmas star that often tops the Christmas tree. An added fun fact is about the quirky “Els Enfarinats” festival in Ibi, Alicante, held on December 28, where people throw flour at each other in a mock coup d’état.

F: Felices Fiestas and Fuegos Artificiales

One of the common phrases you’ll hear during this season is “felices fiestas,” which means “happy holidays.” Be prepared for loud “fuegos artificiales” (fireworks) from neighbors, which can be quite a surprise! You might accidentally knock over your “flor de Pascua,” or poinsettia, a lovely plant used in seasonal decorations.

L: Loterías de Navidad and Langostinos

L is for “loterías de Navidad,” which, as mentioned earlier, are vital to the Christmas spirit in Spain. There are also “langostinos” (king prawns), which are a favorite on festive dinner tables.

M: Mariscos and Misa del Gallo

When it comes to M, “mariscos” (seafood) like langostinos take center stage. Additionally, the “misa del gallo,” which means “the cockerel’s mass,” is the midnight Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve. And don’t forget about “muérdago,” or mistletoe—a great excuse to share a kiss during the holiday!

N: Navidad, Nochebuena, and Nochevieja

In Spanish, “Navidad” is a must-know word as it means Christmas. The plural, “Navidades,” refers to the whole Christmas season. Two important dates are “Nochebuena” (Christmas Eve) and “Nochevieja” (New Year’s Eve).

Ñ: Ñora

There are not many Christmas words starting with “ñ,” but “ñora,” a special dried pepper, is a good one to know. It’s often used to make “pimentón” (paprika), which is a staple in Spanish cooking.

O: Olentzero and Obsequio

While “Olentzero” is a Basque version of Santa Claus, “obsequio” means gift or present. It’s a more formal way to refer to gifts during the festive season.

U: Uvas

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spaniards eat twelve “uvas” (grapes). Each grape is meant to correspond with each chime of the clock, and it’s a fun—and sometimes tricky—tradition.

V: Villancicos

Talking about music, “villancicos” are traditional Christmas songs typically sung during this joyous season. They are often cheerful and tell whimsical stories.

Z: Zambomba

Lastly, we have “zambomba,” a traditional friction instrument played during Christmas celebrations in Spain. It adds a wonderful sound to the season’s festivities.

With this A to Z guide, you’re now ready to immerse yourself in Spanish Christmas celebrations. Learning these words will not only enhance your experience but also connect you with the rich culture of Spain.

Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

SpanishChristmas #Navidad #ChristmasVocabulary #LearnSpanish #FestiveSeason #SpanishTraditions #ExploreSpain #HolidayFun #ChristmasSpirit #CulturalExchange

Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20201215/the-essential-a-to-z-of-spanish-christmas-vocabulary