The tradition of placing the Christmas tree on December 8 in Spain

One of the most international and well-known Christmas symbols is the Christmas tree (arbol de Navidad), which can be found everywhere in all shapes, colors and sizes in Spain. But did you know that decorating the Christmas tree and placing the traditional Nativity scene should actually happen in Spain on December 8?

In the Netherlands and Belgium, it is the tradition for many people to place and decorate the Christmas tree after Sinterklaas and Christmas Eve (although this is happening earlier nowadays). In Spain this does not happen on December 6, firstly because this is a national holiday because of the Día de la Constitución and secondly because Spain does not have a Sinterklaas party, but in many cases this traditionally happens on December 8.

That date was not chosen by chance, because this is also a holiday in Spain (as part of the Puente de la Constitución) because of Día de la Inmaculada Concepción or the Immaculate Conception of Mary. December 8 was not chosen by chance and it actually has nothing to do with the fact that it is a day off, but with the day on which Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, through the 'Ineffabilis Deus', declared the 'dogma fidei' of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The proclamation of the dogma set in motion a new wave of Marian worship among Catholics and in Spain it was decided from that day to place the Christmas tree that can remain until January 6 when the 'Reyes Magos' or the three kings / sages returned to the country. and the children receive their gifts.

Nativity scene In addition to the Christmas tree, many Spaniards also place the traditional Christmas crib (belén) on December 8, which sometimes gives more attention than the Christmas tree. Most households have a fully equipped nativity scene with a stable, animals, statues of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus surrounded by the Three Wise Men, various angels and shepherds with sheep.

In Catalonia, people often place a Caganer in a corner, a small squatting man who poops for good luck, health and well-being. In many villages and towns there are also large nativity scenes on the streets where sometimes a whole spectacle is made with real animals and actors performing shows. These can usually be found on a central square where a Christmas market can also take place at the same time.