Coffee Break Spanish Season 3 – Lesson 09 – Coffee Break Spanish
Jul 5, 2011
Explore vibrant Christmas traditions in Spain as hosts Mark and Alba share their festive family celebrations. Discover unique rituals like the Cagatió, a decorated log that 'delivers' gifts when treated with care. Learn about the enchanting Three Kings who bring presents on January 6, and the contrast with Christmas gifts from Papa Noel. The episode also dives into essential Spanish vocabulary and grammar tips, making it a delightful mix of culture and language learning just in time for the holidays!
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Family-Centered Spanish Christmas Routines
- Alba describes typical Spanish Christmases spent with family, meals on Dec 24 and more gatherings on Dec 25 and Jan 6.
- She explains varied regional dishes and that some families wait until Epiphany for gifts.
Reyes Magos Bring Gifts On Jan 6
- Concha explains the Reyes Magos tradition: Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar bring gifts to children on January 6th.
- She notes many Spanish children wait impatiently but accept the delay since the kings come from the East.
Catalonia’s Cagatió: The Gift-Giving Log
- Alba (Concha) recounts the Catalan cagatió: a decorated log that children feed, cover with a blanket, and hit with sticks while singing.
- The log 'caga' gifts for children, a beloved and eccentric regional tradition.