The holiday season shines as friends share childhood Christmas memories from Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Unique customs unfold, including the festive dual gift-giving in Spain and vibrant celebrations in Venice. Listeners journey through global traditions, from wassailing in England to festive gatherings in Antarctica. Japan's evolving holiday spirit contrasts with Italy's deep-rooted customs, showcasing Babbo Natale and La Befana. The warmth of family gatherings and nostalgic reflections on togetherness truly capture the essence of the season.
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Quick takeaways
Spain celebrates Christmas with dual gift-giving traditions from both Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men, enhancing the festive cheer for children.
In New Mexico, traditional Christmas customs blend Spanish influences and local practices, creating vibrant celebrations with luminarias and communal bonfires.
Wassailing in England showcases community gatherings that bless orchards and celebrate winter harvests, reflecting deep-rooted cultural traditions and seasonal connections.
Deep dives
Dual Christmas Celebrations in Spain
In Spain, the tradition of gift-giving revolves around both Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men, creating a unique dual celebration for children. The Three Wise Men bring gifts on January 6th, aligning with the Epiphany, and children eagerly anticipate their arrival after the twelve days of Christmas. Spanish kids enjoy the excitement of receiving presents from both Santa on Christmas and the Wise Men later, leading to a festive season that encompasses multiple celebrations. The Cabalgata, a spectacular parade on January 5th featuring the Wise Men in Madrid, draws thousands of spectators, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for this vibrant tradition.
Unique Traditions in New Mexico
In northern New Mexico, Christmas traditions meld Spanish colonial influences with local customs, creating a vibrant and unique celebration. The use of luminarias—small paper bags filled with sand and candles—drapes streets in a beautiful golden glow, while bonfires on Christmas Eve invite community participation. This mix of cultural backgrounds is reflected in the celebrations at the Pueblos, where traditional dances occur and a lively atmosphere prevails throughout the holiday season. Culinary traditions also stand out, as tamales are made in large batches, fostering festivity and togetherness, with the iconic phrase 'Christmas' describing the combination of red and green chili peppers brought to local dishes.
Festivities in Venice's Unique Context
In Venice, Christmas celebrations include a whimsical Christmas regatta where participants, dressed as Santa Claus, row boats through the Grand Canal. This lighthearted event emphasizes the Venetian spirit, as families often attend midnight Mass, fostering a deep community connection to the holiday. The city features small presepios, or manger scenes, representing a cultural emphasis on religious traditions rather than the commercial aspects often seen in other areas. The traditions surrounding Christmas in Venice are deeply rooted in local customs, making them distinct and cherished among residents.
Reviving Wassailing Traditions in England
In England, the age-old custom of wassailing sees communities gather to bless fruit orchards, making noise to drive away evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest. This practice, historically tied to cider-making regions, emphasizes communal spirit and celebration during the winter months. On Stir Up Sunday, families also prepare Christmas puddings, often including a sixpence for good luck, highlighting the melding of food and tradition. These customs reflect a connection to the land and the significance of seasonal cycles, with modern revivals sustaining their presence in contemporary festivities.
Christmas in Australia: A Summery Celebration
In Australia, Christmas is often celebrated with outdoor barbecues, featuring fresh seafood instead of traditional roasts, reflecting the warm summer season. This shift in culinary norms emphasizes a relaxed and casual gathering among family and friends, diverging from colder climates where holiday meals might feature heavier dishes. Aspects of Santa Claus are adapted to the climate, with a playful nod to him wearing shorts, creating a unique cultural blend. Furthermore, Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere serves as a reminder of the diverse ways people embrace holiday traditions around the globe.
Rick gathers some old friends to hear about their childhood Christmases in Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Then he brings in more friends to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan…and Antarctica. Plus, a Brit from Bath explains how the English tradition of wassailing developed as a way to guarantee a good apple harvest — or at least an occasion to enjoy a warm drink with neighbors.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
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