Spanish Christmas "La Noche Buena,"

One of our country's most traditional desserts is marzipan , made of almonds and sugar. You will usually find it in "shapes" or as the basic ingredient for a host of different sweets. Each region has its own typical recipe and the sweetest delights appear in every corner of Spain. There is no excuse for not dipping into this world of sweet sensations. These are a few of the most typical: polvorones from Andalusia and Toledo, neulas from Alicante, mantecados and pestiños from Andalusia and Extremadura, guirlache from Aragón, casadielles from Asturias, Basque cake , intxaursalsa, goxua and panellets from Catalonia and paparajotes from Murcia. Not forgetting of course, the traditional Christmas ring, a cake eaten on 6 January, the popular feast of the Three Wise Men. This is the most exciting day of Christmas for the youngest members of the family.

Spain's gastronomic wealth comes to its pinnacle at Christmas time. It is a time for parties and celebrations, and also for big meals with, of course, typical Christmas sweets. These are exquisite, traditional recipes, many of which have centuries of history - something not to be missed at this time of year. Come and spend a few unforgettable days in our country and discover a world of unique, smooth flavours, a real treat for the taste buds.
Spanish cuisine is rich in flavours and smells and is very deep-rooted in the country's culture. At Christmas, culinary delicacies, and especially desserts, become par for the course, covering tables all over Spain with colour and sweet tastes. Discover these authentic, traditional desserts - sweet treasures made with almonds, honey, sugar, chocolate and fruit, among other things, with world-renowned quality.

There are a huge number to try. There are many different Christmas sweets available all over Spain. The star at Christmas time, however, is surely turrón . This is a sweet of Moorish origins that can be found in most homes over the festive season. Try it and you will be captivated by its flavour. There are many different types of turrón. Not to be missed are the Jijona variety, with a soft texture and the Alicante variety, which is hard. Their exquisite taste will captivate you for ever.

Spanish Christmas Eve is called "La Noche Buena," literally translated as "The Good Night." In Spain it is celebrated with a large family feast, which is eaten late in the evening and can last a couple hours. Some families attend midnight mass before or after, although many families are still finishing dinner around the table at midnight! In Spain, Christmas Eve is a time for celebrating in neighborhood bars and cafes, and around the table with family and friends. It is not a time for gift exchanges or Santa Claus. That must wait until January 6th, which is Epiphany, another religious holiday.



Make the most of the Christmas break to come to Spain and enjoy one of its most deep-rooted celebrations. You will, of course, be able to sample some of the country's most authentic and highly valued desserts. They are sugared delights with a thousand and one flavours that sweeten mealtimes all over Spain at this time of year. Fall into temptation and try some of these extraordinary sweets. There is no time like the present.