¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

CHRISTMAS SPANISH STYLE

Whew! Yesterday, the holiday season in Valencia finally came to an end with the exchange of gifts celebrating the arrival of the Magi. Experiencing the holidays in Spain for the first time has been magical. From the numerous festive lights around the city to the lively Christmas markets, puppet shows, and live music, there’s been much holiday cheer. The Spanish traditions involving joyous gatherings with family and friends have been a delight to observe and participate in. The warmth of the people and the rich cultural heritage truly made our first holiday season in Spain a cherished experience.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE WISE ONES

In Spain, Christmas doesn’t wind down after Christmas Day. It stretches joyfully on until El Día de los Reyes (the Day of the Kings) on January 6. On the evening before the big day, the much-anticipated arrival of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar by boat at Valencia’s Mediterranean harbor is followed by a spectacular parade that winds through the city with the Kings robed in their regal attire. Of course, historically the Kings arrived on camel.  But today they arrive on horses in Madrid and by boat in Barcelona, and in one small village they arrive by hang-glider. Maybe next year we’ll check that out!

Handfuls of candy are thrown wildly to the delight of the children with some holding umbrellas upside down to catch as many sweets as possible. The procession ends at Plaza Ayuntamiento (Town Hall square) with dance, music and, of course, fireworks!

Santa isn’t such a big deal here. Rather, the spirit of generosity and joy, popularly represented in the U.S. by Santa Claus, is provided by the Three Wise Men. Every year as Christmas approaches, Spanish children write letters to the Kings to let them know if they have behaved well throughout the year. Naughty children will receive just a piece of coal (which is a sugary sweet).  

Having watched the Three Kings parade through town, children rush home to prepare for the next day. Because the kings have travelled a long distance, the children leave water, Turrón and milk (and sometimes cognac!) for the kings and their camels. Turrón, found in abundance in Spain at Christmas time, is a delicious nougat that is made  from honey, sugar, egg white and toasted almonds. The children also clean their shoes and place them out to be filled by gifts from the kings.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN

Amid the holiday season, we moved! I know, it’s hard to believe that we’ve moved again. I’ll spare you the rationale and just provide you with our new address.

Calle Serranos, 10
Puerta 3
Valencia, Valencia 46003
España

Our new place is on the border of the El Carmen and La Seu neighborhoods in the Ciutat Vella (Old City). Our street, Calle Serranos, is named after the “Torres de Serranos” (Serranos Towers), a limestone clad, Gothic structure originally built to defend the city and serve as the primary entrance. Construction on the Serrano towers began in 1392 and these towers were one of twelve gates of the ancient walls that surrounded Valencia.

Just around the corner from our new place is the beautiful Plaza de la Virgen. This completely pedestrian plaza is the historic center of the city, home to one of Valencia’s Cathedrals (built in the 13-15^th centuries). The cathedral is built on the site that was once the Roman Forum of Valencia.

In addition to numerous cafes, the plaza is home to a wonderful fountain and statue of a comfortably reclining Neptune (my bud). Neptune represents the Río Turia while the eight lovely women surrounding him symbolize the eight primary irrigation channels flowing from the river to support the rich agricultural production that has characterized the region for hundreds of years.

We LOVE our new neighborhood and invite you all to come check it out!

We wish you all very Happy New Year and a year filled with many moments of laughter and love. Cheers to a fantastic 2024!