Overview
In Spanish, Christmas Eve is called La Noche Buena, literally translated as “The Good Night.” It is celebrated with a large family meal, eaten late in the evening and lasting at least a couple hours. Traditionally families attend midnight mass before or after, although many families are still finishing dinner around the table at midnight, and those that have have tended to slip out for a few copas ! A traditional Christmas treat is turron, a almond candy. In Spain, Christmas Eve is a time for celebrating in neighborhood bars and cafes, and around the table with family and friends. Generally bars and restaurants close so the owners can eat at home with their families and then open up again so they can drink with their friends.
Christmas Eve is the most important part of Christmas in Spain and dinner that day is the biggest meal of the year, but there is nothing as boring as turkey! The only rule is that you eat well, so lobster, fish, steak are all to be found on a typical menu, for example:
Tapas or Appetizers
- Jamón, Queso y Chorizo – Ham, Cheese and Spanish Chorizo Sausage
- Langostinos con Salsa Rosa – Large Prawns with Pink Sauce
Primer Plato or First Course
- Sopa de Pescado y Marisco – Fish and Shellfish Soup
- Esparragos Blancos – White Asparagus
- Ensalada de Endibia con Vinagreta – Endive Salad in Tomato Vinaigrette
Plato Principal – Main Course
- Cordero Asado – Roast Lamb
- Patatas Fritas – Home-Fried Potatoes
- Ensalada Mixta – Mixed Green Salad
Postre – Dessert
- Turrón, Spanish almond candy.
- Polvorones or almond cookies.
- Mantecados or Spanish crumble cakes.
