Christmas Prep!

I was wondering if Santiago would do it big for Christmas, and as time went by after Thanksgiving I was getting a little worried if they did anything at all. But slowly and surely Christmas decorations are being put up, and I am hearing of festivities! Spain doesn't start the cheer as early as we do at the end of November, but now the preparation is in full swing. There is an ice skating rink in one of the plazas here, and a huge Christmas tree right next to the cathedral!

Through my private lessons and students, I have been hearing the traditions that Spain does for the holidays. It seems Spain is split between the modern Christmas celebration and old traditions. Most houses now usually have a Christmas tree and a belen (a nativity set). Papa Noel comes on Christmas Eve to put presents under the tree, but most Spaniards still celebrate the Three Kings Day, which is on January 6th. On Three Kings Day, there are parades throughout Santiago and all the children come to the cathedral. January 5, the Three Kings Eve, is when the Kings come and give gifts to the children. This tradition is much more popular in Spain than Papa Noel, which is why Christmas Day is not as much of a big day to Spaniards as Americans.

Man putting together the nativity scene in a restaurant

Another tradition I found out about is Spain's toothfairy! Except there is not a fairy. The tradition in Spain is Ratoncito Perez, a little mouse who gives you a small gift under your pillow in exchange for your tooth.

This weekend my roommate and I are having a tacky Christmas party at our apartment to bring the tacky Christmas sweater party to Spain! My friends and I are also having a fancy Christmas dinner at the oldest restaurant in Galicia, owned by the parents of one of my friend Michelle's private lessons.  I have been invited to the teacher Christmas dinner at my school and am planning on making some buckeyes for my students and teaching them some carols!

So although I am missing you all so much right now, they are taking good care of me in Spain. I secretly wish I could be helping my Mom with the lights and ornaments on our tree after my Dad finished setting it up while listening to our favorite Christmas record, Avon Christmas! Rach and I used to run around a pile of pillows every time "Round and Round the Christmas Tree" came on. I know I will just have to celebrate extra next year! Miss you and love you all!

Mercado de Abastos

Ever since I arrived in Santiago de Compostela, I have heard about the great market in the zona vieja that I needed to go to. I have been wanting to go to this market ever since I arrived. However, school morning and sleeping in on weekends have kept me from it until last weekend. I finally got to experience the Santiago mercado and I'm so glad I did! It reminded me so much of the days of flea market selling poinsettias and hanging baskets with my Dad when he owned his greenhouse.

There were all types of people and characters at the market, unfortunately none were selling poinsettias! Many of the vendors were farm women, who come into the city to sell their products. I got to see the vendors descaling fish and cutting up octopus, and watch the older women using their persuasive magic on the people.

From all the types of fish you could imagine, to pig heads and cow's feet, to spices and cupcakes, the mercado had a lot to offer. Now I just need to learn how to prepare and cook a fresh fish with the scales still on! The most surprising thing I noticed was that the crabs and shrimp were still alive and hopping around in their baskets. We bought some chestnuts to roast them, because there is a festival here dedicated just to that.

The market has its own outside restaurant and bar area, and we were rewarded with some of Galicia's traditional wine, Albarino, and a Galician delicacy, muscles. 

I still have a lot more to explore in Santiago so I am glad I still have 6 more months to do so! The city keeps surprising me and I am so glad I was placed in such a historic and beautiful place! I miss you all at home very much. Thank you for all the love and messages you send!