BELENES: WHAT MAKES CHRISTMAS TRULY NAVIDAD! »
In the Spain of the post-Franco era, secularism has been steadily gaining ground. One might say, at an alarming rate. Then why, despite the steady waning of Catholicism, are the belenes (Nativity scenes) still profoundly popular in Spain? Read on and find out!
ASSUMPTION DAY: WHY SOME ARE RED LETTER DAYS IN THE SPANISH CALENDAR BUT SOME ARE NOT »
The 15th of August is a public holiday in Spain, being the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Constitution says there is no State religion but the Spanish nation is founded on Catholicism. No Constituion could shake that off so easily.
DAY OF THE ALMUDENA, A ROMP AT THE SOLEMN FEAST »
Cheeky chulapos and chulapas in their elaborate costumes attend the solemn Feast of the Virgin of the Almudena, Madrid’s patron saint
SPAIN TODAY: Palma Proclaimed Best Place; the Virgin Wins Hands Down; Sparkling Spanish Tourism »
Choice news!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. JOIN THE FIESTA OF THE VIRGEN DE LA PALOMA! »
Summer in Madrid won’t be summer without the fiesta of the Virgin of La Paloma. The feast falls on the 15th of August but as is typically Spanish the celebration lasts days. Thank god for this inexhaustible capacity to have fun without even trying! The focal point of the festivities is the historic barrio of La Latina, presumably Madrid’s most castizo (genuinely Madrileño) district.
NO CHARCOAL, PLEASE, OH THREE WISE MEN »
From the Nativity in Bethlehem to the Kings’ Cavalcade in Spain, this is a story whose magic has not dimmed after 2000 years.
