Thanks to the publisher of La Prima Pagina.it, journalist Antonio Nesci, a special Christmas programming was created, focused on culinary traditions, folk songs, the culture of the nativity scene and Christmas tree—bridging classical myths with modern transformations—proverbs and sayings, the magic and sounds of zampogne and pipite, the colors of Christmas, and the symbolic role of the Christmas star as an emblem of peace and health for families who keep it at home. It also covers gift-bearers such as Saint Nicholas, the Three Wise Men, Saint Lucy, and much more. These insights are regularly recorded on Fridays and broadcast on a worldwide platform.
The director and publisher of La Prima Pagina.it, along with journalist Attilio Carbone connecting from New York—whose program Melodie Italiane airs in the United States—launched the idea of thematic explorations of Christmas traditions across the Mediterranean region.
In Spain, the focus is particularly on family and gastronomy. A highlight is the Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake with candied fruit, traditionally eaten on January 6. It hides a small treasure and a bean—whoever finds the bean pays for the cake. Other festive foods include turkey, lamb, seafood, jamón (cured ham), cardo de Navidad (cardoon with almonds and ham), often accompanied by cava (sparkling wine), with celebratory expressions such as “¡Salud!” or “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro!”
The festivities begin with Nochebuena (Christmas Eve, December 24): families enjoy a large dinner followed by Misa del Gallo, the Midnight Mass, a deeply rooted Catholic tradition. In the days that follow, families continue to gather around typical sweets such as turrón (nougat), polvorones (crumbly cookies), and mazapán (marzipan).
January 6 (Epiphany) is the day when children receive most of their gifts. Traditionally, food and water are left out for the Three Wise Men and their camels. On January 5, the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos takes place: a grand parade in every city where the Wise Men distribute sweets to children.
Finally, at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2025, Spaniards celebrate New Year’s Eve by eating twelve grapes—one for each chime of the clock—a ritual believed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness for the twelve months ahead.