Special Occasions – iGCSE Spanish Edexcel Revision

Special Occasions in Spanish-Speaking Countries

Las fiestas patronales or patron saint festivals: These are city-specific holidays in honour of the city’s patron saint. They often involve processions, parades and traditional music and dancing.
La Navidad or Christmas: Christmas is widely celebrated in Spain, with many families going to midnight mass or ‘La Misa Del Gallo’ on Christmas Eve. Presents are typically opened on the Day of the Three Kings, ‘Día de Reyes’, rather than Christmas Day.
El Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead: This Mexican holiday is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, honouring deceased loved ones through a variety of festivities and celebrations, such as decorated altars and graveyard visits.
La Semana Santa or Holy Week: This religious holiday leading up to Easter involves processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. It is especially significant in Seville and other parts of Andalusia.
El Carnaval or Carnival: Celebrated just before the Lenten season, this event is full of colourful parades, costumes and music. Notable Carnivals are held in Tenerife and Cadiz.

Vocabulary Relating to Special Occasions

Phrases Useful in Speaking and Writing about Special Occasions