Lanzarote Relocation

Christmas in Lanzarote is one of the busiest times of the year, due to many seeking to escape the cold winter, and head out to sunny climes. But how is Christmas in Lanzarote different? Weather at Christmas in Lanzarote. First of all… yes… the distinct lack of snow. Ok, so I don’t remember a white Christmas from my old home in the UK since I was a kiddie… but here in Lanzarote you won’t see so much as a frost. How great to get up on Christmas morning, and take a stroll along the seafront… perhaps have a dip and a sunbathe. Then either a lazy lunch at one the many fabulous Lanzarote restaurants or do your own traditional roast turkey at home. Many restaurants now do a formal Christmas menu – with all the trimmings.

Food. Speaking of food, the Spanish tend to have their major feast on Christmas Eve. This is often the biggest meal of the year, with plenty of courses. If there’s one thing the Spanish can do well… it’s eating! Lobster is usually a large feature, and there is always a roast… usually lamb or suckling pig. All accompanied by plenty of side dishes. there’s so specific ritualistic food per se… only the requirement to eat well. Both Alan and I love our food… so we’re hearty fans!

Got a sweet tooth? For a few weeks now, the supermarkets have been filled with chocolates, nougats, dates, and many more sticky sweet goodies. Go on, treat yourselves!

When? The Christmas season in Lanzarote all kicks off on December 8th, with the “Feast of the Immaculate Conception”. This day is a fiesta on the Island, so don’t try filling out any paperwork on that day. Christmas Eve usually sees Spanish restaurants closing early so that staff can go to the Christmas Eve mass, or simply spend time together as a family. However, Christmas Day is not the same here as in the UK – there are no oodles of presents around a tree for example.

Nativity Scenes. Dotted around the island you will find Belénes, which are miniature nativity scenes. However, these are usually erected with a Lanzarote twist, and are often miniature versions of Lanzarote… complete with little landmarks. Our favourite was always the one at Yaiza, but it seems it’s not happening this year. Look out for the little boy figurine who is doing a “number two”. Apparently if you spot him, it means good luck for the following year. I’m yet to find him, but I’ll keep trying!

New Year. This will be the 3rd New Year we have spent in Lanzarote, and we’re very much looking forward to it. The bars and restaurants are all full to the brim, and there’s plenty of people milling about in the streets. Firework displays (plus the unofficial ones from bars and restaurants too), beeping horns, and much in the way of merriment.

Las Tres Reyes. Presents are traditionally given on the day of the kings (January 6th), when there are street parades, and kiddies queue up to receive sweets and gifts from the 3 Kings… or Las Tres Reyes. Each local ayuntamiento will lay on some form of celebration for this. The kiddies will also lay out their shoes outside on the previous evening, stuffed with straw for the camels of the travellers… only to be replaced the following morning with goodies. This generally marks the end of the season of navidad.

Christmas TV in Lanzarote. Of course you have your usual family Christmas movies. Look out for Harry Potter, Love Actually, and Christmas carols for all to sing along to. Missing the Queen’s speech on Christmas Day? Well, worry not – as King of Spain Juan Carlos gives his speech out on Christmas Eve, around 9pm.

Winnings?! A real tradition is the largest lottery of the year – El Gordo – with a bumper prize of 2.32 million euros this year, being drawn on the 22nd December.

Less Commercial. The main difference we have noticed is how uncommercial the whole holiday season is. You’re not bombarded with Christmas carols from the end of September… you don’t see a different Santa Claus on every street corner… no stressful panic buying of presents… no overloaded credit card bills arriving in January. Yes, I think we’ll stay!

¡Felices fiestas!
Elle y Alan

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