During the Christmas season of 2024, Cantabria has transformed itself with vibrant festivities, capturing hearts and souls of both locals and visitors alike. The region, known for its rich cultural traditions and community spirit, has seamlessly blended various events and local crafts to celebrate this joyful time of year.
Christmas isn’t just about presents and decorations; it’s about the people who make it special, embodying the sentiment expressed by El Diario Montañés, which remarked, “Christmas is made by everyone, and no one can be missed.”
This essence is particularly reflected through the iconic Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade), which gathers hundreds of children and families eagerly anticipating the festive cavalcade. Enrique Herreros, acting as Gaspar the King, shares his experience: “It is wonderful to see the joyous faces of children.” The organization behind the parade requires extensive planning, starting as early as January, ensuring each year’s event is both unique and spectacular.
But not all of the Christmas magic relies solely on parades or organized events. One standout tradition is the annual Belén (nativity scene) constructed by José Manuel Telechea in Reocín. This detailed display not only showcases the craftsmanship of the region but also reproduces the houses of the village. José reflects, “Every year I add new homes to the nativity, and it brings me immense satisfaction to see people appreciate my work,” highlighting the effort and dedication behind local traditions.
The festive spirit carries over to local businesses as well, with each adding its unique flavor to the celebrations. At Chocolatería Áliva, the sheer volume of chocolate served on New Year's Day sets the scene for sweet moments shared among families. “I don’t know how many chocolates we serve... it’s simply massive,” chuckles José Antonio Noriega, reflecting on the holiday rush as families gather to indulge in chocolates and churros after their New Year’s festivities.
The warmth of the Christmas spirit also permeates shops like Cristalería Robledo, where the Robledo brothers have turned their storefronts and beyond adorned with handcrafted decorations, embracing themes such as vibrant bells to invite customers. Alejandro Robledo excitedly explains, “The goal is to make people happy,” expressing the joy of creativity infused within the festive hustle.
Meanwhile, the leisure time of the holidays sees families engaging with local attractions like the Navitrén, which offers scenic train rides through the beautifully illuminated city of Santander. Each ride brings joy as passengers enjoy holiday tunes and the stunning displays of lights and decorations throughout the city, bringing back nostalgic memories associated with Christmas.
This interconnectedness of traditions and community not only cements the unique atmosphere of Cantabria but also strengthens the bonds between neighbors and families who revel together during this peak festive season. Every workshop, every concert, and every gathering contributes to the widespread cheer.
One local initiative has gone the extra mile by lighting up the scenic Quijano area with themed decorations. Two local artisans, Ana Michelena and Esther Díez, take immense pride each year, creating interactive displays for children and families to enjoy. Ana humbly states, “What I create is born from passion for the season,” showcasing how deep-rooted this sentiment is across the community.
Throughout Cantabria, Christmas serves as more than just a holiday; it acts as a lifeline to old traditions, bringing life and color to the community all through December and beyond. Santillana del Mar stands out as the only locality where the Cabalgata coincides with the annual Auto Sacramental, drawing crowds eager to participate and witness this culturally rich performance.
The experience is utterly unique—offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to witness the melding of traditional storytelling with community gathering. Ángel Rodríguez, organizer of the event, shares, “It is truly special for our municipality, with thousands coming to take part each year and all of us working together to make it happen.”
Overall, the festive season captures the essence of what it means to celebrate Christmas as part of the Cantabrian community—lively, heartwarming, and brimming with tradition. With the shared experiences of joy, warmth, and togetherness, the celebrations promise to grow even brighter each year, nurturing the local culture and traditions for generations to come.
The spirit of Christmas lives on through the efforts of countless individuals—the unsung heroes who nurture the essence of these local traditions, ensuring the magic of the season endures.
