#ontnyent

With Steve offering to cook Christmas dinner at the Hickson household, the pressure was off for everyone else to relax and enjoy a baileys coffee. It was Steve’s first Christmas in ten years spent fully with family and not in a commercial kitchen and he cooked for 9 with his eyes virtually closed. Even the endless rain couldn’t dampen the value of quality family time.

After returning to Spain from the UK on Monday 4th January, we believed that the festive celebrations were behind us and that 2016 was well underway. The following day however, Tuesday 5th January, represented a day of celebration across Spain. Fiesta de los Reyes (The Three kings) represents the biblical account of the Three Kings’ reverence of baby Jesus in Bethlehem soon after his birth.

The parades or “Cabalgatas” start at dusk across Spain and attract thousands of International and national onlookers. In major cities such as Madrid, the occasion is broadcast on Spanish TV with fireworks marking the end of the display. In Ontinyent the event continued for nearly 2 hours, with no expenses spared on the costumes, music and floats. The event oozed excitement and pride and the hundreds of participants and spectators truly respect this traditional holiday. With a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the lights across town further setting the mood, a well-known square in Ontinyent held a Christmas market. The smell of fresh onion loaves and crepes filled the plaza and authentic gifts and handmade items reignited our festive feelings.

With ballerinas, brass bands, horses and dancers, the view of the parade from our privileged position on a friend’s balcony was mesmerising. The colour, movement and music were all marvellous

and kids and adults all enjoyed catching the sweets which were thrown high up into the air by the actors. Being amongst Spanish families was a wonderful way for us to experience this event for the first time. Seeing the children’s anticipation and elation helped us to appreciate the history and custom involved.

Typically at our friend’s home, glasses were filled with wine and the table was continually topped with meats, cheeses, bread, olives, and a scrummy chorizo spread known as sobrasada. Despite being a small apartment, there was a stream of people entering and leaving the space. All were merry and wished each other a Feliz Ano Nuevo/Happy New Year. It was a pleasure to be invited to drink, dine and watch the parade from above as it passed by on the street below.

In Spain ‘Los Reyes Magos’ or Three wise men/Kings, named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar play a similar role to Santa Claus. On January 6th, a day coined “The Epiphany”, Children receive gifts after writing letters to the Kings in a similar manner as is done with Santa Claus. Other similarities include the offer of food and drink, left out as children go to sleep for the Kings and their camels to enjoy. Breakfast on the 6th is a special meal where families come together, with a traditional sweet bread known as Rosca de Reyes, adorned with candied fruits taking centre stage on most tables. Many bakeries place hidden surprises in the loaf, including trinkets, money or even a diamond. Whoever finds the gift becomes King or Queen for the day. Those who find a bean however are not so lucky and are instead given the task of purchasing next year’s cake.

It was a further treat for us to share in the quality family time of our new Spanish friends. We hope next year we can visit Alcoy as we have heard the city hosts the oldest parade, dating back to 1885.