Olentzero...

Olentzero is a basque Christmas tradition. It is the equivalent to Santa Claus.

The Olentzero is a charcoal that is represented as a thick man that likes to eat and drink well, shabby and stained with coal. He lives isolated from society, in the forest, dedicated to make charcoal. Every winter he comes down from the mountains to the villages to bring presents to the children.

Here are some pictures of him...

The Olentzero song is here in this video in Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEe18R5tYF4

Feliz Reyes!

Los Reyes Magos is a typical Spanish holiday celebrated on the 6th of January. It represents the three kings that went to visit Jesus when he was born. Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar were guided by a star that led them to Belen. They gave Jesus 3 gifts. Gold, incense and myrrh. Each gift is symbolic. Gold acclaims Jesus as King of Kings, the aromatic incense acclaims Jesus as God, and myrrh (substance or perfume used in embalming dead bodies) recognizes Jesus as a mortal man.


It is also typical in Spanish families to eat "roscon de Reyes"the 6th of January. It is type of biscuit that has a little present in the inside. It can have whiped cream or candied fruit. It totally depends on the consumer of the "cake".


This is a link to go visit the "Magic Kings":
http://www.web.buzonreyesmagos.com/

Happy New Year 2010!!!

Happy 2010!!! Today is the last day of this fabulous year 2009. Aww what a pitty...but the year that is coming is going to be better than the year that just ended, I'm sure.

Some curious ways of celebrating the New Year are the brazilian and the colombian. Here, have a read.

Brazilian New Year

In Brazil the lentil signifies wealth, so on the first day of the New Year they serve lentils and rice. A sacrificial boat with flowers, candles and jewel

ery is sent to sea from Ipenama, a beach in Rio de Janeiro.

* This picture is New Year in Copacabanna, Brazil.

Colombian New Year

In Colombia, it is tradition to make a puppet of a person that represents the New Year. The figure is made from old cloth and stuffed with straw and fireworks. It is usual to wear yellow underware to attract love in the new year.

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Today is December 27th, two days after Christmas and I forgot to wish to everybody a very happy, joyful and warm Christmas night.

So this is it for now, Merry Christmas!!!

Look, here you can send Christmas e-cards to all your friends and family!!!
The e-cards are free!

http://www.123greetings.com/