St Stephen's Day in Spain

St Stephen's Day, known as Sant Esteve in Catalonia, is celebrated on December 26th, primarily in the Catalan region of Spain. It is a public holiday there, following Christmas Day.

History

St Stephen was the first Christian martyr, stoned to death shortly after the Crucifixion of Jesus, which is why he is celebrated the day after Christmas. His feast day has been recognized by various Christian denominations for centuries.

Traditions

• Family Gatherings: Continuing the festive spirit from Christmas Day, families gather for another large meal.
• Cannelloni: A traditional dish served on this day is cannelloni (canelons in Catalan), often made from leftover meats from Christmas feasts.
• Horse Racing: In some areas, horse racing events are organized.
• Performances and Dancing: Local dances and other cultural performances might take place in celebration of the holiday.

Activities

People spend time with family and friends, enjoying the extended holiday. It is a time of relaxation and recuperation after the excitement of Christmas Day. Many people use this day to enjoy outdoor activities or visit relatives if they didn't do so on Christmas Day.