Boxing Day in Gibraltar

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a public holiday in Gibraltar, as it is in many other countries with a British heritage. It traditionally follows Christmas Day and its name is believed to originate from the historical practice of giving "Christmas boxes," which were gifts or gratuities given to servants and tradespeople.

History and Traditions:

• Origin: The day's roots can be traced back to the UK where it started as a day off for servants who would receive boxes of gifts from their employers. This was also a time for them to visit family members since they had worked on Christmas Day.
• Church Connection: In another tradition, churches would open their alms boxes (collections for the poor) on this day and distribute them.

Current Celebrations:

• Family Time: In Gibraltar, Boxing Day continues to be a time for family gatherings and relaxation after the excitement of Christmas Day.
• Sales: It marks the start of post-Christmas sales; people often go shopping to take advantage of discounts.
• Outdoor Activities: Many Gibraltarians use the day off to engage in outdoor activities if the weather permits, such as walking in nature or visiting beaches.
• Sports Events: Traditionally, sporting events are popular on Boxing Day; however, this can vary year by year.

While specific local traditions may evolve over time, Boxing Day remains an extension of the festive season in Gibraltar where residents enjoy a continued holiday atmosphere with leisure activities and time spent with loved ones.