What Do People in Madrid Eat on Christmas?

By Michael Ferguson

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! In Madrid, the capital city of Spain, Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The city is filled with colorful lights and decorations, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. If you are curious about what people in Madrid eat on Christmas, keep reading!

The Feast of the Seven Fishes

In Madrid, Christmas Eve is known as “Nochebuena” which translates to “Good Night”. It’s a time when families come together to enjoy a big meal.

The most popular tradition is the Feast of the Seven Fishes. As the name suggests, it involves serving seven different types of fish dishes.

Bacalao al pil-pil

One of the most popular dishes served on Nochebuena is “Bacalao al pil-pil”. It’s made with salted codfish that is cooked in olive oil with garlic and chili peppers until it becomes creamy and tender. It’s usually served with potatoes or vegetables.

Langostinos

Another favorite dish on Nochebuena is “Langostinos”, which are large prawns that are boiled or grilled and served with garlic butter or aioli sauce.

Roast Suckling Pig

On Christmas day, families typically gather again to enjoy another feast. One of the most popular main courses is roast suckling pig or “cochinillo asado”.

This dish requires a lot of preparation but it’s worth it! The piglet is roasted until its skin becomes crispy while keeping its meat tender and juicy.

Turrón

For dessert, you can’t miss out on “Turrón”, which is a traditional nougat candy made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds. There are many different varieties of Turrón, including soft and hard versions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people in Madrid celebrate Christmas with an elaborate feast that includes a variety of fish dishes, roast suckling pig, and traditional nougat candy. If you ever have the opportunity to spend Christmas in Madrid, make sure you try these delicious dishes!