Moving to Fuerteventura

Christmas in Fuerteventura is one of the busiest times of the tourism year, due to many seeking to escape the cold snaps, and head out to sunnier skies. But how is Christmas in Fuerteventura different?

Weather at Christmas in Fuerteventura. First of all… yes… there is the obvious lack of snow. Ok, so I don’t remember a white Christmas from my old home in the UK since I was a wee whippersnapper… but in Fuerteventura you won’t see so much as a crisp frost. How great to get up on Christmas morning, and take a meander along the beach… perhaps have a quick dip (for the braver ones) and a sunbathe. Then either a lazy lunch at one the many fabulous Fuerteventura restaurants or do your own traditional roast turkey at home. Many restaurants now do a formal Christmas slap up meal – with all the expected trimmings.

Food. Speaking of food, the Spanish tend to have a major feast on Christmas Eve. This is often the largest meal of the year, with plenty of courses. If there’s one thing the Spanish can do extremely well… it’s dining! Lobster is a favourite feature, and there is always a big roast… usually suckling pig or lamb. All of this is accompanied by lots of of side dishes. There’s no specific menu as such… only the requirement to eat well. Both Alan and I love our food… so we’re big fans!

Got a sweet tooth? For a few weeks before Christmas, the supermarkets are chock full of chocolates, nougats, dates, and many more sticky sweet goodness. Go on, treat yourselves – it’s only once a year, eh?!

When? The Christmas season in Fuerteventura all starts on December 8th, with the “Feast of the Immaculate Conception”. This day is a fiesta on the Island, so don’t try filling out any paperwork, or doing anything admuinitsrative on that day. Christmas Eve usually sees Spanish restaurants out of the main resorts closing early so that staff can go to the Christmas Eve mass, or simply spend time together as a family. However, Christmas Day is not the same here as in the UK – there are no oodles of presents around a tree for example, or stockings hanging from mantlepieces.

Nativity Scenes. Dotted around the island you will find Belénes, which are miniature nativity scenes. However, these are usually erected with a Fuerteventura twist, and are often miniature versions of of the Island… complete with little landmarks.Look out for the little boy doing a “number two”. Apparently if you spot him, it means plenty of luck for the following year. I’m yet to find him, but I’ll keep trying!

New Year. This was the 3rd consecutive New Year we have spent in the Canaries, and we weren’t disappointed. The bars and restaurants were all full to the brim, and there were plenty of people milling about in the streets. Firework displays (plus the unofficial ones from bars and restaurants too), beeping horns, and much in the way of merriment. We were in Playa Blanca – and the views of the fireworks at the Corralejo dunes were fabulous – so we’re thinking of spending New Year’s Eve there this next time around.

Las Tres Reyes. This is the biggie for the Spanish children. Presents are traditionally given on this day of the kings (January 6th), when there are street parades through the towns, and kiddies queue up to receive sweets and goodies from the 3 Kings… or Las Tres Reyes. Each ayuntamiento will usually lay on some form of celebration for this. The children will also lay their shoes outside their front doors on the previous evening, stuffed with straw for the camels of the travellers… only to be replaced the following morning with gifts.

Christmas TV in Fuerteventura. Of course you have your usual family Christmas movies. Look out for Harry Potter, Love Actually, and Christmas carols for everyone to sing along to. Can’t you bear to miss the Queen’s speech? Well, don’t worry because the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, gives his words on Christmas Eve, around 9pm.

Winnings?! A massive Spanish tradition is the largest lottery of the year – El Gordo – with a huge cash prize. Christmas 2008 saw 2.32 million euros, being drawn on the 22nd December.

Less Commercial. The main difference we have noticed is how understated the whole holiday season is. You’re not bombarded with Christmas carols in every shop from the end of September… no stressful panic buying of presents… no overloaded credit card bills arriving in January. Yes, I think we’ll stay for more!