december 6 in Spain: Constitution instead of Santa Claus - Clash of Polish and Spanish Traditions

For every Pole inside and outside the country, December 6 means one thing: Santa Claus! This day is inextricably linked to the search for small gifts in your shoe or under your pillow. However, for Poles living in Spain, this date has a very different, state and official dimension. While our homes resound with joy at the sight of chocolate Santas, the streets of Spanish cities celebrate democracy.

El Día de la Constitución: A Celebration of Democracy

In Spain, December 6 is a national holiday: Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day). It commemorates the ratification of the 1978 Constitution, which was a key moment in the country's transition from General Franco's dictatorship to a parliamentary monarchy and full democracy.

Although the celebrations are political and formal - there are official ceremonies with state authorities in Madrid and the Congress of Deputies opens its doors to the public - for most Spaniards December 6 is primarily a day off.

Moreover, the close proximity of another public holiday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) on December 8, often creates a “puente” (bridge), or long weekend, popular among Spaniards. It signals that the holiday season has begun, and the time is spent on family rest, short trips or visits to Christmas markets. That's why December 6 feels more like our Polish “May Day” in Spain - a time for relaxation and get-togethers, rather than the traditional intense Christmas ritual.

Where is Santa Claus?

The natural question for a Pole is: what about Santa Claus? In Spain, the figure of Santa Claus (Papá Noel) is important, but it is secondary, and presents are usually not given until December 25. Most importantly, it is January 6, or Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos), that is the culmination of gift-giving and the most anticipated day for Spanish children. It is Casper, Melchior and Balthazar who are the heroes of the letters and lavish “Cabalgatas de Reyes” parades, not Santa Claus on December 6.

That's why Polish children in Spain can experience a slight cultural clash: at school and on the streets, there is talk of history and the Constitution, while at home a shoe filled with sweets awaits them.

Tradition in the Heart of Polonia

For the Polish community living in Spain, Santa Claus is an important part of nurturing our culture. Many Polish families consciously uphold this tradition, making sure that children find at least a small gift on December 6. This is often the date when Polish schools and associations organize Santa Claus gatherings, providing Polish children with an opportunity to celebrate in their native style.