Did you know that the Valencian Community is the region of Spain with more products linked to Christmas? The Valencian Community is a land devoted to the Christmas party. So much so that there are very christmassy localities, which turn all their efforts during the month of December, with markets, fairs, various festivities and lots of gastronomy. The 3 Valencian provinces have places to visit during Christmas. We reveal which ones they are.
Xàtiva
Its nativity scene is the largest in Spain and can be seen until January 7, 2024. It occupies 1,600 square meters and is characterized by taking care of every detail since 1999. And there is not only a manger, here are recreated numerous scenes with figures made life-size by artists falleros.
Peñíscola
One of the most beautiful villages of the Valencian Community was chosen as the Christmas village 2021 by Ferrero Rocher. If normally it is already a must visit, now you have one more reason to visit it during these dates.
During this 2023, more than 1.5 million lights will illuminate the area of the castle and the Plaza Santa Maria until after Epiphany.
Xixona
There is no Christmas without Xixona nougat. From here comes 60% of the national production of this nougat that is made from sugar, honey and almonds. Talking about this town and its nougat is a symbol of Valencian pride and so much so that there is a Regulatory Council of Jijona and Alicante nougat. If the nougat is good, it will always carry this distinctive.
Casinos
Here you can find a fotracà of nougat and a classic of the area: the peladillas. It is the specialty of the town, which once had a guild of artisans of this sweet. These artisans are no longer here, production has been modernized, but the spirit remains.
Alcoi
The oldest Three Kings Cavalcade in Spain has been held in this inland town in the province of Alicante since 1885. In 2001, it was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and every year more than 1,000 people participate, some in costume, climbing up the balconies to deposit gifts.
Swedish
They say that to boast good chocolate you have to travel all the way to Switzerland, but in Valencia we don’t fall short. The town of Sueca has the only museum in the Valencian Community dedicated to this delicacy. Here you can learn about the tradition of the area regarding this black gold, as well as the entire manufacturing process.
Vinaròs
If you want to eat prawns, it is better to do it with prawns from Vinaròs if your wallet allows it. It is one of the delicacies of the province of Castellón, and its secret is in the low salinity where they grow by the union of the waters of the Ebro with the Mediterranean. They are fished by hand and can measure up to 20 centimeters.
Ibi
During the 20th century, this municipality was the Mecca of the Spanish toy industry. The entire toy industry was grouped in industrial parks that gave it worldwide fame. Although it has currently lost weight due to the Chinese push, Ibi keeps its past alive thanks to the Valencian Toy Museum where you can go through all its history.
In addition, every December 28 celebrates the festival of “Els enfarinats”, a pitched battle with eggs and flour that welcomes the winter holidays in this town.