International Christmas Feasts in the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is home to an international community who all bring something from their birthplace to this lovely part of Mediterranean Spain. At Christmas this is particularly evident lively festive feasts including more than just Spanish treats like turron, jamon Iberico and Roscon de Reyes. You will find menus ranging from British roasts to Scandinavian smorgasbords for residents and visitors to enjoy. Hamiltons of London estate agents love this time of year and introducing those who are buying a home here to the variety of possibilities that exist when they find the right property for sale. Here they will be able to enjoy familiar, comforting flavours from home as well as discovering exciting new dishes with new friends and neighbours.
Spanish Christmas Classics
A good reason to buy a home in the Costa Blanca is the wonderful, fresh flavours of traditional Spanish cuisine. In restaurants and homes families will gather to celebrate, particularly on Christmas Eve, with a laving dinner of seafood, roast lamb or suckling pig. As an appetizer there may be jamon serrano, queso manchego and delicious garlic prawns/gambas al ajillo. The feast concludes with turron, and nougat made in the Costa Blanca as well as polvorones and mantecadas, which is like shortbread. On Three Kings’ Day in January a ring-shaped cake is traditionally eaten known as Roscon de Reyes.
A Taste of the UK
In the Costa Blanca the many British and Irish ex-pats have added their Christmas traditions to menus along the coast with roast turkey with trimmings, mince pies and Christmas pudding widely available in restaurants, bars and supermarkets. From Altea to Denia there will be Christmas quizzes, carol nights and charity lunches.
Nordic Celebrations
Swedish and Norwegian families who live in the Costa Blanca still enjoy their own festive customs and traditional food is served at home and Nordic restaurants. On Christmas Eve a buffet known as Julbord is served. Typical dishes are cured salmon, pickled herring, meatballs, and Janssons frestelse—a creamy casserole of potatoes and anchovies which is served with a spiced mulled and to follow there will be gingerbread biscuits and saffron buns.
German and Dutch Delights
The German and Dutch members of the community who have found a home in the Costa Blanca also add their Christmas flavours to international table. Christmas markets in Denia or Benidorm for example may feature stalls selling bratwurst, pretzels and mulled wine. Stollen, lebkuchen, and marzipan can be found in lots of supermarkets and Dutch establishments will prepare oliebollen, deep- fried balls of dough dusted with sugar which are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve.
French and Belgian Indulgence
French and Belgian expatriates provide a holiday table is elegant and refined with foie gras, oysters, roast duck, and Buche de Noel, chocolate yule log. French and Belgian owned restaurants may offer special pairing menus to include fine wines with each festive dish. This blend of Gallic sophistication with Mediterranean ingredients is an indulgence which can be enjoyed by all nationalities who buy a home in the Costa Blanca.
A Taste of the Americas
It is not just the Europeans and British who chose to buy a home in the Costa Blanca, the international community also includes residents from across the Americas. They also add their festive flair to the Christmas season with North Americans celebrating with roast turkey or glazed ham while their Latin neighbours offer tamales, roast pork, or Russian salad which is popular in many Spanish speaking countries.
Community and Shared Tables
Costa Blanca Christmases are incredibly special because of the spirit of togetherness with the whole community joining together to celebrate regardless of their origins. Many clubs, churches and groups host multicultural dinners with people from all backgrounds invited to share both the joy of the season and a variety of tasty international treats. Tables will be overloaded with flavoursome offerings including Spanish turron, British Christmas pudding and Swedish meatballs and wonderful example of the community spirit in towns an villages throughout the Costa Blanca.
Sunny Celebrations
When you buy a home in the Costa Blanca with Hamiltons of London the Mediterranean weather is a real bonus often remaining sunny and mild during the day in December and January. This means that many festive treats can be savoured on restaurant terraces with sea views. The Christmas atmosphere is joyous, relaxed and while different still comfortably familiar.
Multi-Cultural Feasts and Festivities
The international flavour of Christmas feasts in the Costa Blanca provides a unifying flavour to the community who enjoy sharing their favourite festive treats and joy. The dishes tell the story of the homes and heritage of all those who live in the Costa Blanca. The warm and inclusive nature of the season is indicative of the way of life that can be found when you buy a home in Spain. Christmas on this beautiful Mediterranean coast is not about choosing a tradition but celebrating them all together. The world’s flavours meet under the sun to create feasts as varied and the welcoming people who call the Costa Blanca home. If you are thinking of joining us in this wonderful land, please do contact us at Hamiltons of London our multi-lingual and friendly team will be pleased to help.
