Our Spanish Hibernation 3:0

Christmas is a lovely time of year in Malaga. From the local sweets and pastries on sale, to the Christmas stalls selling every miniature you could possibly need for a Nativity scene, this is a city wrapped in festive traditions. Parades, costumes and city wide events embrace the religious cultures and it’s very easy to get swept up in the joyous atmosphere.

Lights also play an important role. The spectacular Christmas decorations along Calle Larios are absolutely stunning. Thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights, take your breath away in their magical glow. The first night we witnessed one of the three nightly mini-concerts, I was left with a dumbfounded grin on my face. The lights pick up a life of their own in a sequenced event synced to Christmas songs. Dancing and singing ensues under the glittering display for the next ten minutes and it is fantastic.

Last night we walked out to the Botanical Gardens to experience another Malaga tradition. The gardens are usually only open during the daytime but for a few weeks in December, they are transformed into an atmospheric winter wonderland for ticketed visitors to walk through.

The theme this year depicted the eight Kingdoms of the Angels. During the forty minute walk, the gardens shimmer and sparkle with lights. Flowerbeds are picked out in dazzling colours and murky lakes are illuminated to great effect. It is both bizarre and beautiful at the same time. Angels play violins, dance on podiums at the edge of lakes and pose with visitors. I even spotted one on a Segway!!

It is only the second week in December, but certainly enjoying Christmas Malaga Style so far.