Francis Kennedy on Religious Celebrations in Spain

By: Francis Kennedy

December 8, 2008

While living in Spain, I have tried to obtain an idea of every aspect of the culture possible by way of observing, reading, and oral dialogue. During my quest I kept an emphasis on cultural traditions, chiefly religion. My October letter discussed the informal nature of Spanish society and how it permeates through to the importance of religion in the lives of Spaniards. I have experienced a number of religious celebrations, and I have realized the importance that they have among the country’'s many traditions. However, the way in which these holidays are celebrated is definitely changing with new generations of Spaniards; a change that is rooted in the informality of the people. Today in Spain the way certain religious holidays are celebrated has changed from how they were once celebrated, or from how I perceived that they would be celebrated. Other observations I have made that could contribute to this change are how Spaniards view the holy sacrament of matrimony and schedule and habits of the Spanish youth.
I write this letter on December 8, which is the Spanish holiday to celebrate the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. It is one of the most important religious holidays of the country that is not internationally recognized. In the past this day would be celebrated by a very special Mass, as well as an extremely large procession through the streets. A large number of the population would be in attendance, and the rest of the day would be spent with family for the very important afternoon meal, followed by relaxation. This schedule of events would be the norm in most Spanish cities and villages. Today they Mass and procession took place, but they were poorly attended in comparison to celebrations in the past. This is due, in part, to the national movement towards a more secular society than what Spain once was. The Spanish youth views this day as the beginning of the Christmas season rather than its own religious holiday. They spend the day going to a recently set up carnival or fair on the edge of town, an action that holds no religious significance. It is clear that the importance of religious values in the youth of Spain is dwindling. Central causes of this are due to the way Spaniards are raised.

The informal nature of the Spanish, as it transcends all levels of society, is present in the upbringing of children. Many Spanish families, Catholic or not, have all together abandoned the sacrament of marriage. Many of my host family’'s relatives and friends are not married, yet have a partner that they live with and have children with. I have found that this is not uncommon in today’'s Spain and thus illustrates another level of informality. Usually these unmarried families are not church-going people and therefore do not raise their children by showing them the importance of religion. Also, this generation of young people goes out at night, where in the past the young people would go out during the day. Since they are awake all night and sleep all day, they are then unable to attend any sort of religious celebration. From my observations, it is the new way of thinking and movement towards a more secular Spain that cause these informal natures, as well as diminishing practice of religious celebrations.
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