GOOD MOOD FOOD — A TASTE OF SPAIN
As the festive season approaches, the Spanish regions of Mallorca, Menorca and Asturias come alive with vibrant traditions, heartwarming gatherings and an array of exquisite food. Each region offers a unique blend of cultural festivities and culinary delights, making them some of the most memorable destinations for an authentic Spanish holiday experience. Join us as we tuck into each region’s mouthwatering festive dishes.
Mediterranean holiday feasting in Mallorca
In Mallorca, the festive season is all about community, faith and feasting on locally sourced ingredients. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with age-old traditions that bring families and friends together, and food plays a central role at these gatherings.
Hearty soups, sugar-coated pastries and Midnight Mass chanting
Sopas Mallorquinas: One of the most iconic dishes of the Christmas season is Sopas Mallorquinas, a thick, hearty soup made with seasonal vegetables and cabbage, served with thick slices of bread. It’s the perfect comfort food for cooler winter evenings.
Tumbet: Though traditionally a summer dish, many families prepare Tumbet during the festive season. It’s a layered dish of fried aubergine, potatoes and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce. Some add fish or meat to make it more indulgent for the holidays.
Ensaimada: No festive table in Mallorca would be complete without the famous Ensaimada, a spiral-shaped pastry dusted with powdered sugar. Over Christmas, you may find it filled with pumpkin jam (known as cabello de ángel) or even chocolate.
For Mallorcans, Christmas Eve dinner, or Nochebuena, is a grand event where families come together to enjoy a feast. Afterwards, many attend the traditional Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass), with some churches featuring a special chant known as the Sibil·la (the Song of the Sibyl). Written in medieval times, these Gregorian lyrics are now a UNESCO-protected tradition.
Tasty treats and delicious dishes in Menorca
Menorca, Mallorca’s more mellow neighbour, has its own unique way of celebrating the festive season, with a focus on family and tradition. Like Mallorca, food is central to the festivities and Menorcan cuisine during the holidays is simple yet flavourful, highlighting the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
Lobster stew, chocolate bread and a gin-fuelled New Year’s Eve celebration
Caldereta de Langosta: While lobster stew is typically a summer dish, it often makes an appearance at the holiday table in Menorca, especially for special gatherings. This rich, flavourful stew is a true Menorcan delicacy and a symbol of celebration.
Carn i Xulla: Over Christmas and New Year, many families prepare Carn i Xulla, a traditional meat dish featuring cuts of pork, marinated and grilled or roasted. It’s often accompanied by sobrasada, the island’s famous soft, spiced sausage, which adds a distinctive flavour.
Coca de Nadal: A popular Christmas dessert in Menorca is the Coca de Nadal, a sweet bread often flavoured with aniseed and topped with candied fruit. It’s a festive treat to be shared among family and friends during holiday gatherings.
Menorca’s Christmas is quieter and more intimate than in some other parts of Spain, with family dinners and small gatherings taking precedence. However, on New Year’s Eve, the island comes alive with fireworks and celebrations that last well into the night, accompanied by a toast of pomada made with Xoriguer gin and a splash of lemonade – a Menorcan G&T.
A culinary adventure in Asturias
In Asturias, located in the lush landscapes of northern Spain, the festive season is a time for hearty feasts and celebrating traditions. The colder climate calls for rich, warming dishes that champion the area’s agricultural bounty. Asturias is known for its cheeses, meats and ciders, all of which take centre stage during the holidays.
Warming bean stews, fresh seafood, cave-matured cheeses and fireworks to mark the New Year
Fabada Asturiana: This traditional bean stew, made with large white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage) and pork, is a staple during the festive season. Fabada is a filling, comforting dish that brings families together around the table on cooler winter days.
Cachopo: A festive favourite, Cachopo consists of two large veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded and fried. It’s an indulgent dish that is often reserved for special occasions like Christmas dinners.
Pixin (Monkfish): Seafood also plays a role in the Asturian holiday table, particularly monkfish, which is often baked or grilled with garlic and olive oil. The simplicity of the preparation allows the fresh flavours to shine.
Asturian Cheeses: Asturias is known for its diverse array of artisanal cheeses, with Cabrales being the most famous. During the festive season, cheese platters are common and are often paired with local cider or wine.
For dessert, Asturians indulge in Casadielles, a sweet pastry filled with walnuts, sugar and aniseed, typically fried or baked and served during Christmas celebrations. New Year’s Eve in Asturias is marked by lively celebrations with fireworks lighting up the sky.
Traditional festivities for a modern era
Across all three regions, certain Spanish holiday traditions remain consistent, including elaborate nativity scenes, lively Christmas markets and a joyful coming together of family and friends. And one of the most cherished rituals is the Twelve Grapes of Luck, eaten on New Year’s Eve. As the clock strikes midnight, people eat one grape for each chime to bring good luck for the coming year — it’s harder than you might think!
Additionally, Three Kings’ Day on January 6 is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. This day marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men and it is often considered even more important than Christmas itself with much giving and receiving of gifts. Most regions host a spirited parade with the kings arriving on horseback to much fanfare as they rain down sweets on the cheering crowds.
Stay at one of our exclusive use properties for a real taste of Spain
Whether you choose to bask in the Mediterranean sun or cosy up in the scenic landscapes of the north; Mallorca, Menorca and Asturias invite you to celebrate the season with fine food that is as rich and diverse as their landscapes and histories. Bring family and friends to stay with us in Vestige Miramar in Mallorca, Vestige Santa Ana in Menorca or Vestige Palacio de Figueras in Asturias and our concierge and culinary teams can prepare festive feasts and good mood food for a Christmas holiday to remember. All our private estates are exclusively yours for your entire stay.