Planning your Christmas holidays ahead of time is a great idea, especially if you want to spend the holiday abroad, in special locations. And what could be more special than Africa? Will you find the true Christmas atmosphere in a continent so far removed from European culture? Yes, you will … if the place you choose is a Spanish enclave on the Moroccan coast. So, for Christmas, head to Ceuta or Melilla, two tiny slices of Europe nestled in African territory and still firmly anchored to the traditions of the old continent. You can reach them by airplane specifically landing at Tangier Airport (TNG) or Rabat Airport (RBA) are the main hubs from which to catch local flights to the small Melilla airport, or, if you want to go to Ceuta, rely on a convenient ground transfer.
Ceuta: the Pillar
Known as Sebtah in Arabic, this stretch of Moroccan coast located directly opposite Gibraltar actually represents one of the two “Pillars of Hercules” that, according to the ancients, formed the famous Strait. On one side, the Mediterranean sea; on the other, the Atlantic ocean. And behind it, the vast expanses of Africa… . Ceuta, however, has been a European land since the 15th century, when the Portuguese took it from the Arabs. It was later donated to the Kingdom of Spain and has remained Spanish ever since.
The modern city retains a colonial and historic heart, rich in typically Spanish architecture. You’ll admire the Cathedral, the ancient medieval Royal Walls, the House of Dragons, the Monument to the Pillars of Hercules, and the Plaza de Africa. You can enjoy a stroll on the city beach (la Ribera) or through the Mercado Central. Celebrating Christmas in this enclave is a unique experience.
Christmas in Ceuta
Despite having a minority Christian population, Ceuta faithfully follows Spanish traditions and therefore celebrates Christmas with churches open and decorated for the occasion.
The switching-on of the Christmas lights is usually celebrated with an event organized in the central square, which also includes choirs, games, and shows. Christmas markets are also set up here, generally on the seafront or in the Africa and Nelson Mandela squares. The most important traditions, in addition to the midnight mass on the evening of December 24th, are the parades of the Three Kings (Los Reyes) on January 5th and 6th. A particular local custom wants people to eat 12 pieces of grapes on New Year’s Eve, one for each stroke of midnight between December 31st and January 1st.
Melilla, “the Golden Town”
Crossed by a river called the “River Gold,” the enclave of Melilla (located 400 km from its sister city, Ceuta) was founded on an ancient mint of the Roman Empire. Gold coins were minted here for the emperors, and continued to be minted for the sheiks during the Arab age, and for the Spanish after the “Reconquista” of the 16th century.
Today, the city is a jewel of art and history, especially the medieval old town (Melilla Vieja) still protected by its ancient fortified walls. On a tour of Melilla, you shall admire: the Military Museum, the Convent Caves, Hernandez Park, the Palace of the Assembly, and an elegant Plaza de España.
Christmas in Melilla
Christmas in Melilla is a typically Spanish and Catholic holiday that begins with the ceremonies surrounding the lighting of the tree and the Christmas lights. Markets and art workshops spring up throughout the city during this period, allowing children and curious tourists alike to create or purchase nativity scene decorations.
Christmas in Melilla is also famous for its living nativity scene, the Three Kings Parades, and the Christmas Carrol Marathon—a festival of choirs and traditional Spanish music celebrating the birth of Jesus. Finally, who could ever miss San Silvestre, a sporting event that involves everyone on the last day of the year?
Other interesting destinations
If you spend Christmas in Ceuta or Melilla, you can have nice excursions beyond the European borders of the two enclaves.
From Ceuta, a one-hour and fifty-minute drive will easily take you to Tangier, to the beaches of Sidi Mghait, and to the marshes of Oued Hachef. Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is a three-hour drive away. From Melilla, you can visit the nearby Nador lagoon, the beaches of Ras el Ma, and charming towns such as Al Aaroui, Driouch, and Midar.
