December 8th: Inmaculada Concepcion (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)

December 8^th: Inmaculada Concepcion (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)

This day was originally called the Conception of Mary and was founded in the 7^th Century in the Eastern Catholic Church but then spread to the West in the 8^th Century and the name was finally changed to the present name of the Immaculate Conception in the 11^th Century. Since the 18^th Century it has become a festival in the Roman Catholic Church.

It is based on the Catholic opinion that although she became pregnant, the Virgin Mary did not suffer the “original sin” because she was “filled by god” and therefore the conception was classed as “immaculate”.

It is a public holiday and is celebrated throughout Spain and is typically a day of additional church services. Whilst it's origins are of a religious nature it is also a popular feast where partying is just as important as the prayers to Mother Mary.

In Seville, a group of 10 choir boys dress in 16^th Century constume and perform “los seises” (the “dance of six”) which is an elaborate ritual of rhythmic dances and melodic songs and are performed in front of the Gothic cathedral in Seville.

Every university in Spain has “los tunos” which is an acoustic band formed by students and at midnight groups of traditionally dressed “tunos” sing and play old serenades to Mother Mary.

Throughout Spain people congregate in cities to get together to play a part in the street parties that go on.


As the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a National holiday throughout Spain the majority of businesses close but most restaurants, cafes and bars usually open.