Christmas in Spain: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Some Spaniards consider the Christmas season to begin on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This holiday honors the purity of Mary, Jesus’ mother. In the city of Seville the festival is celebrated with the “Dance of the Sixes,” which takes place in the city’s cathedral. At the close of the service held in honor of the Immaculate Conception, elaborately costumed choirboys perform this dance in front of the altar, accompanied by a hymn.