So, watch out! On December 28 in Spanish-speaking countries everything is justified with a smile and the phrase: “¡Inocente, inocente!” (innocent, innocent). Don't believe everything you read or see that day and be careful because you too can be the protagonist of a prank.

What do people do on the Day of the Holy Innocents?

Today, December 28 is a day for pranks. Common activities include:

• Home pranks. In many places, the day is used to play pranks on family members. For example, changing salt for sugar, changing the time on the clock or wrapping “presents” with unexpected contents.
• Pranks among friends. It is also common for friends and co-workers to play pranks on each other. From stickers on their backs to changing objects around, creativity knows no bounds on this day!
• Fake news. Some media and television programs participate in the tradition by publishing absurd or false news, with the aim of surprising their readers and viewers. These hoaxes are usually obvious, although there is always someone who falls into the trap. Usually, the next day the news is debunked under the phrase: “¡Inocente, inocente!” (innocent, innocent!)
• Innocent loans. A somewhat forgotten but still surviving tradition in some rural areas is to borrow objects that are never returned. For example, someone might borrow a pot or a hammer, and the next day, the return becomes a joke.
• Local events. In some Spanish towns, the day is celebrated with special events. For example, in Ibi (Alicante) the famous “Fiesta de los Enharinados” takes place, where participants “attack” each other with flour and eggs in a fun pitched battle.

Why does this tradition continue?

The Day of the Holy Innocents has endured over time because it combines elements that appeal to humans: humor, creativity and social connection. It is a day to relax, forget the stresses of everyday life and share laughter with those around us.

In addition, this tradition reinforces the link with popular customs and history. Although modern pranks may seem far removed from their religious origin, they keep alive the spirit of surprise and playfulness that has characterized this holiday for centuries.

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Do you know what happens in Spain and Latin America every December 28th? It is a tradition to celebrate el Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents), which in other countries is known as April Fool's Day.

This date combines religious traditions and popular customs, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge in humor and pranks in Spain. But where does this holiday come from and what keeps it alive today?

In this article you will discover where this tradition comes from, what happens every December 28 and everything that surrounds this date. Find out with donQuijote!

Religious origins

On December 28, Spain celebrates a very peculiar holiday full of history: el Día de los Santos Inocentes (the Day of the Holy Innocents). A tragic story that has religious origins.

The Day of the Holy Innocents has its origin in a biblical story recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew. According to Christian tradition, King Herod, fearful of losing his throne after hearing that a “king of the Jews” (Jesus) had been born, ordered the slaughter of all children under the age of two in Bethlehem and its surroundings.

These children, known as “the Holy Innocents”, are considered the first Christian martyrs. Thus, the Catholic Church established December 28 as a day of remembrance for these children, originally charged with a solemn and prayerful tone.

However, over the centuries, the celebration took on a more festive character, combining religious elements with pagan traditions that already existed in various cultures.

Its evolution to today's the Day of the Holy Innocents

The transition from a solemn to a humorous tone can be understood within the context of the winter festivals that were celebrated in different cultures before the arrival of Christianity. For example, during the Roman Saturnalia, it was common for hierarchies to be inverted and jokes normally unthinkable were allowed.

Over time, in Spain and Latin America, the Day of the Holy Innocents acquired a particular character: a mixture of religious tradition and popular revelry. Nowadays, the holiday is experienced as a day of mischief and little pranks aimed at “fooling” others.

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Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain

Discover the tradition behind Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain and Latin America. Did you know how Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain is celebrated?

Spain Discover the tradition behind Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain and Latin America. Did you know how Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain is celebrated? day of the holy innocents, feast day of the holy innocents, saints innocents, feast of the holy innocents, feast day of the holy innocents Off

Gremlins (1984)

An adorable little mogwai causes tremendous chaos in a town when the rules for taking care of him are not respected. I'm sure you're also familiar with the funny and terrifying Christmas movie in Spanish: The Gremlins, a Spielberg classic.

The mix of humor and light horror in this Spanish Christmas movie makes it entertaining with a varied vocabulary and situations that help to practice listening comprehension. You can help yourself with subtitles in your language if you need them, as this movie has an upper-intermediate level of Spanish.

Historias de Navidad (A Christmas Story) (1983)

Finally, another of the Christmas classics that could not be missing in this list: A Christmas Story. This family comedy has become a must-see. It tells the story of a 9-year-old boy who wants an air rifle as a Christmas present and tries to convince everyone that it is the perfect gift for him.

A clear and easy to understand style, a retro setting to learn the customs of Christmas past and a fun development throughout the film. Remember that it is dubbed into Spanish, so you can use subtitles to understand the whole story if necessary.

Did you know any of these Christmas movies in Spanish? If this Christmas you want to continue learning Spanish, enjoying funny, exciting or romantic stories, with these 10 Spanish Christmas movies you have a guaranteed success.

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Love Actually (2003)

Without a doubt, the quintessential Christmas film: Love Actually. This Christmas romantic comedy follows several love stories, which intertwine in London during the Christmas season. It shows different ways of experiencing love and connection during Christmas.

Although an advanced level of Spanish is required to watch this dubbed movie, you can always help yourself with subtitles in your language and enjoy it this Christmas. It is also ideal for learning colloquial phrases and emotional expressions in Spanish.

Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Three Wise Men) (2003)

A Spanish animated movie that tells the story of the Three Wise Men on their adventure to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. During their journey, the Three Wise Men will have to face challenges and adventures until they reach their destination.

This is an excellent original movie from Spain to learn about Christmas traditions. Its clear Spanish and historical-religious context enrich the cultural experience, so you will learn in all aspects during its viewing.

Pesadilla antes de Navidad (Nightmare Before Christmas) (1993)

A Christmas and Halloween classic directed by Tim Burton. You will need to pay close attention and an intermediate level of Spanish to follow the adventure of Jack Skellington, king of Halloween, and his discovery of Christmas. This skeleton's vision of Christmas jeopardizes the festivities in the real world.

A dark, funny adventure with songs and lots of humor that is dubbed into Spanish and is excellent for practicing pronunciation and learning vocabulary not only for Christmas, but also for Halloween in Spanish.

Solo en casa (Home Alone) (1990)

We couldn't miss the Christmas classic Home Alone in its Spanish dubbed version. Surely, you know this story: eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left home alone during Christmas and must defend himself from two burglars who want to break into his house.

In Spanish, this movie includes everyday phrases and funny situations, ideal for internalizing the domestic and colloquial vocabulary of the language.

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The 2000 version stars Jim Carrey as The Grinch, a green creature who hates Christmas and wants to steal all the presents to annoy the whole town. As in the animated version, Carrey's Grinch manages to steal Christmas but ends up discovering the true meaning of the holiday thanks to a kind-hearted little girl.

The light and funny tone of Jim Carrey's version will make you want to learn more about Christmas and Spanish vocabulary.

Operación regalo (Arthur Christmas) (2011)

The next Christmas movie in Spanish is Operación regalo (Arthur Christmas), an animated film that you can watch dubbed into Spanish, perfect for the little ones. The story tells the life of Arthur Claus, Santa's youngest son, whose mission is to deliver a forgotten gift before Christmas is over.

An exciting adventure, full of humor and fast-paced dialogues that will help you develop your listening comprehension in Spanish. The vocabulary in this movie is related to Christmas, presents and family values.

El expreso Polar (Polar Express) (2004)

A Christmas movie that has conquered everyone is El expreso Polar or Polar Express. This story is dubbed into Spanish and designed for an intermediate level. It tells the story of a skeptical boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole. There, he discovers the importance of believing in Christmas.

The vocabulary of this story is perfect for learning about travel, emotions and Christmas landscapes in Spanish.

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