Christmas in Santiago

In the Spanish-speaking countries Christmas Eve is called "Nochebuena" (night of goodness, sort-of) and midnight mass is called "Misa de Gallo" (Mass of the rooster), so called because that night is the only night during the year when country roosters crow at midnight. (Mangers, by the way, are called Belens in Spain and Nacimientos or Presepios in the other Spanish-speaking countries.... they are as plentiful in those countries as Christmas trees are in the U.S., some of the mangers are extremely elaborate, and the pieces are passed as family heirlooms from generation to generation.
The Cathedral of Santiago just published the information that a candle-light procession in and around the Cathedral will take place before the "Misa de Gallo", and that the Mass will be celebrated with the Cathedral's full organ complement and the Santiago Choir.
On Christmas day there will be another procession at 11:00 a.m. with an extended exhibition of the Botafumeiro, followed by another solemn Mass with the ancient-instruments orchestra of Santiago. The Archbishop will preside in both Masses, accompanied by the full contingent of the Cathedral.
Those lucky enough to be on Santiago at the time shouldn't miss the celebrations, particularly since representatives of many Friends of the Camino Associations and Confraternities will be there. Tables are set in the three squares for those attending the "Misa de Gallo" with free hot chocolate,"torrijas" and "churros".

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