As with other traditions born beyond our borders (from celebrating Halloween, to eat panettone at Christmas, to give just a couple of examples), the advent calendars They have also conquered the markets in Spain. A nice way to countdown in december until Christmas day comes. But how are these calendars born and what exactly are they?
© Adobe StockITS ORIGIN
To find its origin we must travel to Protestant Germany. Apparently, it was there where, in the 19th centurythe tradition began to light a candle every Sunday of Advent, that is, the first period of the Christian liturgical year, prior to the Christmas. Later, there appeared calendars where exactly those were dated weeks prior to the arrival of December 25 (an interval of between 22 and 28 days, depending on the year). However, the Advent calendars that we know today and that fill stores on these dates all cover the same period: from December 1 to 24.
WHAT IS AN ADVENT CALENDAR?
Made up of small little windows -one per day- inside All kinds of products are hidden, both for children (toys, etc…), and for the elderly (those that contain products from iconic perfumery and cosmetic brands are among the most desired). There are also many calendars hidden inside. food-related products. In particular chocolates and bonbons, but also infusions, teas, coffees, beers…These below are just some that we can acquire this Christmas 2024:
LINDT
© LindtThe Swiss chocolate company is launching again this year a wide range of calendars of Advent, of different prices and aimed at both adults as well as the little ones. Among the children, the novelty for this Christmas it’s ‘Lindt TEDDY,’ a calendar that, in addition to hiding chocolates, brings with it every day an episode of a augmented reality story, starring is iconic teddy bear. To do this, the box contains a QR code which leads to an explanatory video to discover how to access this experience. The calendars are on sale at both Lindt stores, as well as in your store on-line.
More information: www.lindt.es
ROCAMBOLESC
© RocambolescEvery year the Advent calendar Jordi Roca (pastry chef at El Celler de Can Roca and in charge of the Roscambolesc and Casa Cacao ice cream parlours) is one of the most coveted. Inside the cells of this ‘Advent Magic Circus’ There are different preparations: varieties of chocolates, cookies, candiesrocks, powder kegs, clouds… It is a limited edition, whose cost is 75 euros and can be purchased online.
More information: rocambolesc.com
VALRHONA
The French chocolate house Valrhona also launches Advent calendars every year to sweeten children and adults. The one we see in the image offers a varied assortment of chocolates (pralines, dipped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, chocolates black and white Christmas…). It has a price of 27.20 euros and can be purchased on-line.
© ValrhonaMore information: www.valrhona-collection.es
NESTLE
© NestleWith a very attractive and colorful design, the Nestlé Extrafino Advent calendar has 24 different chocolate figurines, and it is one of the most affordable. It can be found in supermarkets and large stores for an approximate price of 5 euros.
More information: company.nestle.es
THE SAGRA
© La SagraThe world of beers It also adds to the Advent calendars. We find an example in La Sagra, a Toledo brewing company, and its calendar proposal that includes 21 bottles + 3 surprise gifts. It is for sale in your store on-line for a price of 54.99 euros.
More information: beerlasagra.es
GALICIA STAR
© Estrella GaliciaBigcrafters, Estrella Galicia’s online store also returns this year with its Advent calendar edition, with 24 beers of different styles. Each of them includes access to a video tasting to learn a little better about its properties and characteristics. It is for sale in the web of Bigcrafters for a price of 50.85 euros.
More information: bigcrafters.com
CUPPER
© CupperThe English tea brand Cupper launches two calendars of Advent in which are included 24 infusions of 12 different flavors. In the most economical (4.59 euros) classics appear like Keep Calm, Green tea with lemon either Love me truly Chai. While the calendar premium (in the image, 12.99 euros) there are superior quality teas and infusions such as Winded Spice Orange, Wonderful Morning either Warm Hug.
More information: @cupper_tes
POMPADOUR
© PompadourIn each box of the Pompadur Advent calendar are hidden two bags infusion that can be mixed to discover different flavor combinations. Its price is 16.55 euros and is for sale in web from this iconic and popular infusion company.
More information: pompadour.es
TEA SHOP
© Tea ShopAnother option for infusion lovers is the Tea Shop proposal. A beautiful calendar now available in stores, which presents a mix of teas and infusions to discover every day from December until Christmas. Among them, options such as Chai Latte, Chocolate Temptation, Earl Gray Superior, and many more. Its price is 34.95 euros.
More information: teashop.com
THE NOA NOA
© eselnoanoaThe Barcelona bookstore-cafe El Noa Noa has once again launched its Advent calendar this Christmas, ideal for coffee lovers. Inside, 24 cans, each with 20 grams of coffee of the best specialty coffee roasters. Each can also contains a QR code with access to information about the selected coffee and how to get the most out of it. Price: 65 euros. It is available in both web as in the stores in Grà cia and Eixample
More information: elnoanoa.es
NORDES
© NordésThe Nordés gin brand is launching again this year a very original Advent calendar: in its 24 compartments we find gifts inspired by Galician tradition and crafts (this gin is made in Galicia): glasses, coasters, ceramic bowls, magnets, an apron… It is for sale in the web de Nordés (the ‘Buy’ tab directs you to the store on-line of Osborne, the group to which it belongs), and there, although at the time of writing these lines it says that the calendar is not available, the brand explains to us that it will be available again. Price: 89.50 euros.
More information: nordesgin.com