Holiday Traditions Across the ChallengeEU Alliance
The ChallengeEU Alliance brings together nine universities from nine different countries. Members of our community are happy to share their cultures with one another – including the traditions that shape them. We invite you to explore a short guide to customs associated with the Christmas and New Year holiday season. From candlelit processions and Christmas markets to family feasts, carols, and small acts of kindness, the weeks around the end of the year look a little different in every country – yet they share a common spirit of togetherness. Below, our partner universities take you on a festive journey through their local traditions, favourite flavours, and the unique ways their campuses celebrate the season. Latvia: Candlelit Ziemassvētki, Nine Dishes and the Magic of Riga’s Christmas Market Christmas in Latvia is a blend of Christian tradition and deep-rooted pagan customs that honour light, nature, and renewal. The season begins with Advent, when homes glow with candles and the aroma of piparkūkas – spiced gingerbread – fills the air. On December 24th, Ziemassvētki, families gather for a warm and peaceful celebration. Many still observe the old custom of eating nine symbolic dishes, believed to bring strength and luck, e.g. grey peas with bacon for prosperity. The Christmas tree also has special significance here: Latvia is one of the first places in Europe where the decorated tree tradition was recorded, dating back to the 16th century. Instead of folk songs and ķekatas, many visitors today experience the festive atmosphere at the Riga Christmas Market, one of the most charming and celebrated markets in the world. Set in the heart of the Old Town, it glows with wooden stalls, handmade crafts, mulled wine, local delicacies, and traditional music. Tourists and locals gather around the towering Christmas tree in Doma Square, creating a warm, bustling contrast to the crisp winter air. Christmas in Latvia remains slow, candlelit, and deeply rooted in tradition – yet beautifully complemented by the magical charm of Riga’s world-famous market. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies has its own special Christmas traditions. One of the most elegant and anticipated events in the country is the Christmas Ball held in Jelgava Palace, bringing together students, staff, and guests for an evening of music, dancing, and rich historical atmosphere. Each year, LBTU also hosts a Christmas market organized by students and university employees, offering handmade gifts, festive treats, and a warm sense of community. Another cherished tradition is the LBTU Winter Solstice greeting, which highlights the university’s connection to Latvian seasonal heritage. Among the most significant traditions is the formal session of the LBTU Convent, a ceremonial gathering that reflects the university’s academic spirit and long–standing cultural identity. Spain: Twelve Grapes, the Christmas Lottery and Three Kings In Spain, Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition. Families and close friends gather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to share festive meals and joyful moments. New Year’s Eve is equally special: people flock to the main square of their city or village, holding twelve grapes to eat in rhythm with the twelve chimes of midnight. Finishing all twelve grapes before the last chime is believed to bring good luck in the year ahead. Another highlight of the season occurs on December 22, when the entire country tunes in to watch the National Christmas Lottery. Known as the largest lottery in the world, it boasts a prize pool of €2.7 billion, with more than 70% of Spaniards participating. Finally, on January 6, Spain celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Kings. Traditionally, Spanish children receive their gifts from the Reyes Magos rather than from Father Christmas. During the holidays, Christmas music echoes everywhere. Alongside global favorites like All I Want for Christmas Is You, traditional Spanish carols can be heard in Christmas markets, bustling streets, and department stores, adding a uniquely local charm to the festivities. Christmas in Spain is also a feast for the senses. Families enjoy dishes such as turkey, seafood, and comforting meatball soup, accompanied by classic sweets like nougat and polvorones. On January 6, the celebration continues with the Roscón de Reyes, a special cake hiding a bean inside. Whoever finds it is crowned “King” for the day, adding a playful tradition to the holiday table. At Universidad Europea de Valencia, the festive spirit fills every corner. Buildings are beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments and a grand tree, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. The university also partners with Fundación Mi Aportación to fulfill the wishes of underprivileged individuals who have written heartfelt letters. In addition, student clubs – ranging from sports to cultural groups – organize special activities to celebrate the season together. North Macedonia: Holiday Songs, Flavours, Buzmi and Badnik Traditions In North Macedonia, winter holidays are celebrated across communities through a mix of shared practices and distinct cultural traditions shaped by the country’s multiconfessional character. New Year’s Eve (31 December) is widely observed as a family celebration, marked by festive meals, visits, and gifts for children. Among Albanians, the holiday season carries an additional cultural layer rooted in the ancient traditions of Buzmi and Kërshëndellat – pre-Christian solstice rituals symbolizing renewal and the rebirth of light. The burning of the buzmi log expresses hopes for prosperity and good fortune, while Kërshëndellat are understood as të këndellunit e ditës së re – the awakening of the new day. Macedonian families observe Badnik on 6 January and Orthodox Christmas on 7 January. Across the country, all communities welcome the season with warm hospitality, family gatherings, and traditions that blend spiritual meaning with elements of older symbolism. Most families decorate Christmas trees as part of the New Year festivities. End-of-year celebrations also fill schools with laughter and excitement, as children present songs, dramas, and poems during festive concerts. During the winter holidays in North Macedonia, music reflects the country’s cultural diversity. Among Albanians, children often sing “Drenushat vrapojnë” (“The Does Are Running”), a playful winter song – similar in melody to Jingle Bells – that is especially popular around New Year.
