In the past, the Christmas holiday season was not as heavily involved in cultural battles, and the phrase “felices fiestas” did not have such a negative connotation among the Spanish right-wing parties, such as the PP and Vox. However, in recent years, these parties have made the use of “felices fiestas” a marker of lack of Christmas spirit. They now prefer the traditional “Feliz Navidad” greeting, feeling that the former is insufficiently festive. This shift has been championed by figures like Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who believes that there is a growing hatred towards Christianity that extends to Christmas itself.
According to Ayuso, there is a larger problem at hand, which goes beyond mere terminology and reflects an overall disdain for Christianity and its traditions. She warns against allowing the erasure of the word “Christmas” from public discourse, as she perceives a trend towards defaming the innocence and beauty associated with the holiday. This sentiment has been echoed by members of Vox and the PP, who have criticized left-wing parties for not using “feliz Navidad,” ignoring the fact that this is a common greeting, often used alongside “felices fiestas” by members of various political groups in Spain.
The focus on Christmas and its association with Christianity and Spanish identity has been particularly emphasized by right-wing parties like Vox. They see the Christmas season as an opportunity to promote their political agenda and to reinforce the connection between religious and national symbols. This has manifested in demands for more public displays of nativity scenes and heightened rhetoric around defending the Christian roots of Christmas against perceived threats from multiculturalism and secularism.
The debate around Christmas and its cultural significance is not unique to Spain, as similar discussions are taking place across Europe. Right-wing parties in countries like Italy and France are also leveraging the Christmas season to promote their agendas, framing the holiday as a symbol of national and Christian identity under siege from secular forces. This narrative has gained traction in recent years, with political leaders using the language of defending Christmas traditions to rally support and draw cultural battle lines.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Christmas greetings and public displays in Spain and Europe reflects broader cultural and political shifts. Right-wing parties are using the Christmas season as an opportunity to rally supporters, promote their agendas, and push back against perceived threats to traditional values and identities. This has led to heightened rhetoric around defending Christmas against multiculturalism and secularism, with the holiday becoming a central battleground in the larger culture war playing out across the continent. The intersection of religion, nationalism, and identity in the context of Christmas has become a key point of contention for right-wing parties seeking to mobilize support and define their political platforms.
