In Italy, December 26th is a national holiday. It’s dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr and, let’s be honest, the unofficial patron of Christmas leftovers. Because yes, while Christmas Day is for feasting, Saint Stephen’s Day is perfect for finishing what’s in the fridge and visiting relatives.
But why this holiday? Aside from the religious reason (very important, of course), there’s also a practical one: extending the Christmas break. In 1947, the Italian government basically said, "You know what? One more day off can’t hurt." And here we are, happy to have an extra excuse to avoid going back to work too soon.
In Spain, however, December 26th is just another day. Why? Because Spaniards save all their festive energy for the Three Kings’ Day on January 6th. It’s like they’re saying, "Christmas is nice, but have you seen the gifts brought by three guys on camels?" Everyone has their priorities, and in Spain, the 26th is perfect for a quiet digestion day.