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Los Quintos of 2010 getting ready for the changeover by painting designated surfaces Dear citizens of the world, Although it might not seem like it, we are living in times of relative peace. European nations such as Spain and France gave up manditory military service at the end of the 20th century. However, traditions in Spain die hard. Los Quintos are the people who are turning 18 over the coming year. In the past, they would be weighed and measured in the city hall for their military service. Those found to be too short or too fat might be pardoned. In general, most would have to go and the unlucky ones would end up oversees in Western Sahara. The name Quintos comes from 1/5. Spanish Kings in the 15th century ordered that one-fifth of all men " Contribute Blood " by doing military service. They did not beat around the bush when they gave it that name... Los Quintos have changed in name and form in modern times. Now it is often written with a K as Kintos (Email and SMS texti

Baby Jesus has a booboo... or in Spanish....Tiene pupa! Dear Citizens of the world, This Baby Jesus or Niño Jesús – pronounced /NEENyo HayZUS/ in Spanish – is a traditional part of Christmas decorations in Spain, but with a makeover. This photo is from a Spanish hospital that made Niño Jesús look more like the patients so that they would laugh a bit and relate better. Although, you could say that the Niño Jesús got caught up in a fight between Santa and the Three Kings ( Los Tres Reyes Magos ). In Spain, the Three “Magic” Kings are the ones that have always brought the gifts to the good little boys and girls. Since they were the ones bringing gifts to Baby Jesus it only makes sense that they give to all children. A more traditional look at the Niño Jesus . Kings Day ( Reyes ) is on January 6th, which means that kids and teachers get an extra week off over the holidays. However, it also means that children didn't get their gifts until the 6th of January... after two weeks of vaca

Dear Citizens of the world, After finding this figure in a large nativity scene ( Belen in Spanish) in a small church in the Pyrenees. I immediately decided to find out more and write a blog. The cagón could be translated as the pooper, crapper or sh!tter. I will use the translation of " pooper " for this post. This image was shocking to me because I am used to the traditional scene of the happy family, three kings, angels, some farm animals, etc. Apparently, the tradition of the Nativity Pooper comes from the Catalan region of Spain. The Catalan name is " Cagagner " (click for orignal source in Spanish) . The Pooper is a symbol of good luck and prosperity: Poop = fertilizer = a good harvest = prosperity = happiness The pooper also gives a more "real" feel to the scenes. These nativities in Spain are huge. They cover several square meters with tons of bark, sand, dirt... and figures that include the poopers. The nativity scenes even include mechanized f