There is quite a debate across Spain regarding whether Santa Claus is displacing the traditional Three Kings at Christmastime in Spain. The truth is that Santa Claus is becoming more and more common, but even families that sign up with “Papa Noel” usually keep their accounts open with the Kings.

Since its inception in 1978 most annual editions of the 'Paris Dakar Rally' began in Paris and crossed Andalucia to North Africa en Route to Dakar in Sengal. Some years the start location was changed from Paris. In 1995 and 1996 the start was in Granada.