This year, the Alba family’s Christmas traditions have once again taken center stage. After a long-awaited gathering at the Liria Palace in Madrid, where nearly all members of the famous aristocratic dynasty sat at the same table, each decided to celebrate New Year’s Eve in their own way. The atmosphere within the family has noticeably improved: recent disagreements are now in the past, and joint celebrations have become possible thanks to the efforts of the current Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart.
Christmas Eve was celebrated in the traditional family circle. Carlos invited his brothers and sisters, including Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and his wife Bárbara Mirjan. Their presence symbolized reconciliation, as relations between some family members had been tense until recently. The only exception was Jacobo Siruela, who could not attend due to a busy schedule and the anniversary of his publishing house.
New Year’s Plans
However, on the eve of New Year’s, family harmony gave way to individual plans. As in many Spanish families, each member of the Alba family chose to welcome December 31st in their own circle. For some, it’s an opportunity to spend time with friends; for others, a chance to seek solitude or travel. Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, for example, admitted she doesn’t like traditional winter holidays and prefers to go somewhere where the Christmas atmosphere isn’t felt. This year, she will stay in Madrid and then head to the coast to enjoy the sun and sea.
Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, who recently underwent a complicated back surgery, is also not planning any major celebrations. His recovery went well, but the couple decided to postpone their honeymoon and spend the holidays in a calm setting. Bárbara Mirjan, his wife, insisted on staying close to family despite the temptation to travel.
Family changes
This year, the Alba family has seen a number of events that brought its members closer together. Notably, there was the recent wedding of the Duke of Arjona and Bárbara Mirjan, held at the Church of Cristo de los Gitanos, where the late Duchess of Alba once prayed. After the ceremony, guests attended a banquet at the Las Arroyuelas estate — a special place for Cayetano, inherited from his mother. The presence of nearly all siblings at this event marked an important step towards restoring family ties.
The story of Jacobo Siruela also drew attention. After his divorce from María Eugenia Fernández de Castro, he devoted himself to publishing. His absence from family gatherings is due not only to work commitments but also to personal circumstances. Nevertheless, the other family members make an effort to stay in touch and seize the chance to come together, at least for the year’s main holidays.
Health and support
This year, special attention was given to health. Aside from Cayetano, who made a successful recovery after surgery, the spotlight was on Fernando Martínez de Irujo. He underwent cancer treatment, and the results have been encouraging. Throughout his therapy, the family supported him, bringing the relatives even closer together.
Although not everyone could attend the Christmas dinner, the family’s atmosphere remains warm. Each member of the Alba family found their own way to celebrate the holidays, staying true to family traditions and supporting one another. For them, New Year’s is not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on their relationships and take steps toward one another.
In case you didn’t know, the Alba dynasty is one of the most renowned aristocratic families in Spain, with a history spanning several centuries. Their ancestral estates, such as the Liria Palace in Madrid and Arbaizenea in San Sebastián, are considered architectural treasures of the country. The Dukes of Alba have traditionally played a prominent role in Spain’s cultural and public life, and their family events consistently attract widespread attention.