As of November 25th, the lights in Barcelona have been turned on. That can only mean one thing: It’s officially Christmas time. Every year, this city is filled to the brim with celebrations, festivals and markets that are sure to put anyone in the Christmas mood.
If this is your first Christmas in the Catalan capital, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know.
The Caga Tió: You may have started seeing these adorable creatures popping up all around the city. With santa being a bit too common for this quirky city, the Caga Tió has become the the bearer of presents and a quintessential symbol of Christmas in Barcelona. It is a log, often made each child themselves, with a face drawn on it, and often donned with a hat. As Christmas inches nearer, the children are tasked with taking care of their new Christmas friend, coving him or her with a blanket and feeding them as needed. On Christmas day, however, the Caga Tió is beaten by the children (seriously!) until the adorable creatures pop out your presents.
The dinner: Dinner is an important part of any Christmas. In Barcelona, it traditionally begins with a soup known as the Carn d’Olla. A large piece of meat is cooked in stock for hours to guarantee that it is thick and rich for a soup. The meat is then removed from the soup and Galets are added. These are large pieces of pasta that look like snail shells.
Most importantly, theres the feast of the Three Kings. On January 5th, the Three Kings arrive into Barcelona bearing present for the children of the city. Be sure to catch the parade at Placa Espanya.
Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the Christmas festivities happening this year around Barcelona
25.11.2016 – 23.12.2016 / Fira de Santa Llucia 2016 – Santa Lucia Christmas market Barcelona
29.11.2016 – 23.12.2016 / Sagrada Familia Christmas Market
16.12.2016 / La Rambla Christmas concert
17.12.2016 – 04.01.2017 / Plaça de Catalunya Christmas Festival
21.12.2016 – 06.01.2017 / Fira de Reis a la Gran Via – Christmas Market
25.12.2016 / Copa de Nadal – Christmas Day harbour swim 2016
Bon Nadal i Feliç Any Nou!
