Barcelona on Xmas: holidays, but the Mediterranean way
It might not be a white Xmas destination, but the festive season has a lot to offer in Barcelona. Plus, bizarre traditions.
Traditional markets full of non-traditional surprises
How do people in Barcelona celebrate Christmas? Of course, finding your way around this jolly season on the Mediterranean coast is something you have integrated if you are local or, at least, Spanish. Still, things get challenging when you’re a foreigner paying a visit or relocating to Barcelona, trying to find out what people do to celebrate such a traditional time—wondering where expats go in Barcelona for Christmas? Here you have some answers.
As in many parts of Europe, there are many traditional markets in Barcelona full of local designers, artisans and all sorts of objects and gastronomy. The leading Christmas fair is the Santa Llúcia market, which has been going on for more than 225 years - you will find it in the same square as the main Gothic cathedral.
Also, the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Familia ground (the most iconic church in the city) is a lovely plan and a great way to experience Christmas in Barcelona, as well as the Port Vell Fair and the Food Artisan’s market.
The main thing here is where to find the markets and, more importantly, *what*. The Catalan traditions are surprising and bizarre; they definitely cause an impressión.
First, we have the caganers, which are little figurines of, basically, a person defecating on the ground placed on the Nativity scene; traditionally, a Catalan farmer dressed in the local attire, now they are public people like Trump and Messi—doing their thing. Pants down. Yeah, no words. One could think the Church is against this, but no, everybody is fully aware of the caganers and loves them.
Also, and following the world of all things scatological, we have the Tió. This is an antique Xmas tradition that consists in adopting a wood block with a face painted on, a little hat, and legs that families “feed” for days and cover to sleep; then, the day Xmas Eve arrives, kids hit the Tió with a stick singing a specific song to make it, yes, again, defecate presents. Leaving the learning this situation might bring the kids aside; you get the mood here with the toilet situation. Living Christmas as an expat in Barcelona can be tricky, but knowing these two traditions will make you quickly adapt to the local environment. For sure.
As in many parts of Europe, there are many traditional markets in Barcelona full of local designers, artisans and all sorts of objects and gastronomy. The leading Christmas fair is the Santa Llúcia market, which has been going on for more than 225 years - you will find it in the same square as the main Gothic cathedral.
Also, the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Familia ground (the most iconic church in the city) is a lovely plan and a great way to experience Christmas in Barcelona, as well as the Port Vell Fair and the Food Artisan’s market.
The main thing here is where to find the markets and, more importantly, *what*. The Catalan traditions are surprising and bizarre; they definitely cause an impressión.
First, we have the caganers, which are little figurines of, basically, a person defecating on the ground placed on the Nativity scene; traditionally, a Catalan farmer dressed in the local attire, now they are public people like Trump and Messi—doing their thing. Pants down. Yeah, no words. One could think the Church is against this, but no, everybody is fully aware of the caganers and loves them.
Also, and following the world of all things scatological, we have the Tió. This is an antique Xmas tradition that consists in adopting a wood block with a face painted on, a little hat, and legs that families “feed” for days and cover to sleep; then, the day Xmas Eve arrives, kids hit the Tió with a stick singing a specific song to make it, yes, again, defecate presents. Leaving the learning this situation might bring the kids aside; you get the mood here with the toilet situation. Living Christmas as an expat in Barcelona can be tricky, but knowing these two traditions will make you quickly adapt to the local environment. For sure.
The lights are up!
Following with the best things to do at Christmas in Barcelona, there are the Llums de Sant Pau or Sant Pau Lights; the fabulous modernist Hospital Sant Pau buildings, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, are covered from top to toe in Christmas illuminations and light displays transforming it into a Christmas garden that resembles a fairytale scenery.
Visitors can walk along a 1.5 km illuminated dreamlike environment surrounded by lights and whimsical backgrounds when the sun comes down. Quaint and cozy.
Visitors can walk along a 1.5 km illuminated dreamlike environment surrounded by lights and whimsical backgrounds when the sun comes down. Quaint and cozy.
Celebrating with food
Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona as a local is easy if you like good food; tasting the Xmas sweets and nougat is definitely a must. Go inside traditional bakeries and ask for “turrón”: you will be happily surprised. Also, watch out for the restaurants and gastronomy hot spots in Barcelona and remember to make a reservation; many people like to enjoy the season at a table!
Find your room in Barcelona
It might not be a white Xmas destination, but the festive season has a lot to offer in Barcelona. Plus, bizarre traditions.
Traditional markets full of non-traditional surprises
How do people in Barcelona celebrate Christmas? Of course, finding your way around this jolly season on the Mediterranean coast is something you have integrated if you are local or, at least, Spanish. Still, things get challenging when you’re a foreigner paying a visit or relocating to Barcelona, trying to find out what people do to celebrate such a traditional time—wondering where expats go in Barcelona for Christmas? Here you have some answers.
As in many parts of Europe, there are many traditional markets in Barcelona full of local designers, artisans and all sorts of objects and gastronomy. The leading Christmas fair is the Santa Llúcia market, which has been going on for more than 225 years - you will find it in the same square as the main Gothic cathedral.
Also, the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Familia ground (the most iconic church in the city) is a lovely plan and a great way to experience Christmas in Barcelona, as well as the Port Vell Fair and the Food Artisan’s market.
The main thing here is where to find the markets and, more importantly, *what*. The Catalan traditions are surprising and bizarre; they definitely cause an impressión.
First, we have the caganers, which are little figurines of, basically, a person defecating on the ground placed on the Nativity scene; traditionally, a Catalan farmer dressed in the local attire, now they are public people like Trump and Messi—doing their thing. Pants down. Yeah, no words. One could think the Church is against this, but no, everybody is fully aware of the caganers and loves them.
Also, and following the world of all things scatological, we have the Tió. This is an antique Xmas tradition that consists in adopting a wood block with a face painted on, a little hat, and legs that families “feed” for days and cover to sleep; then, the day Xmas Eve arrives, kids hit the Tió with a stick singing a specific song to make it, yes, again, defecate presents. Leaving the learning this situation might bring the kids aside; you get the mood here with the toilet situation. Living Christmas as an expat in Barcelona can be tricky, but knowing these two traditions will make you quickly adapt to the local environment. For sure.
As in many parts of Europe, there are many traditional markets in Barcelona full of local designers, artisans and all sorts of objects and gastronomy. The leading Christmas fair is the Santa Llúcia market, which has been going on for more than 225 years - you will find it in the same square as the main Gothic cathedral.
Also, the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Familia ground (the most iconic church in the city) is a lovely plan and a great way to experience Christmas in Barcelona, as well as the Port Vell Fair and the Food Artisan’s market.
The main thing here is where to find the markets and, more importantly, *what*. The Catalan traditions are surprising and bizarre; they definitely cause an impressión.
First, we have the caganers, which are little figurines of, basically, a person defecating on the ground placed on the Nativity scene; traditionally, a Catalan farmer dressed in the local attire, now they are public people like Trump and Messi—doing their thing. Pants down. Yeah, no words. One could think the Church is against this, but no, everybody is fully aware of the caganers and loves them.
Also, and following the world of all things scatological, we have the Tió. This is an antique Xmas tradition that consists in adopting a wood block with a face painted on, a little hat, and legs that families “feed” for days and cover to sleep; then, the day Xmas Eve arrives, kids hit the Tió with a stick singing a specific song to make it, yes, again, defecate presents. Leaving the learning this situation might bring the kids aside; you get the mood here with the toilet situation. Living Christmas as an expat in Barcelona can be tricky, but knowing these two traditions will make you quickly adapt to the local environment. For sure.
The lights are up!
Following with the best things to do at Christmas in Barcelona, there are the Llums de Sant Pau or Sant Pau Lights; the fabulous modernist Hospital Sant Pau buildings, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, are covered from top to toe in Christmas illuminations and light displays transforming it into a Christmas garden that resembles a fairytale scenery.
Visitors can walk along a 1.5 km illuminated dreamlike environment surrounded by lights and whimsical backgrounds when the sun comes down. Quaint and cozy.
Visitors can walk along a 1.5 km illuminated dreamlike environment surrounded by lights and whimsical backgrounds when the sun comes down. Quaint and cozy.
Celebrating with food
Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona as a local is easy if you like good food; tasting the Xmas sweets and nougat is definitely a must. Go inside traditional bakeries and ask for “turrón”: you will be happily surprised. Also, watch out for the restaurants and gastronomy hot spots in Barcelona and remember to make a reservation; many people like to enjoy the season at a table!
Find your room in Barcelona
