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EnglishChristmas in Barcelona
- Catalan traditions: nativity scenes, the Tió de Nadal that children sing to in order to get sweets, Papá Noel who comes on the night of the 24th to the 25th, and the Reyes Magos, whom many still prefer to wait for. On the table: turrón and polvorones.
- Key dates: on the 24th, Nochebuena, dinner with family or friends; on the 25th, El Día de Navidad, lunch with galets de Nadal; on the 26th, Sant Esteve; on the 31st, Nochevieja; on 6 January, Día de Reyes Magos, after the Three Kings' parade.
- Customs: on Sant Esteve, children stand on a chair and recite a poem in return for some money. On New Year's Eve: make a wish and eat 12 green grapes at midnight, wear red underwear, and toast with a ring in your glass.
- Christmas markets: the Fira de Santa Llúcia, held since 1786 on Plaça de la Seu; the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Família, with its 120 stalls; and the Poble Espanyol, with its workshops.
- Key point: Barcelona packs Catalan traditions, fixed dates and craft markets into a period that runs from 24 December to 6 January.
The most joyful time of the year is fast approaching, so get ready: it will soon be time to get into the true Christmas spirit. What better way to spend your holidays than in the charming city of Barcelona? Of course, Barcelona has a lot to offer at this time of year. The beautiful old buildings, the narrow streets and the warm atmosphere make a perfect backdrop for a Christmas holiday, without the freezing cold. As this is the season for being generous and kind to others, here is everything you need to know about Christmas time in Barcelona.
What is Christmas like in Barcelona?
There are special Catalan traditions at Christmas. First of all, you will probably come across nativity scenes showing the birth of Jesus. Second, one of the most important traditions for children is the Tió de Nadal (Nadal means Christmas in Catalan), a figure from Catalan folklore that children sing songs to in order to get sweets. Third, Papá Noel (Father Christmas) comes on the night of the 24th to the 25th to bring presents too. However, many people still prefer to wait for the Reyes Magos (the Three Kings). Catalan Christmas is also celebrated with typical sweets such as polvorones and turrón.
Special dates
24/12 Nochebuena: (Christmas Eve) on this evening, families or friends usually get together at someone's home to have dinner together.
25/12 El Día de Navidad: (Christmas Day) is a day of celebration, traditionally spent with loved ones and great food, including galets de Nadal, the large pasta shells served in the Christmas soup. Lunch is usually with the family, and there are always typical desserts such as turrón. In the evening, people often meet up with friends and go to the cinema or a bar, for example.
26/12 Sant Esteve: This is St Stephen's Day. Once again there is plenty of food and dessert. There is also a widespread tradition in which children stand on chairs and recite a poem, and receive some money as a reward.
31/12 Nochevieja: (New Year's Eve) This night comes with its own traditions: make a wish and eat 12 green grapes as the clock strikes midnight, wear red underwear, and toast with a ring inside your glass of champagne. Traditionally, people meet up with friends once the new year has officially begun. Barcelona has plenty of parties and special events in hotels and clubs to celebrate the night.
6/1 Día de Reyes Magos: (Three Kings' Day) this is the day when everyone gets presents under the Christmas tree. And of course, it is children's favourite day. The celebrations start the evening before, with the arrival of the Three Kings and their parade through Barcelona.
What can you do at Christmas in Barcelona?
Christmas markets
Fira de Santa Llúcia: This is the largest market in the city and one of the oldest, held since 1786. It is just outside the cathedral, on Plaça de la Seu. You will find Christmas trees, decorations, nativity figures and an area for craft products for Christmas presents. As you stroll between the stalls, you will see the cathedral beautifully lit up by twinkling Christmas lights.
Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família: It is not as busy as the Fira de Santa Llúcia, but it is another ideal place for your Christmas shopping, in a beautiful setting near the Sagrada Família. It also offers plenty of craft products from its 120 stalls of gifts and Christmas decorations. The market is popular with children because Father Christmas visits to collect their letters and hand out balloons and sweets.
Christmas at the Poble Espanyol: this is one of the most visited Christmas attractions in the city. The Poble Espanyol village opens its doors with no shortage of decorations, which create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Here you will find activities for the whole family, such as workshops, shows and play areas. The market itself is full of gifts and traditional Spanish crafts. The youngest members of the family can also meet the Three Kings and hand over their Christmas letters in person.
We hope this article has given you an idea of what Christmas is like in Barcelona. Get your favourite winter jumper ready and prepare for this delightful festive season. Alveo Search wishes you all the best and a very happy Christmas.
Source: barcelona-home
Thomas Rouer is the founder of Alveo Search and the CEO of the Alveo group. Based in Spain for almost ten years, he develops property services designed for the specific needs of foreign buyers.
His expertise covers every aspect of buying property in Spain: understanding the market, searching for and selecting properties, negotiation, financing, paperwork, tax and securing the purchase process.
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