How Do They Celebrate Christmas in Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Christmas is a grand celebration around the world, and Spain is no exception. Barcelona, being one of the most vibrant cities in Spain, celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm. If you’re planning to visit Barcelona during Christmas, you are in for a treat.

Christmas Markets

Barcelona has several markets during the festive season where you can purchase souvenirs, decorations, and gifts. The Fira de Santa Llúcia is one of the oldest markets in Barcelona and dates back to 1786. This market is held in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona and has over 300 stalls selling various items like Christmas trees, nativity scenes, figurines, candles, and much more.

The Christmas Lights

One of the major attractions during Christmas in Barcelona is the Christmas lights. The city’s streets are decorated with millions of lights that create a magical atmosphere. Passeig de Gracia is one of the most popular streets to witness these lights.

Nativity Scenes

A Nativity Scene or ‘El Belén’ as it’s called in Spanish is an important part of Catalan tradition. You’ll find these scenes all over the city during Christmas time. One such famous spot to witness a Nativity Scene is at Plaça Sant Jaume where they set up a life-size nativity scene with real animals.

Food & Drinks

Food plays an essential part during any celebration in Spain, and Christmas is no different. You’ll find several traditional Catalan dishes on menus across restaurants in Barcelona such as ‘Escudella i carn d’olla,’ which is a stew made from vegetables and meat or fishballs with squid ink.

No celebration in Spain is complete without wine or cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Cava is especially popular during the festive season as it pairs perfectly with sweet treats like turron (a type of nougat made with almonds and honey).

The Three Kings

The Three Kings or ‘Los Reyes Magos’ arrive in Barcelona on the 5th of January. This marks the end of the festive season in Spain.

They parade through the city on elaborate floats, throwing sweets to children. Children in Spain receive their Christmas presents on this day instead of Christmas day, making it an important event for families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas in Barcelona is a magical time where you can experience Catalan traditions and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. From traditional markets to life-size nativity scenes, there’s something for everyone during this time. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the Christmas lights and indulge in some delicious Catalan cuisine while you’re at it!