Several million visitors come to the Catalan capital every year. It has to be said that the bustling city of Barcelona appeals to an eclectic public with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its colourful architecture and its golden beaches. But Barcelona is much more than a metropolis, it is the name of a whole province and an ideal starting point for the whole of Catalonia. A region with many Christmas traditions that are magical to discover during the Advent period. Between gastronomy, culture and festivities, this is a perfect getaway that will delight the whole family.

Christmas trees and Christmas markets

Christmas means Christmas trees. To see a bit of the country and accompany the Catalans in choosing their Christmas tree, head for Espinelves, southwest of the Guilleries massif and north of the Montseny massif. This village offers to the visitor a show of shades of green quite impressive. Rural, the air that one breathes there is fresh and the fresh water is drunk there with great gulps. And, every second week of December, the big Christmas tree fair takes place in the town centre and attracts Catalans from all walks of life who come to choose their Christmas tree. It is a way for the village to make its large coniferous forests better known. And for us to offer a little nature getaway

To enjoy the Advent festivities, what better way than to wander through the aisles of the Christmas markets. If you can find one just about anywhere in the region, starting with Barcelona. The oldest and certainly the most magical of the markets in the Catalan city is the Santa Llúcia Christmas market, which has been held every year in the Plaza Nova (opposite the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia and the Holy Cross) since the 18th century. The stalls sell handicrafts, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, and a multitude of santons and other small objects to decorate the nativity scenes. Other markets can be found at the Sagrada Familia, in the Poble Espanyol, along the Gran Via Les Corts Catalanes, etc. These are all great opportunities to discover the traditions that are so typical of the region at the time of the end of the year celebrations

Traditions that are emblematic of Catalonia

Catalan Christmas is full of its own traditions. These include the pessebre, which means stable, or Christmas crib, and "El pessebre vivent", the living crib. The Catalans are certainly more attached to their pessebre than to the Christmas tree, which became part of their Christmas ritual much later. In the pessebres, not only do the classic characters of the Nativity enter, but also those of everyday life, such as the farmer, the miller, the baker... a skilful alchemy between the sacred and the profane. But in the Catalan cribs, there is a little more... Take a close look at the ones you will see on display during the Christmas season. Have you noticed anything special? Yes, you've seen it, that little character crouching in the corner of these Nativity scenes. It is the famous Caganer, literally "the pain in the ass". You are not dreaming, he is indeed defecating. This atypical santon, traditionally dressed in Catalan costume, symbolizes prosperity and repels bad omens. Moreover, his excrements make the earth fertile and thus improve the coming harvests. It is also an explicit reminder that all people are equal when it comes to biological functions. This figurine appeared in the 17th century, but nowadays it changes its appearance every year and ironically takes on the faces of politicians, artists or top sportsmen. A typical souvenir to slip into your suitcase before the plane home

Another object that is part of the Catalan tradition is the Tió de Nadal (Christmas log), also known as Caga Tió. On 8 December, a small log is taken, eyes, mouth and nose are drawn on it, it is placed in the living room and covered with a blanket so that it does not catch cold. Every day we feed him fruits, vegetables, bread and water so that he grows. Then, little by little, out of sight of the children, the log is changed by a bigger one until Christmas day. And then it is the magic moment when the children tap Nadal's Tió with a small stick so that he "shits" sweets while singing a rhyme that all children in the north and south of Catalonia learn at school: " Caga Tió - Avellanes i torrons - No cagués arrengades - Que son massa salades - Caga torrons - Que son més bons..."

The Three Wise Men parade, the real distribution of gifts

Finally, the Catalan tradition is that it is the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar) who bring the gifts to the children. On the evening of 5 January, they arrive in beautiful parades on their floats, accompanied by the "royal postmen" who have come to collect the children's letters. In Barcelona, the Cavalcada de Reis starts at around 6 p.m. from the Avenida Marquès de l'Argentera (at the Parc de la Ciutadella). A magnificent show for young and old! Competing with Santa Claus, the Three Wise Men remain an institution throughout Spain. Children usually receive a small gift on Christmas Eve, but you have to wait for the arrival of the Three Wise Men to receive a big gift. According to tradition, children who have not been good only receive a small canvas bag filled with sugar coals.

A typical gastronomy

With one foot in the mountains and the other in the sea, Catalonia has known how to take advantage of the quality raw materials that surround it. Game, charcuterie, seafood and fish make up authentic dishes, sometimes rustic in winter, with Mediterranean flavours.

Gourmets will not be disappointed in Catalonia by the Christmas Eve ressopet. As an aperitif, they can enjoy a glass of Christmas muscatel, accompanied by roasted and salted almonds, anchovies from Collioure and various Catalan cold cuts. This will be followed by seafood products (knowing that the Catalans love lobster stew with rancio and marc de banyuls during the major holidays). Foie gras is sometimes added to the menu, even if it is Catalanized with a hint of cinnamon and a few figs

Those with a sweet tooth can extend the meal with a cappo rostit de Nadal (a Christmas roast capon) stuffed with ham and dried fruit or with the traditional goose with Cerdanya pears. The meal will end with several sweet notes. The traditional braç de gitano (gypsy's arm) can be enjoyed with a glass of Muscat de Rivesaltes. At the end of the meal, you will have to honour the chocolates, dried fruits, torron in all its forms (dark, white, with honey, almonds, pine nuts or hazelnuts), crunchy almonds and rousquilles. Bon appétit... and happy holidays!

Useful information

When is it? Advent is obviously the time to discover and enjoy all the Christmas traditions of the region, starting with this typical gastronomy. You can enjoy different atmospheres in the province of Barcelona and in Catalonia all year round

How to get there. By plane, train or bus, everything is possible. Even if obviously the plane is the easiest way to reach Barcelona.

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Useful. To prepare for your Catalan getaway in the best possible way

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