The holiday season in Barcelona is full of life and celebration. From the end of November until the beginning of January, the city is decorated with lights and ornaments. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, nativity scene construction, and the distinctive Catalan traditions of “Caga Tió” and “Caganer” are part of the festivities in Barcelona. Guests may have a fun shopping experience at Fira de Santa Llúcia, the primary Christmas market in the city. A big Christmas dinner with all the typical fixings is enjoyed by all the family on Christmas Day. After the Three Kings Parade, the Christmas season comes to a close.
Christmas Traditions in Barcelona
Here are some of the Christmas customs in Barcelona and it is because of these customs that Christmas is so unique in this city.
Christmas Lights
The city is dazzlingly lit up with lights and decorations from the end of November until the beginning of January. Renowned Spanish architects and designers have left their imprint on Barcelona’s principal roads and structures.
El Gordo: Spanish Christmas Lottery
On December 22, participants in the Spanish Christmas Lottery, affectionately called “el gordo” or “the fat one” in the local dialect, purchased their tickets after waiting in a long line of people. Prizes in this state-run lottery reach millions of euros, making it the biggest of its kind in the world.
Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve
Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, is the most magical night of the year in Barcelona, and hotels and restaurants prepare special meals to mark the occasion. Soups, roasts, fish, or stuffed turkey are common main courses after a variety of appetizers, including Ibérico ham, shellfish, and tasty cheeses.
Navidad, Christmas Day
On December 25, the Barcelonians gather with their families once again to celebrate Christmas Day, also known as Navidad, and a big feast of roast lamb is served.
Caga Tió
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is also when Caga Tió is released. A little log adorned with the iconic red Catalan hat, the Barretina, wears a mischievous grin on its face. Caga Tió simply means “Poo Log.” Youngsters take daily care of the Caga Tió between December 8th and Christmas Eve. Every night before bed, they give him Turron and wrap him in a blanket to keep him warm.
Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve
Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a time when masses of people gather outside to ring in the new year as one.
Three Kings Parade
On January 5, Barcelona plays home to the Three Kings Parade, also known as the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, a magnificent spectacle that pays tribute to the biblical Three Wise Men.
Festive Delights
The typical Spanish Christmas candy, turrón, gleams in the supermarket aisles, encased in glossy golden wrappers.
Christmas Markets
El Mercado de Navidad, a massive Christmas market in Barcelona, occupies the city’s biggest plaza, Plaza Mayor, every year.
Belén, Nativity Scenes
There is a strong Catholic culture in Barcelona, and as a result, nativity scenes, or belén, are quite popular there.