Festive Markets for all the Senses
There is no better time of year to bring the senses to life than Christmas and what better place to do so than in Catalonia. From the smells and tastes of regional festive delicacies, to the sparkling lights of Christmas markets and sounds of local choirs and music, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the traditions of Catalonia.
The festivities kick off with the switch on of the Christmas lights across the region from the end of November across streets, businesses and homes. A Christmas Tio de Nadal is then bought and displayed in homes of families, a smiling hollow Christmas log which is a decoration unique to the region, packed with sweets and treats.
Celebrations don’t end on the 25th December either, on 6th January the Three Kings Procession begins and it’s the time when children are most excited as this is when they receive their presents. The fun starts the night before as three kings lead processions through towns and villages throughout Catalonia, throwing sweets to the children. The next morning, the children wake to find their presents have been left overnight, making it the ideal destination for a short family break to discover a new Christmas experience this year, completely unique to the region.
From now until the end of December, Christmas fairs and markets of Catalonia attract visitors from far and wide, offering a vast selection of local produce, gifts and festive decorations. Here are some of our top picks:
Fira De Santa Llucia Christmas Fair
Avinguda de la Catedral, Barcelona
Opens 30th November 2014
One of the oldest Christmas fairs in Catalonia, Fira de Santa Llucia celebrates 228 years in 2014. Attracting locals and visitors from aboard, it showcases s range of Christmas food and decorations as well as a renowned nativity scene on Avinguda de la Catedral, Barcelona.
http://en.firadesantallucia.cat/la_fira.php
Fair Fir Espinelves
Church Square, City Espinelves
6th & 7th December
This is one of the most unique Christmas markets in Catalonia and a must for anyone looking for unusual gifts and decorations. There are tons of Christmas trees creating a festive forest in the middle of the city and if all of that shopping works up an appetite, you can choose from an array of hot food and drink from local producers.
www.festacatalunya.cat/articles-mostra-1336-cat-fira_de_lyavet_a_espinelves.htm
Pessebre Vivent Castell d’Aro
Castell-Platja d’Aro
21,25, 26, 28 December at 7 pm
1, 4, 6 January
Experience the oldest nativity story show in Catalonia first hand with this innovative live performance, taking the audience through the biblical event. Set in the stunning Castell d’Aro, this event has been taking visitors back in time since 1959 and locals come together each year to play the different characters.
www.pessebrevivent.com/el-pessebre-vivent-de-castell-daro
Mercat Medieval
Vic City Centre
6th, 7th and 8th December
This large market reflects the medieval history of the city, host to local craftsmen selling decorations and local suppliers offering a variety of regional perfumes, soaps, cakes and cheese. This is a must for those looking to pick up some truly Catalan Christmas gifts.
www.vicfires.cat
For more information visit: www.catalunya.com
About the Catalunya Experience with Five Senses
Catalunya offers a range of experiences all year round to stimulate the senses. You can hear, taste, smell, touch and see the great quality of local life on your visit; the combination of beaches, landscape, cuisine and its great cultural artistic and architectural heritage.
Hear the sounds of the region at one of Catalunya’s many musical festivals from jazz, through to folk and pop, there’s performances to suit everyone’s tastes in a range of unique locations.
Taste & Smell the region offers a bountiful range of locally produced food and drink to tantalise the taste buds. The area has also been nominated for UNESCO, with produce recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Touch Catalunya, the region is packed with activities for those who love to get outdoors and active from cycle routes, hiking trails, kayaking and skiing with options for amateurs and professionals alike.
See some of the country’s most distinctive art and architecture, scattered across the region. Catalunya’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse, from the remnants of the first Greek City to the Catalan modernism art movement which is so distinctive.