1786 was the first year of Barcelona Christmas Market. It was held in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral on Avenida de la Catedral, in the Gothic quarter. Till our days it is celebrated here and is called The Fira de Santa Llúcia. Even if, Barcelona is not on the top 10 Christmas Markets cities. We assure you that it has it’s charm and prettiness. Barcelona begins to prepare for the Christmas from the mid of November and till the end of November all the city is glittering with lights. Barcelona Christmas Markets give their charm and festive feeling to the city.
The main Christmas Markets in Barcelona are:
Feria de Santa Llúcia – opens its Market on 25th of November and lasts till 23rd of December.
Feria de Navidad de la Sagrada Familia – opens its Market on 25th of November and lasts till 23rd of December.
Fira de Reis de la Gran Vía – opens its Market on 21st of November and lasts till 6th of January.
Feria de Santa Llúcia is the biggest one, and the most popular within tourists. Four weeks filled with enchanting encounters, colorful stands full of fantastic gift ideas. Joy and lights transform into a paradise the traditional “Pessebres”, Tió de Nadal and Caganer.
“Pessebres” – the nativity scene, is the most traditional (dating back to the 4th century) Christmas decoration in Catalonia.
Tió de Nadal(“Christmas Log”) but its popular name is “Caga Tió” (“Shitting Log”). A hollow log with red blanket on it. And on Christmas Eve, children hit with a stick in order to make it “drop” them some gifts.
Caganer – is another traditional figurine that symbolizes fertility and prosperity in the following year. The man with his trousers round his ankles, is captured in the act of defecation. Caganer goes together with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the nativity scene. Nowadays, it is popular that this figures to be celebrities and politicians.
The spiritual environment and traditions preserved with great care and sentiment, fascinates both the young and the old. The enormous choice within original, stylish and precious goods makes people to come and buy a lot of gifts for Christmas holidays.
How to get there: Metro Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4), Bus – Via Laietana / Jutjats: 45, 120, V15, V17
Feria de la Sagrada Familia. Nestling the Market right in front of Sagrada Familia it is full of stands teem with gift ideas, nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. Every stand has their own special features, highlighting passionate and enthusiastic craftsmen of Catalonia. It is much smaller than Feria de Santa Llúcia. Has less variety of gifts, but this doesn’t make it less attractive.
Apart of Christmas gifts, you can find a great choice of candies, roasted chestnuts, roasted or baked sweet potatoes and preserved fruits (candied or glazed fruit) selling on the stands.
How to get there: Metro Sagrada Familia (Blue Line, L5) and ( Purple Line, L2), Bus Mallorca / Marina: 19, 33, 34, 50, 51, H10
We enjoy having a natural Christmas tree every year in our house. But we don’t like this to be cut every year for few days of Christmas Holidays. That is why, we use to buy a tree with roots. In January we leave it on the street. There is a special company that collect all the Christmas trees and plant these in mountains. So maybe we will buy our tree next year.
Apart of these Christmas Markets, in the city are other markets in every district. Much smaller and with less variety of products.
I love the atmosphere at Christmas markets!! Thanks for sharing x
Author
Thank you Tori for your comment. We do like as well Christmas markets, these prepare us for an amazing Christmas holidays and help us feel festive during all December.