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There are many Christmas traditions around the world, as the Crib, the Christmas tree, Santa Claus…
We would like to show you the traditions of our city. If you're going to have the privilege of visiting Barcelona this month you'll discover:
Fira de Santa Llúcia
In the past was taking place on December, 13, on St. Lucia's day. At the present, the Fair begins the previous weekend and ends on December, 22. With over 200 years of tradition, is installed at the Cathedral Square and its surroundings. In its about 300 stalls, we can buy all kind of Christmas decoration as well as the characters to decorate the Crib, who are the true protagonists of the "Fira", especially for children.
The "Tió"
El Tio is a tree trunk, but is much more than this: is a magical character. It has eyes, mouth and legs, is dressed with the typical Catalan red hat and usually covered with a blanket against the cold.
On December,8th is placed in the dining room. Family have to take care with love and feed him daily, so that the “Tió” will give us a lot of gifts.
In Catalonia is not usual to celebrate Christmas Eve, the tradition is that the “Tio” kicks out gifts, and for this, children hit him with a stick while they sing a traditional song.
An alternative to Santa Claus, but also a way to receive gifts twice ...
The “Galets and Neules”
The traditional Catalan food is 'Escudella i carn d'olla with galets” a snail-shaped pasta, and for dessert, the “neules” a typical catalan sweets
Sant Esteve
On December 26th is a bank holiday in Catalonia, and tradition dictates meet again with family and eat cannelloni.
The reason why, dates back to centuries ago when Christmas was being held at the main family home and guests needed a whole day to get back at home on foot. Over time, this day became festive and today is celebrated like another family meeting.