See also:
- Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour
- Pictures of Christmas in Barcelona
- Where to Go in December in Spain
Scatalogical Christmas Traditions in Barcelona
Most regions don't even get one poo-related traditional figure, but the Catalans get two (some of you might find the following a little distasteful):- Caganer A little porcelain gnome-like figure with his trousers down, defecating somewhere in the nativity scene. Children enjoy looking for the little guy, who is often hidden among the more traditional items. Surprisingly not invented by the post-South Park generation - Caganer has been offering his unique presents to the nativity scene since at least the middle of the 18th or 19th century, depending on who you believe, although in recent years the Catalan government has banned him from official displays. See a picture of a Caganer.
- Tio de Nadal or Caga Tió A log, painted with a smiley face and cared for from after El Dia de Inmaculada, which is December 8. Then, either on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve (it varies), the children beat the log (and throw him into the fire, if they have one) and sing songs enticing it to 'shit some presents'. Spanish speakers among you should note that 'Caga Tió' does not mean 'Shit Uncle' - 'tió' is Catalan for 'log'. See a Caga Tio.
You will see all of this on this Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour
See more Strange Christmas Traditions in Spain
Christmas Market in Barcelona
The feria de Santa Lucia runs from early December until Christmas Eve and can be found outside the Cathedral, in Plaça de la Seu and Plaça Nova. (nearest Metro: Jaume I). Here you will find all sorts of hand made gifts, intricate nativity scenes and the Caga Tió log (something you'll struggle to find anywhere else!).Christmas Eve in Barcelona
Midnight mass as Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day is very important in Spain (presumably as the Catholics rush to confess to their Christmas gluttony!)The biggest 'misa del gallo' is at the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat near Barcelona
Three Kings Procession in Barcelona
On December 5, as is the case throughout Spain, the Three Kings lead their procession through the city. In Barcelona the procession starts shortly after five o'clock at Portal de la Pau and finishes around nine at Montjuïc. You can expect large crowds, so arrive early.On the night of December 5, children leave a shoe out for the Three Kings to fill (stockings clearly aren't so common in this Mediterranean climate!).
