This traditional Christmas fair counts with over 270 stalls on Avinguda de la Catedral (in [...]]]> Santa Llúcia Fair (Fira de Santa Llúcia) is one of the most beautiful Catalan traditions and it is celebrated every year during the month of December. This fair is celebrated in many towns and villages of Catalonia but the most famous is the one held in Barcelona.

This traditional Christmas fair counts with over 270 stalls on Avinguda de la Catedral (in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral) selling nativity figures, Christmas trees, craft items and friction drums - zambombas.

Preparing for the arrival of the Christmas Holidays, a tradition in Spain (as in many other places), is to prepare and decorate the houses with Christmas decorations and nativity figures. This Fair offers you the chance to find small and nice details to decorate your house to welcome Christmas time.

Part of these details include the local and traditional figures “el caganer” o “el pixaner” which are oftenly represented in a funny way by famous characters of the year that is ending:

Or the figure of the beloved Mr. Tió, which belongs to a tradition for children where they receive small gifts from Mr. Tió (see picture) after gently hitting it with a stick when singing a catalan song called “cagatió”:

April 23rd is the feast of Sant Jordi (Diada de Sant Jordi), the patron Saint of Catalonia. The tradition is that the man buys the woman a rose and the woman buys the man a book, although this is not just between lovers, it is also between friends, workmates, [...]]]>

April 23rd is the feast of Sant Jordi (Diada de Sant Jordi), the patron Saint of Catalonia. The tradition is that the man buys the woman a rose and the woman buys the man a book, although this is not just between lovers, it is also between friends, workmates, … . It is a very colourful day as you will see almost everybody carrying at least one rose.

Although Sant Jordi is not a public holiday, city centre (and Las Ramblas specially) is totally packed with people walking around looking for books and roses or simply enjoying the atmosphere.

As it is also Book´s day (Dia del Llibre) there are lots of bookstalls where you can even see writers signing their own books.

It is a very romantic day, although in recent years is getting more commercial, but still a very enjoyable day.

Tip: April 23rd is the only day of the year that the Palau de la Generalitat is open to the public. It is a magnificent building so it is a highly recommended visit. Big queues are expected so try to get there early.

Tags: sant jordi, dia del llibre

Although Valentines Day is not as popular as it is in other European countries as Catalans have their own Valentines Day in April (Sant Jordi), it is getting more and more popular in recent years.

Here is an example of what you can find today on Las Ramblas, although flowers may be expensive they are worth [...]]]>

Although Valentines Day is not as popular as it is in other European countries as Catalans have their own Valentines Day in April (Sant Jordi), it is getting more and more popular in recent years.

Here is an example of what you can find today on Las Ramblas, although flowers may be expensive they are worth it as it will make happy your other half  .