Guide to Barcelona

Family activities in Barcelona during Christmas

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 15:47

Barcelona events and fiestas

Every year a lot of people decide to spent Christmas in Barcelona.During this time the city lights up and becomes a place full of wonderfull activities.When you don't have a idea about whats going on in Barcelona during Christmas time it might be a fun experience exploring iti for yourself but the possibility of missing out on some great activities would increase.Thats why we have some family activities written down that are sure worth doing during your stay in Barcelona.

Caga Tio

Also called Tio de Nadal, Caga Tio might have a different meaning in Spanish but in Catalan it means poop log, it is part of the Catalan mythology related to the Christmas tradition that is widespread through Cataluna.While originaly a piece of wood in more recent years the log has been given a smiley face and sometimes legs as well.

The tradition begins on December 8 at the feast of the immaculate conception, where kids cover tio with a blanket to protect him from the cold and they feed him a little bit to "eat".During this month Tio will grow a lot  ( often being parents replacing the log with bigger ones) after that he is fully grown. means he is full with sweets and/or presents for the children.

Traditionally at Christmas evening or Christmas day he is placed in the fireplace where he poops out the candy eventually, but since nowadays people do not have a fireplace in their homes he is ususally put in the centre of the room covered with a blanket ready for the festivities to start.Kids then will gather around Tio and hit him with a stick while they are singing songs to make him drop the sweets and threats.

After the children are exhausted the caga Tio is ready to poop the gifts , traditionally it was fruit but nowadays it if more often candy and gifts like toys or even an x-box.The parents usually slip the presents and sweets under the blanket quickly when the kids are beating up the log, allthough it is also commen to have them place the gifts under the blanket beforehand.

Caganer

Another fest that by some is considered distastefull. But it usually is a lot of fun for children.
In most nations Christmas decorations consist of the typical nativity scenes which contain the birth of Christ.In Spain, southern France and most parts of Italy there is usually a bigger scene used as the Christmas decoration,namely the city of Bethlehem.

So its more of the whole city instead of just one scene.It is Catalan tradition to put the Caganer in with the rest of the holy members that are part of the nativity scene.

He is usually tucked away in a corner or a bit hidden but normally not  near the manger scene.
The reasons for the people to put the caganer in with the rest are:

• -Tradition
• - Humor
• - Fun for Children to find him
• - to create a kind of human presence during the holy scenes which indicates that all are equal.
• It is unclear where the Caganer traditionally comes from but it is widely assumed he was first used in the 18th century.

The caganer can  be bought at the Christmas markets in Barcelona.

Santa Claus

Obviously for children it is fun to see santa claus while they are in Barcelona and luckily for them they will have plenty of options to come and see him.
Santa Claus ( or Papa Noel as he is called in Spain) will be in the shopping mall Corte Ingles on the toy section on the 8th floor.

There are no charges but they only ask for your adress when the child has its picture taken with Santa Claus so that they can send the picture of them to your adress.

In Spain Santa Claus is relatively less important then the Caga Tio and the three kings which take place at january 5. Even so, there is Santa Claus Christmas decoration and things going on in Barcelona those days.

Some things to keep in mind

Some usefull tips that are handy knowing are the following.The weather in Barcelona during Christmas, Dont expect a white christmas because thats very rare. It is more likely that it will be a cloudy day, with maybe some sun or a slight chance of rain.

Most restaurants and shops will be closed but bigger ones might decide to stay open, it is either way advised the buy your groceries a day before just to be on the safe side, but when you decide to go shopping it can be a little more difficult but there surely are some stores open.
Going to a restaurant to enjoy a tipical Catalan Christmas dinner is also a nice option.

Bigger tourist sights and museums will be closed on the 24th but on boxingday most bigger sighst like park Guell or Sagrada familia will be open from 10:00 until 14:30.
You can take a look at their sites for the openinghours.Visiting Christmas markets can be fun to do as well, all though the children might disagree.

hotels during this time of the years are normally fully booked and are highly priced as well. So make sure to book early.Another good option is to rent a appartment in the center, especially with children, having the option to use household items and being located in the center is a great choice.

To sum up, Christmas in Barcelona is a lot of fun for the whole family and their are plenty of actvities available, it would therefore be a great option to spent your Christmas in this wonderful city.

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