Now that the weather is getting colder and we’re putting on our jumpers and scarves, you may have noticed there’s a feeling of magic in the air. And we all know why- Christmas is just around the corner! Whilst in anglophone countries our Christmas traditions revolve around setting up the Christmas tree and waiting for Santa Claus, Christmas traditions vary massively around the world and in Catalonia it is no different. In fact, they have some of the most unique in the world! So to get you into the Christmas spirit, we thought we’d write this article to help you learn everything you need to know to have a proper Catalan Christmas!
Like many people around the world, Catalans set up a nativity scene at Christmas. It is pretty similar to most nativity scenes with all the traditional figures, as well as the Caganer, who will be hidden somewhere in the scene. However, it is also popular to recreate, not just the stable, but the entire town of Bethlehem as it was 2,000 years ago. Elaborate scenes are set up with windmills, traditional homes, figures of towns people, farm animals, caves, rivers and real moss for grass. All sorts of tiny additional details, such as baskets of bread and campfires, can also be bought. If you are looking to expand your nativity scene, head to the Christmas markets, such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia at the Cathedral of Barcelona or the Fira de Nadal at the Sagrada Familia, where entire stalls are dedicated to selling these beautiful additions.
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