During the holidays, Barcelona offers a number of great events for tourists to enjoy. These include a variety of markets, restaurants, shops and a traditional Flamenco dance. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona this Christmas, check out these tips for the best things to do!
Flamenco dance
Whether you’re in Barcelona on a romantic break or you’re looking for a group activity for the Christmas holiday, you’ll want to consider a Flamenco dance show. This music and dance form is known for its energetic, powerful sound and its passionate performances.
Flamenco is an art form that originated in Andalusia, southern Spain. It was influenced by the Moorish music and the dance styles of other cultures. It is often described as a tragic, soul-stirring experience.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Flamenco became an established form of art. It spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Several theories on its origins exist, including the story of gypsies, a people from India who came to Europe in the 14th century. Eventually, they settled in northern Spain. The gypsies were believed to be Egyptians because of their skin color.
Flamenco is a highly technical dance style that takes years to learn. In the modern era, flamenco performers emphasize lightning-fast footwork. They use props, such as a zapateado, to perform their dances. They may also improvise their choreography during their performance.
Flamenco is considered an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the Unesco on November 16, 2010. It’s not difficult to see why, as it’s a unique and vibrant musical style. A flamenco dance can be a sad, tragi-comic, or hilarious performance.
One of the best Flamenco shows to see in Barcelona is the Flamenco Ole show. This is a group show, featuring trained artists who perform the traditional dance. You can book a package that includes dinner and tapas tasting.
Another great venue to see a Flamenco dance show is Palau Dalmases. This restaurant-theater offers a variety of Flamenco performances and has hundreds of reviews on TripAdvisor.
Nativity scenes
During the Christmas season in Barcelona, many people enjoy taking in Nativity scenes. These nativity scenes portray the birth of Christ. They are created using traditional methods and represent biblical stories.
The main nativity scene in Barcelona is located in the Placa Sant Jaume, outside the town hall. This nativity scene is made by a different artist every year. Some scenes are even illuminated. There are also special effects and moving pieces. The nativity scene occupies about a quarter of the square. The entrance fee is EUR6 for residents and full price for non-residents.
In recent years, the city council has tried to take a more contemporary approach to the Nativity Scene. In 2016, an installation featured nine giant transparent balls. The installation was inspired by Catalan poet Josep Vicenc Foix.
In 2017, the nativity scene in Placa Sant Jaume was designed by Jordi Darder, who previously created the nativity scene in the same location. He reused some of the pieces from his previous nativity scene.
The nativity scene in Barcelona is one of the most visited in the world. It is open from the end of November until the first day of the New Year. It is closed on bank holidays and on the first Sunday in January.
The nativity scene is sculpted by local artists. The main Nativity scene in Barcelona features a stable, a manger, a mule, a bull, Joseph, Mary, and a shepherd. There are also three Magi who offer gifts to the baby Jesus.
Some nativity scenes feature running water and lights. Others use traditional designs.
There are also several Christmas markets in Barcelona. These sell Nativity figurines and backgrounds.
Markets
During the holiday season, Barcelona comes alive with fairy lights, Christmas stalls and festive activities. The city is filled with beautiful squares and old buildings. It is one of the prime shopping destinations in the world. You can get some great gifts here and enjoy a festive day with your family.
Barcelona has a long tradition of markets. They started out as markets to sell food, clothes and animals. However, they have evolved into markets to sell all kinds of gift items.
During the holidays, the market at the foot of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a popular attraction. The market features stalls for traditional Catalan handicrafts and decorations. It also sells food and presents. The market is open from November until just before Christmas.
Another traditional market in Barcelona is the Santa Lucia Market. This is a historical Christmas market that dates back to the 18th century. It has over 300 stalls and offers local Spanish cuisine. It is also home to a 31-meter Christmas tree.
You can buy traditional Catalan items like jamon and langoustines at this market. It is also home to a few stalls for nativity scenes and figurines. The market is divided into several sections. There is a Greenery and Plants section that sells accessories for plants. There is also a Crafts section that includes nativity scene and simbombes’ accessories.
You can find all kinds of Christmas gifts in the Market of Gran Via. It is one of the largest markets in Barcelona. It also has an alternative market called Festivalet. It has over 100 stalls and offers food, ornaments and materials for DIY projects.
The Fira de Santa Llucia is the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona. It is located in the Gothic Quarter of the city and opened in 1786.
Shops
During Christmas in Barcelona, you will find an array of sales and promotions to choose from. These include the BCN Xmas Card which provides preferential treatment in major shops in the city. Also, some stores have one-of-a-kind productions.
There are also numerous craft fairs that take place in the old city during December. Some stores even wrap gifts free of charge. In addition to the usual Christmas gift items, you can also buy hand-made ornaments and quality wine.
There are several Christmas markets to choose from in Barcelona, including the Fira de Santa Llucia and the Fira de Reyes de la Gran Via. The latter is located in the Gothic Quarter, and is the oldest of the two. It has around 300 market stalls. They sell everything from sweets to toys.
If you are looking for something a bit more unique, you may want to check out the “ice bar”, which has ice sculptures. You can also enjoy an ice-carved cocktail in the bar. There are also some unique curves in the building.
Some of the best places to shop for Christmas in Barcelona are department stores. You can find all kinds of high-end brands, as well as gourmet chocolates.
You might also want to look into La Roca Village, which is a shopping village filled with 160 brand-name stores. Most have deals that are as big as 60% off. These stores have everything you could possibly need for women, men, and children. There are also a couple of outlet malls to choose from, which are just outside the city.
You can also check out El Corte Ingles, which is a seven-storey department store, and is one of the largest in Spain. It has a large selection of home goods and clothing. This store also has a gourmet section.
Restaurants
During the Christmas season, there are many restaurants in Barcelona that are open. However, it is important to book well in advance if you want to enjoy your meal. These restaurants have special menus for this festive occasion. If you want to find more information, you can contact them.
Carrer de Loreto is a cosy restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes. The Christmas menu includes stuffed chicken, sopa de galets and neules. The soup is made from meat and vegetables, and is hearty.
For a group of eight or more, you can choose from different menus. The menu features a starter, main course and dessert. It is also possible to order an apéritif or cocktail. You can have your meals in the restaurant’s private rooms. You can choose to have a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.
Arola is part of the 5 star Hotel Arts. It is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona. The menu has dishes from traditional Spanish cuisine to southern American delicacies. The menu is priced from 50 euros to 120 euros.
Bdgust is a great option for groups. This restaurant offers great wine and delicious tapas. You can have a group of eight people and reach up to 45. You can also order a special New Year’s Eve menu. This menu includes a selection of six to eight dishes and a bottle of wine for every two people.
You can also try a tasting menu. This includes the main dish, apéritif and a cup of coffee or tea. A minimum of eight people is required to order this menu.
Mana75 is located on Passeig de Joan de Borbo, 101. This international restaurant offers a wide variety of international and Mediterranean dishes. This is a good option for groups with dietary restrictions.