Spain

Catalonia

An autonomous community in northeastern Spain with Barcelona as its capital, renowned for its rich history, distinct language, and vibrant culture.

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Despite the absence of snow and cold weather, you’re sure to find plenty of Christmas spirit in Catalonia leading up to the holidays. From vibrant Barcelona to the most remote coastal villages, the streets and town squares across the region are decked out with dazzling lights, aromatic markets, festive colors, and truly unique folklore. Across traditional nativity scenes, you’ll spot the caganer (literally the “defecator”) casually taking care of his business among Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Wise Men. The unusual traditions continue into the home where you’ll find children feeding and chanting around the caga tió (literally “defecating log”), a hollowed-out Christmas log that’s decorated with two little stick legs, a smiling face, and a little red hat.

braedentg 5 years ago

Catalonia Guides

Catalonia Articles

  • 16 Cozy Christmas Markets in Europe

    It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Since the Middle Ages, Christmas street markets have delighted locals and visitors with food, ornaments, gifts, and entertainment. The start of the Christian Advent season in late November ushers in the opening of festive Christmas markets across Europe, which help revelers prepare for the holidays.  Lasting a […]

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  • 27 of the Best Things to Do in Barcelona

    Filled with vibrant energy, buzzing nightlife, elegant architecture, and a strong, independent identity, the Catalan capital of Barcelona is ripe for exploring. Discover a city that seamlessly blends old-world charms with the modern conveniences and attractions of a cutting-edge metropolis. When on the hunt for the best things to do in Spain, Barcelona is overflowing […]

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  • A Guide to Barcelona Through the Eyes of Picasso

    Pablo Picasso: one of the defining artists of the 20th century and a primary figure behind the Cubism movement. Although he spent the bulk of his adult life in Paris, Barcelona is where the legendary painter called his true home in times of nostalgia and sadness. Picasso was born in Málaga and later moved to […]

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  • Birds Eye View: 23 Incredible Places From Above

    From candy-colored mountains to palm leaf-shaped islands, the world as we know it looks completely different when viewed from the clouds. While hidden wonders exist all around the world, we compiled a list of places that totally transform when viewed from above. Here are 23 of the best bird’s eye views in the world: 23 […]

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  • 40 of the Best Things To Do in Spain

    Charged with a permanent feeling of intense passion, emotion, and sophistication, Spain has a funny way of forcing you to slow down, live in the moment, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. From Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces to historical Mudéjar treasures, or the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains to the palm-fringed beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is […]

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  • A Self-Guided Barcelona Walking Tour of Gaudi’s Magic City

    Few cities in the world can be swiftly summed-up with just the single name of a local artist. Yet when it comes to Barcelona, Gaudi certainly does the trick. As the embodiment of the Catalan Modernist architectural movement, Antoni Gaudi isn’t just a part of Barcelona, he is Barcelona. His fantastical designs greatly influence not […]

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  • 4 Magical Locations to Watch the Sunset in Barcelona

    It’s universally understood that each city has its own sunset. As evening falls over, Barcelona is filled with a special kind of magic: the Catalan capital is one of the most photogenic cities on the planet, a statement that holds especially true when the sun begins the set and the sky is lit up with […]

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