WONDERFUL WINTER in
BARCELONA Winter Edition 2012
WINTER in BARCELONA
If you’re lucky enough to visit Barcelona during winter, then you’re in for a real treat. The climate may be cooler, but the atmosphere in the city is warm, as colorful lights illuminate the streets while magical markets and delightful delicacies can be found around every corner. A getaway in Barcelona is ideal for those seeking a memorable winter break this year. Stuff your pockets with candy at the Three Kings parade, let loose on the slopes as you try your hand (or feet!) at snowboarding, or simply indulge in some delicious customary cuisine, sure to warm you up this holiday season as you explore all things Catalan. With so many events and activities to enjoy, you’re sure to discover a new and exciting experience. So read on as we dish out some top tips on how to make the most of your wonderful winter in Barcelona!
FIRA de Santa Llúcia
Nov 25 - Dec 23 Enjoy the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona!
NEW YEAR’S Eve
Dec 31 Ring in the New Year with a bang in Barcelona!
Los REYES Magos
Jan 5 - 6 Take in the magic of the traditional Three Kings Parade!
FIS Snowboard World Cup
March 16 International champs hit the Catalan Pyrenees!
Winter Edition 2012
Apartment Barcelona Magazine
Welcome to our magazine! Here we give you the best and most up to date info for your Barcelona vacation. From cool places to see to fun activities and day trips, and from top bars and nightlife to the tastiest food in the city, follow our tips on how to get the most out of your visit to Barcelona! Plus, each month we recommend one or more great neighborhoods for your stay. Read on in our latest issue and get ready for the trip of a lifetime...
Unmissable Events in Barcelona this Winter Fira de SANTA LLÚCIA
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WHEN WHERE WHAT Barcelona Cathedral Nov 25Dec 23
at Plà de la Seu
The oldest traditional Christmas market in Barcelona
Santa Llúcia, Barcelona
his massive outdoor market has over 200 stalls selling some of the most unique and memorable Christmas trinkets. Situated in front of the Catedral de Barcelona, this year’s fair will be the 226th edition and is set to be the background for plenty of wintry activities throughout December (especially on the 13th, the Day of Santa Llúcia) such as carol singing and Christmas parades.
NEW YEAR’S EVE Barcelona
WHEN Dec 31
WHERE Everywhere in Barcelona
WHAT New Year’s celebration 2012
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city known to host some of the best festivals and celebrations in Europe, Barcelona is hands-down one of the top spots to spend your New Year’s Eve. From theme nights at cool clubs like Razzmatazz and Shôko to parties on the beach, those looking to dance the night away will have their pick of NYE fiestas. If you’re on a family break in Barcelona then we recommend you head to the Montjuïc Magic Fountain for a special pyromusical show. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to partake in the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes – one each time the clock chimes – as you count down to the New Year!
THREE KINGS Parade
WHEN WHERE WHAT Kicks off at 5pm at Moll de la Fusta Three Kings parade Jan 5 and finishes around 9.30pm near the Montjuïc Magic Fountain
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filled with sweet treats
n the night of January 5th, the people of Spain celebrate the coming of the Three Kings with a parade in each town. Don’t miss the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos in Barcelona, where you’ll see the Kings tour a massive 5km around the city center, throwing candy from their floats as they pass by in this magical parade. Starting at Port Vell, Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior arrive on a boat named the Santa Eulàlia, greet the excited children, and then head the convoy as it makes its way around Barcelona.
FIS Snowboard World Cup
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WHEN
March 16
WHERE La Molina resort,
just outside Barcelona
WHAT The Parallel Giant Slalom Championships in the Catalan Pyrenees
f you’re a ski or snowboard fan, this is one winter event not to be missed. The FIS Snowboard World Cup is set to hit the slopes of La Molina resort, just outside Barcelona, bringing with it some of the biggest names in the competitive snowboarding game. The event will see international snowboarding champs battle it out for the Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) title at this fantastic snow sports venue, home to the 1st ski lift in Spain. If you’re up for getting in on the action, you can take advantage of the resort’s two halfpipes and snowparks, ideal for perfecting that ollie.
Winter Edition 2012
festive fun this winter KING-SIZE Celebrations
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n January 6th, the people of Spain celebrate the magical Three Kings Day. Following the exciting parade on the evening of January 5th each year (see Save the Date), the Día de los Reyes Magos sees families and loved ones come together for a finger-licking feast, gift-opening and plenty of fun and games – much like Christmas. One of the traditions on this day is to serve a Roscón de Reyes: a ring-shaped cake topped with candied fruit and often stuffed with cream, plus two other elements... If you are lucky enough to find a small king figurine in your portion, you are named king for the day, but if you find a dried fava bean, custom holds that you must pay for the dessert!
Don’t miss the Three Kings parade in Barcelona City Center
A CATALAN Christmas
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f you choose to spend some time in Barcelona during December, then you’re sure to get a peek into a world of unique Catalan Christmas traditions. One of our favorites is the Tió de Nadal, aka the Caga Tió, which is best described as a log with a painted smiley face and a blanket. Starting on December 8th, youngsters ‘take care’ of the log by ‘feeding’ it, until Christmas Eve, when they attack the Tió with sticks until it ‘poops’ presents. Also, be sure to spot the Caganer, a small ceramic figurine with his trousers down, hidden somewhere in most nativity scenes. A tradition that dates all the way back to the 18th Century, kids enjoy searching for this little guy who is said to be bring luck by fertilizing the earth. The Caga Tió is a famous Christmas custom in Barcelona
Winter Edition 2012
TASTY YULETIDE Treats
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s you cozy up in Barcelona this winter, don’t forget to try some of the city’s delicious gastronomic delights, sure to warm the cockles of your heart. Why not start with a spoonful of Sopa de Galets? This tasty soup is full of giant pasta shells and is usually eaten on Christmas Eve along with a stew. We also recommend you try some cannelloni on December 26th, the day of Sant Esteve, typically made with left-over meat from Christmas Day. But for those who prefer the sweeter things in life, prepare for pure palatial pleasure this winter. Sink your teeth into some turrón (nougat that comes in different flavors) or some chocolate con churros: a thick hot chocolate accompanied by thin doughnuts dusted with sugar. We suggest making your way to Carrer de Petritxol, a street in Barcelona renowned for its mouth-watering chocolaterías. Warm up with some delicious chocolate con churros
HIT THE SLOPES Near Barcelona
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he Catalan capital may be best known for its beautiful beaches, scorching summers and cool cocktails, but for those adrenaline junkies out there, Barcelona in the winter is equally as thrilling! Just outside the city you can find an array of popular ski locations, offering both winter activities and snow sports. If you don’t mind a couple of hours drive, be sure to make your way to the Grandvalira Andorra resort, where the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees awaits. With everything from igloo building to snow biking, and with over 110 runs plus 4 freestyle snow parks, there is something for everyone there. Another option for those snow bunnies out there is La Molina in Girona. Don’t miss World Snow Day on January 20th at this fantastic ski resort, where you can try tubing, sledding and mushing! And for those who prefer to stay off the mountains, check out the ice skating rink in Plaça Barcelona is close to many fantastic snow sports resorts Catalunya, set up until the beginning of January.
WINTER WARMERS for Kids
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Watch out for the Castellers (human towers) at the La Laia children’s festival
f you are visiting Barcelona with kids this winter, be sure to check out the city’s biggest annual festival for children. Les Festes de Santa Eulàlia, also known as La Laia, is a three-day celebration held in honor of one of Barcelona’s patron saints and is centered on fun activities for youngsters. From February 9th-12th there will be special workshops going on all over the city and the streets will be jampacked with festivities including typical Catalan traditions like the parade of the gegants (giants), and the human towers. If you can’t make it to Barcelona for the festival, we recommend a visit to the real-life labyrinth at the Parc del Laberint d’Horta, or the Barcelona Aquarium, which is home to over 450 species and an 80-meter underwater tunnel. This will be one vacation the kids won’t forget in a hurry!
Winter Edition 2012
Barcelona lights up throughout the holiday season
APARTMENTS for your Wonderful Winter
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o make the most of your winter getaway, we recommend staying in an Eixample apartment in Barcelona. By choosing an apartment in this idyllic neighborhood, you will find yourself surrounded by many architectural gems, including GaudĂ’s Sagrada Familia, plus a variety of bars and restaurants nearby serving traditional Christmas treats. If you plan on hitting the mountains this season, check out our ski apartments in the Pyrenees. With a spa, Jacuzzi and Roman baths, our apartments make for the perfect place to relax after a fun day on the slopes. Enjoy your winter break in a cozy Pyrenees ski apartment
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