Traditions

Discover the origins of the Christmas traditions with the strongest ties to Barcelona, such as tió (a tree trunk that "poos" presents for children); the pessebre (nativity scenes with figurines); holly and the Christmas Flower, the canelons de Sant Esteve (Boxing Day cannelloni) and other Christmas dishes, the Nose Man, the twelve grapes, New Year's Eve and the Twelfth Night.

  • Christmas traditions

    Discover and enjoy our best-known traditions: the tió, Christmas day, Boxing Day lunch, nativity scenes, the origin of the caganer, performances of the Pastorets and practical jokes made on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

  • New Year's Eve traditions

    The Nose Man comes out on New Year's Eve, when we bid farewell to the year that ends with the twelve chimes of the bells. The more athletic among us end the year taking part in the Nose Race through the streets of Barcelona and usher in the New Year with a good dip in the Mediterranean.

  • Three Kings' traditions

    Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar are the three Kings of the East and they come to Barcelona every 5 January, parading through the city and travelling from house to house by night bearing gifts for children.

  • Culinary traditions

    Galets, cannelloni, torrons, grapes, neules and a Tortell de Reis are served at the Christmas meal. Discover the origin to these culinary traditions.

  • Christmas plants

    Red-fruit-bearing holly, poinsettia or Christmas star and mistletoe for good luck make up some of the usual decorations during the festivities.