A traditional Christmas - Trip ideas

1. Exhibitions of nativity scenes and dioramas 

Nativity scene making is very popular in the regions of Barcelona. It's an ancient tradition that consists of representing the birth of Jesus with figures. But the most beautiful and intricate ones are to be found in the Nativity Scene Exhibition of Olesa de Montserrat and at the El Refugi exhibition room in Badalona.  

2. Real-life nativity scenes

The enthusiasm for nativity scenes in Catalonia is not limited to miniature models. In towns such as Corbera de Llobregat, Gunyoles d'Avinyonet, Torres de Fals or Prats de Rei  you can stroll around real-life nativity scenes with shepherds huddled around fires and people at work in ancient trades, while hundreds of actors perform various scenes from the life of Jesus. But make sure you wrap up warm; it can get really cold there! 

3. Performances of "Pastorets" plays 

One of the other classic Christmas activities are the performances of the "Pastorets" (lit. "Little Shepherds"), entertaining traditional Christmas plays performed by amateur actors. Performances tend to be held in social and cultural centres, parish halls or small municipal theatres, which says a lot about their refreshing and down-to-earth character. Among the many performances scheduled across the regions of Barcelona, you're sure to love the ones taking place in Mataró, Arenys de Munt, Súria and Calaf. But if you see just one performance of the Pastorets, make sure it's the one in the old textile model village of l'Ametlla de Merola: it's the one with the longest history in Catalonia!

4. Midnight Mass and Song of the Sybil

A very special Christmas atmosphere is created in many churches in the regions of Barcelona for the celebration of Midnight Mass, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the Christmas Eve midnight Masses held in the Monastery of Sant Cugat and the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra are particularly special.