Christmas at the Santa Llúcia Fair

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Christmas at the Santa Llúcia Fair
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The month of December is chock full of holiday-inspired activities in Barcelona. The downside is that you have to pick and choose which are worthwhile events because it’s impossible to fit them all in your agenda! Me, I never miss the yearly Fira de Santa Llúcia (Santa Lucia Fair) in the plaza by the Barcelona cathedral. This month-long Christmas event has been happening for 227 years, longer than the Sagrada Familia has been under construction. Rows of 283 stalls fill the plaza with loads of Christmas decorations and handmade gifts.

Christmas trees sit atop a stall waiting to be loved by a Catalan family.
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A wreath being handmade with care.

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Some firewood for the privileged few Barcelona urbanites who own a fireplace.
IMG_6399Cuddly gingerbread men begging be poked, possibly cousins of the Pillsbury doughboy.IMG_6324 IMG_6428L

Lots of nativity figurines and miniature everything.
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Caga tiós. In Catalan tradition, you feed these smiling logs food a few weeks before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he poops out presents when you beat him with a stick. What? You heard me.
IMG_6290 More log lovin’.
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The star Christmas stall that eclipses all other stalls. The caganer. Briefly, the traditional caganer is a squatting farmer found in the nativity scene. Nowadays, its fame has extended to pop culture, finding politicians, singers, athletes, cartoon characters all in the squatting position with their pants down.

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All the poopers lined up neatly.

IMG_6351Nothing and no one is sacred.

IMG_6364 A vendor arranges the packaged mistletoe.IMG_6335IMG_6397

Last but not least, a gigantic caga tió on stage. Kids can beat the pooping log while encouraging it to poop  with a song, then they get a present. Stay tuned for that post 😉
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By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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