Kristina Shvets
This is a must visit Christmas market in the very heart of the city. It first appeared in front of Catedral de Barcelona in December some 200 years ago. The fair is split into several zones, the first – to look for Christmas trees, decorations and eucalyptus branches, while the second offers toys and Nativity scene figurines. Here you can also get the local Christmas darling – Caga Tió ("Shitting log") – a small log with a smiley face. Every day for a fortnight children look after Caga Tió – feed him Turron and fruit to ensure that he is nice and full. On Christmas Eve, kids are given a stick with which they hit the guy to bring them luck and sing traditional Catalan songs.
And, finally, the third zone of the fair is all about local craftsmen. But avoid the place during weekends not to be swept away by crowds together with your newly bought souvenirs.
