December. Culture and Traditions
DIFFERENT WAYS TO CELEBRATE TRADITIONS.
Christmas Day is a holiday in many, but not all, countries. Many homes have Christmas trees and other decorations in the weeks leading to Christmas Day. Some workplaces hold Christmas parties prior to December 25. Festive activities include exchanging presents, singing Christmas songs, going to parties.
It’s a special time when children get presents from family, friends, and Santa Claus. Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day.
For some, Christmas is an exclusive family affair, while others invite friends to a Christmas buffet or potluck meal. Churches have special services and may include a miniature Nativity scene.
Christmas, in the Western world, is a holiday of religious origin that is celebrated every December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Catalonia and Barcelona you will be surprised by a whole series of different and unique rituals and customs. The kick-off of the celebrations is given by the Christmas lights.
Christmas is a celebration that, in Catalonia, is lived in family and around a table full of traditional dishes. Strong soups, poultry, salads with seasonal vegetables and nougat cannot miss.
Christmas in the regions of Barcelona is celebrated with the family around a table laden with traditional dishes. In a province with such a variety of quality produce, it is no surprise that the range of holiday food available is just as extensive. Hearty soups, free-range chicken, salads with seasonal vegetables and nougat are simply a must.
Christmas Eve dinner. In Catalonia, Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally very simple and modest. A chicken or fish broth is the perfect preamble to the cold appetisers that come next. This is the moment to enjoy cured sausage from Osona, mountain cheeses and pâté from La Llacuna, anchovies and boiled seafood. Accompanied by large slices of toasted country bread, quince garlic mayonnaise and olives, no dinner is easier to prepare. Nor more appetising.
Christmas Day lunch. Baby Jesus has come into the world and it is time to celebrate! First course, escudella, a typical soup with pasta and meatballs. Then, a tray of stewed meat, vegetables, and well-boiled chickpeas. In many homes, the celebration continues with a black cockerel from Penedès or a blue-legged capon from El Prat de Llobregat – stuffed Catalonian-style with sausage, bacon, prunes and pine nuts. For dessert, biscuit rolls and handmade nougat from the region of Maresme. All washed down with wine and cava from any of Catalonia’s five denomination of origin regions: Penedès, Pla del Bages, Alella, Catalunya and Cava. Essential for enjoying the age-old specialities that await us on the Christmas Day table.
Saint Stephen’s Day lunch. The main meal of this Catalonian celebration is based on a principle that is well known by cooks from all around the world: that the best dishes are made from leftovers. This is why the cannelloni served in almost every house on Saint Stephen’s Day and made with any meat left over from the soup of the day before tastes so delicious. Many cooks also add truffles from Berguedà to the filling to make sure that the cannelloni is the star of a meal that is traditionally followed by a good baked fish.
It is also a pre-Christmas tradition to visit wineries and cellars producing wines and sparkling wines. Apart from being able to learn about the artisanal production of sparkling wines to accompany and pair with the festive menu, you can also take the opportunity to do some shopping. Through the VipXperience programme, you can also enjoy private and personalised wine tourism experiences.
VipXperience is the new definition of exclusivity and personalisation of a private tour. A proposal that combines the privilege of luxury transport with an exclusive experience prepared to be enjoyed privately with your partner, family, or friends.
- Gramona.- A visit to discover the uniqueness of this winery.
- Llopart – Family tradition. The expression of the essence of the land.
- Can Bas / Pere Ventura– Mediterranean purity. The perfect combination. Family, history, wine and gastronomy.
- Recaredo.- Artisans of the land. The excellence of craftsmanship.
These are the most exclusive Wine Tours to discover the culture of wine and sparkling wine at its best. A private tour of the Penedès region that offers an unforgettable experience to enjoy the tradition, history and tasting of the most prestigious wines and sparkling wines.