We have now entered the final stretch of the year, in the most familiar and exciting time of the year, Christmas. Tonight, Christmas Eve is celebrated, and tomorrow, Monday, the long-awaited Christmas Day arrives. During these two days, families sit around the table to get together and share emotions, such as hope, happiness, love and longing, making this a very special day in our calendar. For the little ones, it is a time full of excitement and nerves to receive the presents from Santa Claus that they have been asking for all year round.
We want you to enjoy Christmas in the best possible way. That’s why we bring you a series of plans that you can do during the 24th and 25th of December in Catalonia, specifically in Barcelona and Costa Dorada. Shuttle2Sun offers its private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can move to your destination, with total comfort, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The origin of Christmas
Initially, Romans celebrated Saturnalia, in honour of Saturn, the god of agriculture, which was a pagan festival held between the 17th and 23rd of December, with traditions very similar to those of Christmas today, such as gathering with family and friends, giving gifts to loved ones and having great feasts.
Likewise, in 45 BC, the Julian calendar introduced the 25th of December as the day of the winter solstice, and for which the festival of Natalis Solis Invicti began to be organised to celebrate the birth of the solar god Apollo.
It is worth noting that many emblematic buildings in Rome and other Roman cities are oriented towards the winter solstice.
The origin of Christmas dates back to the 4th century, when Pope Julius I established Christmas on 25th of December. The word Christmas means birth and refers to the nativity of Christ; despite the belief that Jesus was born in spring.
This decision was presumably intended to convert Roman pagans to Christianity, due to the official conversion of the Roman Empire to the Christian religion. Centuries later, in the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar in Europe, keeping Christmas on 25th of December.
Introduction of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree in our culture
The magical figure of Santa Claus is inspired by a Turkish archbishop, Saint Nicholas, who lived during the 4th century, who, characterised by his great kindness, helped the most disadvantaged families by placing a bag of gold coins in their chimneys. From that moment on, he was declared a saint, and was introduced into the Christmas tradition, as the protagonist of these dates.
His popularity began mainly in the United States, thanks to the German cartoonist Thomas Nast, who incorporated this character in his Christmas strips in Harper’s Weekly magazine. Subsequently, it spread throughout the world, through the massive use of his figure in advertising campaigns, such as, for example, Coca-Cola brand in 1920.
As for the Christmas tree, it has ancestral origins. Numerous cultures, such as Celts and Romans, have had trees as symbols of fertility and regeneration, and have always decorated them with different motifs during their winter festivals. In the Christian religion, the fir tree represents eternal life, because it is evergreen and has green leaves all year round, and also because of the shape of its crown, which points to the sky. Nowadays, it is a tradition to put up a Christmas tree, full of balls and ornaments of all kinds, to give colour and light to the living room.
The best plans for the 25th of December in Barcelona
Everywhere in the world, Christmas is celebrated on a large scale. The streets are dressed in colours and lights, which bring life and excitement to these special dates; people buy lots of presents to give to their loved ones; and the little ones enjoy their Christmas holidays, getting their new toys for the first time.
That’s why, wherever you go, you’re sure to have a great time. For example, Barcelona organises a wide variety of events and activities around Christmas, such as living nativity scenes, art exhibitions and concerts for all ages.
On the 25th of December, don’t miss the Barcelona Christmas Festival 2023, which includes a day-long interactive audiovisual exhibition inspired by the annual journey of the sun and the celebration of the winter solstice, which takes place in Plaça de la Universitat from 11 am to 11 pm. You’ll also find concerts by Magalí Datzira and Dani Nel·lo & Organ Trio, in Plaça Catalunya, among many other events. You can check out many more initiatives taking place in Barcelona in our article ‘Enjoy Barcelona at Christmas’.
Programme on Costa Dorada
The tourism capital of Costa Dorada, Salou, located between the coasts of La Pineda and Cambrils, is organising a programme full of activities for all ages. Tomorrow, Monday 25th of December, at 6 pm, don’t miss the performance of the living nativity scene at Masia Catalana.
In addition, among the most outstanding activities this coming week, the youngest members of the family will be able to enjoy the Christmas Park at Pavelló Salou Centre, with a wide range of inflatables, workshops and activities.
Tarragona is also holding the Children’s Christmas Park this week, until the 4th of January. As well as different workshops for children and young people, in the different municipal facilities. On the 29th of December, you will be able to meet the Royal Page and give him your letter of wishes at Civic Centre.
During these days, you can’t miss the Christmas lights that Vila-seca La Pineda has placed in the main streets of its population centres, as well as the sand crib located in Parc del Pinar del Perruquet, in La Pineda, with sculptures inspired by the elements of nature.
Tomorrow Monday, 25th of December, Cambrils also brings you a magnificent Christmas programme, with the play ‘Històries curtes en espais tancats’, at 10 pm, at Teatre del Casal; and, during this week, with different magic workshops, storytelling, skating, face painting, and much more.
Enjoy Christmas in a unique way in Barcelona and Costa Dorada. Get to your favourite place with Shuttle2Sun‘s private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
