The Catalans really do have their own take on Christmas.
Yes, they do the same things as everywhere else, Christmas Trees, lights and presents. But there's also the hugely popular craze of Els Pastorets. Think Cludo-like mystery play, except they concentrate on the story of the nativity, and run in theatres and local community centres all over the city in December and January. This is Catalunya though, so they're not your standard primary-school- show-complete-with-video- wielding-parent. More like a cross between panto and religious tableaux, there can be fireworks, horned devils and winged angels flying from the ceiling. Not to be missed.
There are several on in Barcelona, but we recommend the Pastorets De Ribes which is held in San Pere De Ribes, just a few minutes drive from Sitges
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GaySitgesGuide.com would like to thank all of our readers for your support throughout the year. We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2007.
Have a great Christmas.
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New Years Eve in Sitges is a fun affair. Although not as busy as some of the major hotspots, its a great night to spend with friends or to make new ones. Most of the bars are open and some have even organised some special events. Check out our New Years Eve Microsite for further details.
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We've had a great response to our competition… and the winner will be chosen on the 16th of December and will be shipped via Fed Ex to ensure it gets to you for Christmas. So you have a few days left to enter.
Just simply subscribe to our monthly newsletter and your email will be entered into a draw to win the phone. The newsletter is packed with all the best bits of our blog, together with practical tips and a preview of whats happening in Sitges every month. Your email is never shared… and we never ever ever spam! One newsletter a month packed with all you need to know!
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The only Catalan Christmas tradition stranger than the Caga Tió is the caganer. He is typically included in manger scenes along with the usual cast of characters (although generally not in center stage). And yes, he's doing exactly what it looks like he's doing.
At the Fira you can find a whole variety of caganers, ranging from traditional ones like this one to current pop culture and political figures. For a good description of the caganer tradition, take a look at the Wikipedia article.
Caga Tiós on display in the Santa Llúcia Christmas market next to the Barcelona cathedral. Caga Tió is one of those peculiar Catalan Christmas customs (like the caganer)…the basic principle is similar to a Mexican piñata, but in the form of a log wearing a red stocking cap.
Carte Ingles never disappoints with its Christmas Lights Display
The lights on the front of the building are more Las Vegas than Barcelona, but still look great.
The “Swags and Tails” lighting around the windows almost looks like real show as you walk up Plaza Cataluna
Don't forget to stop off at Fira where you can browse the thousands of the stalls selling some delicious items.
Finally stop off for a cocktail at the Hotel Majectic to finish off your day's shopping.
Barcelona is very busy at this time of year. If you haven't booked for Christmas then you will find it difficult to find a place. For the perfect apartment we recommend Barcelona Holiday Accommodation where Brian can help you find what you are looking for.
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We asked for it… a couple of days ago we were discussing how beautiful the weather was for December… and what happened… it's suddenly gotten decidedly cooler! But never mind. There is still plenty to do and the Winter sunshine here is a summer's day for most of us.
The late evenings are perfect for a walk along the beach, taking in the crisp air and marvelling in the beautiful views of the town, the sea and the mountains of the Penendes region.
The sunsets are still amazing in Sitges. The afternoons are long and warm… perfect for sipping a glass of wine and watching the gay boys walk by.
Walk down La Ribera and pop into a Churingito for a snack before taking off again to do some shopping, sight-seeing or just bask in the Winter sunshine.
There are so many restaurants along this long boulevard. Be sure to check all the menu's as there are some real hidden gems up towards the end of the Calipolis Hotel. Or alternatively, head over past the church for an even wider choice of food and take in the view the spectaular evening sky when the mountains grow closer as the sun goes down.
Earlier on some boys braved the cold water and went for surfing. We even saw some people swimming in the sea later on in the evening. What they were on we don't know!
The surfers were out in force yesterday and the waves were perfect for some spectacular moves.
Jorge, the surfer in the photo below, was by far the best on Saturday morning. He surfs most weekends early in the day so be sure to check him out!
Sitges is taking on a more seasonal air this weekend with the unveiling of the Christmas Tree in Cap de la Villa, (the town square).
Different in every way, the tree is very “Sitges”, in that it is more a piece of art than a Christmas Tree. But that is what Sitges is all about… that little bit of difference is accepted as normal.
Where else could you leave a Christmas Tree with glass, real candles and lights in the centre of a town, safe in the knowledge that the only thing anyone is going to do is admire it!
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Imagine Ice skating in Sitges…. no we are not dreaming… its true. You can now skate in Sitges and get into the Christmas spirit.
The ice rink is plastic, coated with a silicon layer.. so its not the real thing, but its still great fun.
It costs EUR 4 for 30 minutes and some shops are giving out free-passes in town.
So go on.. get your skates on and be sure to take a photo… no one will believe that you were ice skating in Sitges!
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The streets were all lit up for the festive season on Friday… and they make the town look really pretty. It definitely puts you in the Christmas mood. This is Cap de la Villa, the centre of town.
Shopping on the busy streets of Sitges… amidst the glow of the Christmas lights.
Don't forget our review of choosing the perfect gay Christmas present..
Clothes are always a good choice… and there are some great menswear stores in Sitges.. Be sure to check them out.
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With all the partying recently, we didn't get to post these photos on Dec 1st… so here they are now. Believe us when we say that the weather is still quite mild for this time of the year as you can see in the photo above.
The muses of Sitges….
Another fine day for the beach!
Taxi!
You would never think that we are less than 3 weeks from Christmas Day when you see a sight like this!
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Yesterday we featured some interesting Christmas presents from Sitges… well how about a whole troop of Firemen?
The latest shots from the Bilbao Firemen's Calendar have been released and they look as good as the first set!
Nice to see they keep their equipment clean.
Working out hard!
Cute!
The calendar can be purchaed from Amazon and outlets all accross Spain. And you can have a different fireman every month.
And it appears that the calendar fad is catching.. check out this scene from the Seville Police Department… arrest me please.
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