Wet Christmas...

"So how is the weather in Barcelona?" A very commun question to get for people that live in Barcelona. Well, passed Christmas has been specially wet.

On Sant Esteban day (Boxing day, or just "Second Christmas day") it has been so extreme over here that waves of over 9 meters of height were reported about 50 km north of Barcelona. In Barcelona a bit less...just 4 meters..(!!!!)...

So well, there goes that illusion that it is always great weather in Barcelona. For average temperatures, statistics etc, check this page on weather in Barcelona updated regularly.

New Attraction Tibidabo

Barcelona has a new attraction! On top of the mountain Tibidabo, you will find a great amusement park. Now you can enjoy a new rollercoaster in this park. The rollercoaster called Montana Rusa, is a Christmas present from the city council.

In occasion of the Christmas days the Montana Rusa will be open. The amusement park is well known for it´s beautiful views all over the city. I wonder if you can enjoy the views if you are in this new attraction.. Anyway, find a link below

Movie Montana Rusa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HuwKVepDk

Santa Llucia Christmas Market in Barcelona

Every year traditionally returning to Barcelona, the Santa Llucia Christmas Market in Barcelona (Fira de Santa Llúcia) is a great opportunity to get to know the Barcelonese and their culture. On this market you will find the vast majority of Christmastree selling stands and of course the necessary Christmas decoration is for sale there. The Santa Llucia market is located in the area of Ciutat Vella Barcelona, also known as Casc Antic (the old cityheart).

The "caganers"

Known in Spain, but unique for Catalonia, are the Caganers (shitters, it means literally. ;-). The catalan way of expressing that at the end everyone is only human. These little puppets are sold in the Sants Llúcia market and are shaped following the latest trends in politics and sports.

You should not be surprised to find an impersonalization of famous persons like Barack Obama here in a "compromised" pose.

The "caga tió"

The caga tió is a game orientated to children for christmas celebrations. It consists on a piece of wood with a hole where presents are hided from children and covered by a red and small blanket. Children will hit the piece of wood with a wooden stick, while singing the Tió song in order to get a present when the tió is warm.

The Santa Llúcia market is open from November 29th through December 23th. In case you want to come and see this special way of celebrating, my suggestion is to contact the reservation desk of Enjoy Barcelona. They offer fairly priced quality apartments in Barcelona.

Soccer Information FC Barcelona - Real Madrid

Coming December 14th the blaugranas (blue-reds) aka Futbol Club Barcelona or Barça will be facing their eternal rival Real Madrid. This year especially it will be a game with a lot in play.

Rumours are going around for weeks already whether Bernd Schuster (ref.: Real Madrid's manager) will make Christmas. All seems to point at his substitution when loosing this traditionally important match.

Some tips if you want to assist to the match.

1. be carefull buying your tickets; best you contact some local agent. In front of the stadium there will be a lot of people selling tickets but in most cases they overcharge a lot and the spots in the stadium are not that good. Afterwards you won't have anyone to claim...
2. be there on time as you DON'T want to miss the start (simply amazing)
3. bring a Barça flag, shirt or other supporting item. The "cules" (Barça supporters) will appreciate this a lot.

Well, that's it folks; have fun at the match!