Christmas is a time that invites us to gather around the table, to rediscover old recipes and to discover new flavors. In the regions of Barcelona, this festive spirit is reflected in a great diversity of proposals that unite gastronomy, landscape and identity. Fairs, markets, workshops and meetings offer the opportunity to experience food as a shared experience rooted in the environment.
Beyond traditional Christmas markets, we find activities that allow us to discover food from the perspective of those who grow, produce and transform it. The markets are filled with artisan products that speak of the territory —sausages, cheeses, sweets, wines and other local ingredients—, ideal for preparing a good festive meal. Many of these proposals include tastings, visits to workshops, participatory workshops and spaces where children and adults can learn, create and get excited.
Lluc Crusellas: the art of chocolate with a taste of the territory
Among the initiatives that combine creativity, landscape and product, highlights the work of the young master chocolatier Lluc Crusellas, who from his workshop in Vic has brought Catalan chocolate to the international scene. Awarded as the best chocolatier in the world at the World Chocolate Masters 2022, Crusellas has managed to transform this universal ingredient into a form of expression that connects with the land and emotions.This philosophy is fully reflected in his workshop, which during the festivities becomes a living space where chocolate is worked as artistic and cultural material. "We propose a visit to the workshop with a first theoretical part in which we explain the entire chocolate making process, from the cocoa bean; then, a visit to the production spaces. There is a small workshop where each person makes three chocolate bars and we finish with a tasting of about twelve different varieties," explains the chocolatier.
This year, Crusellas presents a new collection of author's turrones, inspired by the symbolic universe of Easter and winter festivities. "I wanted to improve the turrón experience at the table. We have achieved a fusion between Easter and Christmas: a more complex, elaborate and visual product, which works both as a decorative element and a piece to eat."
The Penedès rooster: living tradition and flavor with roots
Among the celebrations with the deepest cultural and landscape roots, the Fira del Gall de Vilafranca del Penedès, with more than 350 years of history, which continues to connect product, territory, and identity. This year it will be held on December 20 and 21 and offers a unique opportunity to savor an exceptional native breed: the rooster of Penedès with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).Elisabeth Colomer, co-founder of Granja Guirigall and one of the four certified breeders, continues the tradition started by her peasant grandmother and convincingly defends the qualities of this meat: "It is healthy, without fats or hormones, and nutritionally very sound." She adds: "To taste a free-range rooster fed with cereals is to discover meat with a fibrous texture, protein, and healthy fat. We feed them wheat, soy, and grape seed, which provides omega-3."
Keeping this tradition alive has not been accidental: it is the result of a collective commitment to preserve a genetic heritage that Vilafranca never wanted to lose. Unlike other areas, here the livestock legacy was protected with the support of institutions, producers, and research centers. "The work of IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology) and experts like Amadeu Francesch has been key in this process," Colomer points out. This effort is also reflected in the fair, which promotes the product with tastings, workshops, and informative spaces, and invites visitors to recover memories of the past, understanding taste as a living link between culture and territory.
Prat Breed Poultry Fair: the most authentic flavor of the Llobregat Delta
Between fields and wetlands, the cuisine of El Prat de Llobregat keeps alive one of its most beloved emblems: the Pota Blava chicken, a recognized breed with PGI, raised with cereals and respecting the times that give the meat a firm texture and an unmistakable flavor. The Poultry Fair of the Prat Breed, that is celebrated from November 28 to 30, is the perfect occasion to get to know it up close and taste it in different formats.The exhibition combines poultry exhibitions with a gastronomic space where you can enjoy farmer's breakfasts, Pota Blava and Prat artichoke dishes, guided tastings, a charity barbecue, and a wine market. All of this is complemented by cooking classes, tasting areas, and musical performances that turn the Granja de la Ricarda and its surroundings into a festive meeting point. On Sunday, the Farmer's Market allows you to buy seasonal products directly from the local agriculture of the El Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park.
Gastronomy and wine tourism: flavors with identity
The November and December calendar also includes many other fairs that celebrate the flavors of the territory and local traditions. On November 29, Berga welcomes the Chocolate and Ratafia Fair, an event that immerses us in two traditional elaborations: cocoa and herbs. The streets of Roser and the Plaça dels Països Catalans are filled with tastings, workshops, music and activities for everyone.On December 8, Gironella celebrates the Fira de la Puríssima, one of the oldest in Berguedà. In addition to the craftsmanship and festive atmosphere, the peeled corn escudella stands out, cooked outdoors and representative of a humble, traditional, and powerful cuisine.
On December 13, the Celler Fargas Fargas, in Pla de Bages, offers a wine tourism experience with escudella, desserts, DO Pla de Bages wines, and live music among vineyards. This Christmas Wine Bar is a relaxed and close way to connect with the territory.
And on November 30, the Masía Mas Rabell (Familia Torres) hosts a Christmas celebration with children's stories and workshops, a seasonal menu with wines or must, and live music. A family event to enjoy tradition and the most authentic Christmas among vineyards.
Already in December, from the 19th to the 21st, Centelles revolves around an ingredient as precious as it is mysterious: the truffle. Its fair combines gastronomy, traditions, and medieval legends. You will find tastings, a market, informative activities, and stories about this black fungus that, in ancient times, was considered magical.
Christmas Markets: craftsmanship, flavors, and festive spirit
Throughout the Christmas weeks, many municipalities celebrate fairs and markets that combine decoration, crafts, and local products. In Gironella, the Market Vila de Nadal (28/11–21/12) transforms the Station Square into a winter village. In Mataró, the Christmas Market (11/28–12/23) offers decorations, sweets, and nativity scene figures. And in Canyelles, the Santa Llúcia Fair(29–30/11) fills the center with gastronomic proposals, escudella and family activities.Other fairs focus on gastronomy. In Caldes de Montbui, thermal broth is cooked in Catalonia's largest pot (5–8/12); in Sant Celoni, its fair (6–7/12) brings together more than 100 stalls and an intense family program. Also noteworthy are the Christmas Market of El Masnou (10–14/12), that of Granollers (12/12–5/01) and the Fira de Nadal of Molins de Rei (13–14/12), which celebrates its twentieth edition.
The magic of smaller fairs also shines in Copons, Tordera and Fonollosa, with proposals that revive ancient trades, bonfires, and local crafts. And for lovers of natural products, the Natural Products Fair of Granollers (20/12) offers cheeses, honey, and cured meats in the Plaça de les Olles.
At a time of year when traditions take center stage, fairs and markets invite us to rediscover artisan chocolates, meats with PGI recognition, escudellas, and products made by farmers and artisans from all over the territory. It is a good opportunity to connect with the origin of flavors, reclaim the wisdom of the hands that make them possible, and bid farewell to the year with a more attentive, unhurried, and rooted look at what identifies us.
More information at: www.barcelonaesmoltmes.cat/es/nadal www.barcelonaesmoltmes.cat/es/gastronomia
Add The New Barcelona Post as your preferred Google source for free
Stay informed with the latest news.
