Christmas has become a successful tourist season also in Barcelona. It seems that global citizens no longer stay at home for Christmas or Saint Stephen's Day, and take the opportunity to move around like those who have the house falling on them.
It is clear that hypermobility will be one of the characteristics of this 21st century, where it seems that, if you haven't been traveling, you are a rara avis at a time when flight prices are absolutely competitive and the rankings of the ten best cities to visit this Christmas appear constantly and unbidden on your Instagram.
If we also add the beloved deseasonalization, we will see that the promotion of Christmas tourism by agencies is increasingly important and, consequently, the so-called low season is positioned as an option to reduce tourist overcrowding in cities.
The economic data for the tourism sector in 2024 have been very positive, and growth is forecast for 2025. Let's take advantage of this to position the city of Barcelona in months of less tourist pressure to lighten the high season.
And it is that the city's offer at Christmas is extraordinary, and not only Barcelona's offer, but that of other European cities. Traditional markets, colored lights, mappings, concerts and cultural proposals, and a present climate change that makes the cold very bearable.
The fact that in Barcelona at Christmas we have a unique cultural offer, large illuminated boulevards such as Paseo de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya, a commercial offer in the districts with special attention to retail, and the fact that it is not a replica of so many other photocopied cities, with its own traditions and a seal of innovation and creativity, must allow us to position ourselves internationally from uniqueness. Our proposal should be: what happens in Barcelona, doesn't happen anywhere else in the world!
The nativity scene is a Christmas tradition of the city that makes it unique and different from other cities; let's take advantage of it!That is why I have been enthusiastic about the proposal of the artist and architect Joan Juncosa, who invites us to reflect on the Christmas tradition of the nativity scene and at the same time allows us a kind transgression from urban art,placing groups of small nativity sheep of various colors and sizes in the city streets.
We must know how to play with Christmas traditions that are part of the identity and uniqueness of each territory, and cities must take advantage of it. The nativity scene is a Christmas tradition of the city that makes it unique and different from other cities. Let's take advantage of it!