I want to visit at least once! What are the attractions of Barcelona in winter

“MANGA BARCELONA (Manga Barcelona)” is Spain's biggest festival of Japanese culture. The festival, which is held every December in Barcelona, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The name of the newly built pavilion to further deliver “real Japan” is “NAGOMI (Japanese peace).” As registration of companies and artists to participate is progressing, I would like to once again introduce the city called “Barcelona,” which welcomes participants!

Barcelona, the city of art

Barcelona is famous for its rich artistic heritage. What is particularly known isSagrada FamiliaIt is a group of works by the architect Antoni Gaudí, starting with Its vibrant, one-of-a-kind designs, such as Villa Batlló and Park Güell, are a must-see.

Picasso, Miro... artists with many connections

Picasso began his career in Barcelona. In the city, there is the “Picasso Museum,” which was founded at the request of the person himself, and approximately 5,000 works are on display in the permanent collection.
The “Miró Museum,” which houses works by Barcelona-born Milo, is also located on “Montjuic Hill” about 30 minutes from the city. There are many works on display that artists themselves donated to the city in order to leave their own works in their hometown.

The Mediterranean shines brightly in December

The area that must have brought rich inspiration to artists is the Mediterranean Sea, which stretches south of the city. Not only tourists but also locals visit the coastline for a walk, where bright sunlight shines even in winter. The beach offers a relaxing time not found in high season.

Barcelona in December full of Christmas mood

Speaking of December, it's Christmas. A Christmas market is held in the town square, and it's so crowded that it's hard to walk through. The weather in Barcelona is similar to Tokyo, and the climate is relatively warm for Europe. Perhaps because of this, there is an open and bright atmosphere unique to Spain, which is a bit different from France and Germany.

I'm thrilled with ornaments full of Christmas feeling

The people who went out to town were looking for Christmas decorations. There aren't many variations themselves, and most stands are characterized by selling natural, traditional ornaments using fir trees and holly. The “warmth of handmade goods” is probably appreciated during Christmas, which is the season for family gatherings.

“Kaga Tio” dolls that appreciate nature

As a specialty of the Catalonia region where Barcelona is located, the “Kaganel doll,” which crouches and defecates, is known, but there is also another Christmas doll called “Kaga Tio,” which has a face drawn on a log. What, this also means “when children hit their butts with a stick, they 'excrete' sweets”!
This deceptively unique custom seems to symbolize gratitude for fertility brought about by natural chains. When I think about it, I feel that it is in line with our Japanese culture, which values appreciation and respect for nature.

I would be happy if the atmosphere of Barcelona could be conveyed to people who have already visited and those who haven't been there yet. Chao (see you later)!

[This article is also being read]Transmitted from Japan in Spain! The full story of “MANGA BARCELONA”

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