October, november and december
On 31 October and 1 November, coinciding with All Saints’ Day, Catalonia celebrates La Castañada, a popular tradition during which the streets of Barcelona fill with stalls selling roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to try the traditional panellets, sweets made from almonds, sugar, and pine nuts.
In November, music lovers can enjoy the Barcelona International Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious in Europe, held in venues such as L’Auditori and the Palau de la Música.
In December, Christmas arrives in the city, filling it with festive markets and a cosy atmosphere. The Fira de Santa Llúcia, located right in front of Barcelona Cathedral, is the city’s most traditional Christmas market, where you can find nativity-scene figures, decorations, and artisanal products. The Sagrada Família Market, situated in front of the iconic basilica, is perfect for buying Christmas gifts – from handcrafted items to traditional sweets – and stands out for its unique setting.
Passeig de Gràcia, Portal de l’Àngel, and Rambla de Catalunya offer a wonderful display of lights to spark the holiday spirit. A walk through the city centre on December evenings is highly recommended.
