What's New in Catalunya 2017

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WHAT’S NEW

IN CATALONIA 2017

INDEX CATALONIA 5

1 BARCELONA 0

2 COSTA & PAISATGES DE BARCELONA 2

2 COSTA BRAVA 6

3 COSTA DAURADA 0

3 TERRES DE L’EBRE 3

3 LANDS OF LLEIDA 5

3 PYRENEES 8

4 VAL D’ARAN 1

4 EVENTS CALENDAR 2017 3

CATALONA Catalonia is a Mediterranean destination with a millenary history, its own culture and language, plus a wealthy historical and natural heritage. With a population of over 7.5 million, the region covers 32,107 km2 and enjoys a temperate and mild Mediterranean climate, characterised by dry, warm summers and moderately cool winters. Catalonia is home to many significant metropolises, from the capital, Barcelona, to the province cities of Girona, Tarragona and Lleida and smaller towns filled with remarkable heritage and majestic monuments. The region offers extensive opportunities for tourists; from culture cravers to family travellers, sports enthusiasts and wildlife wanderers or for those just looking to relax, Catalonia’s excellent facilities place it as one of Europe’s prime tourist destinations.

NORDIC TOURISTS Catalonia, with a total of 782.000 Nordic tourists visiting in 2015. This gave an IN CATALONIA expenditure of €755 million. Between Catalonia welcomed over 17.4 million foreign visitors in 2015, which equated to an expenditure figure of €15,625 January and July 2016 these figures million. The Nordic Countries are the increased by 13% %, compared with the sixth largest outbound market for same period last year. tourism in FLIGHTS FROM THE NORDIC COUNTRIES TO CATALONIA

CATALONIA HAS NAMED 2017 THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM The United Nations (UN) General greater awareness of, and better Assembly has approved the adoption of appreciation to the inherent values of 2017 as the International Year of different cultures, thereby contributing Sustainable Tourism for Development. to the strengthening of peace in the One of the main aims of which is to world. The declaration by the UN of foster a better understanding of what 2017 as the International Year of sustainable tourism is, leading to a Sustainable

Tourism for Development is a Following this international path, unique opportunity to advance Catalonia has named 2017 the year of the contribution of the tourism sustainable tourism with the aim to sector to the three pillars of continue improving and growing CATALONIA PAVES THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL TOURISM sustainability – economic, social and tourism in a sustainable way, something environmental – whilst raising that has always been a key point in the awareness of the true dimensions of a Catalan sector which is often undervalued. Tourist Board’s strategy. Catalonia gives wings to ‘Wildsea Europe’, a Sustainable Marine Tourism Route connecting coastal destinations with a unique marine biodiversity launched as a prelude to the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The Route captures the best marine landscapes and ecotourism experiences that can be enjoyed in Catalonia and other European coastal destinations. It brings together a network of local tourism operators and offers visitors a wealth of exciting marine and outdoor activities to try, allowing them to experience and learn about marine wildlife.

Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, whale & bird watching and trekking; Wildsea Europe offers a wide portfolio of fun rest of the Route’s associated marine and outdoor activities which are destinations which include the Atlantic offered to the public through the Route’s waters of Causeway Coast & Glens website - www.wildsea.eu. There are (Northern Ireland), Donegal (Ireland) now over 65 different tourism and Tarifa (Spain) to Liguria (Italy) and experiences that can be enjoyed in Istria (Croatia) in the Mediterranean Sea. Catalonia and the CATALONIA LEADS THE TOURISM PROJECT ‘HIKING EUROPE’ www.wildsea.eu ‘Hiking Europe’ is a project presented and coordinated by the Catalan Tourist Board which involves a hiking network of over 1,000 km of trails across four different

European destinations: Catalonia,will give easy access to cultural and Ireland, Italy and Croatia. natural heritage, gastronomy, local The main objective is to diversify traditions, and will be promoted the tourism offering in each of the following a sustainable model which involved destinations and to showcase involves the local community.

VISITMUSEUM - A NEW TOOL FOR TOURISTS whole regions. These rural hiking routes Visitmuseum is a new tool for tourists the museum, a route interested in culture and heritage. through the main Accessible from any mobile device, in thematic rooms and a detailed look at app or mobile web version, Visitmuseum the most significant objects. The app also enables users to enhance their visit with provides useful information including content available in different languages, the corresponding links to find out more and showcases the main pieces held at as well as how visitors can share their each museum, providing in-depth experiences on social media networks. commentary. The main aim of this new tool is to make Visitmuseum includes a museums more accessible for brief presentation of international visitors. the features of www.visitmuseum.gencat.cat ‘The Catalan Tourist Board has recently can be purchased on-site in order to ease launched the Market Place “Experience the booking process. NEW MARKET PLACE - EXPERIENCE CATALUNYA Catalunya” with a renewed and user In the following months, the platform friendly layout. The platform is will also include seasonal promotions, a NEW SPACE TO PROMOTE CATALAN CULTURAL HERITAGE IN PALAU MOJA organised in different categories and newsletter and a blog with monthly includes videos and panoramic images to inspiration on Catalonia’s hidden gems. encourage users to find the best holiday experience.catalunya.com experiences. A new space to promote the tangible and Whether the users are looking for a intangible cultural heritage of Catalonia, gastronomy experience, a nature activity has opened to the public and can be or a family fun adventure, the found in Palau Moja, in the heart of the “Experience Catalunya” platform emblematic La Rambla in Barcelona. The will inspire users with new ideas, aim of the centre is to promote and customer reviews and a ranking of the commercialise Catalonia’s cultural top experiences. All these experiences heritage resources.

The centre provides heritage information, both for tourists spending a few days in Catalonia, or for Catalan visitors who want toincrease their knowledge about the region. The centre is divided in 3 spaces; a tourist office specialising in cultural heritage where visitors can buy tickets for different cultural sites; a museum that illustrates the Catalan history; and a gastronomic space where visitors can taste Catalonia’s culinary heritage with cuisine based on healthy, local products and accompanied by a wine list with nine appellations of origin.

www.palaumoja.com

BARCEL ONA Barcelona is one of the world’s key city tourism destinations. With 6.5 million tourists and 60,000 hotel beds, in recent years the city has become one of the top 5 European cities in the sector. The Catalan capital combines the appeal of culture and architecture (Gaudí) with the vitality of a dynamic city, which is expressed by its retail offering, gastronomy and sporting calendar, as well as its special lifestyle. Located in the Mediterranean, the city’s 5 kilometres of beaches and its position as the Continent’s leading cruise destination and a hub for meetings tourism complete its appeal.

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS TO RE-OPEN IN 2017

Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Torre Andreu – “La Rotonda”

Carrer de les Carolines, 18-24, 08012 Av. del Tibidabo, 1, 08022 www.casavicens.org

Antonio Gaudí’s first major construction Torre Andreu, also known as “La Rotonda dating back to 1883-1888, Casa Vicens, ” is a neoclassical modernist building that is to become a museum. Refurbishment was completed in 1918 by the architect on Casa Vicens, set to last one year, has Adolf Ruiz i Casamitjana. begun and will see this UNESCO heritage Situated in the Sant Gervasi building, located in the city’s Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona, Torre district, transformed into a house Andreu stands on the corner of Avenida museum featuring some of Gaudí’s best del Tibidabo and Passeig de Sant Gervasi, work. The building, never before opened and it is artistically known as the “Door to the public, is undergoing extensive to the Tibidabo”. refurbishment and restoration so it can The building has had a variety of uses open to visitors. The museum has a over the years; it began by housing the visitor route, an auditorium, exhibition luxury Grand Hotel Metropolitan which area, shop and cafeteria. The bright had an elegant restaurant with a capacity colours and references to nature used for 500 people, often used to celebrate on Casa Vicens set the tone for Gaudí’s weddings and events of the local future artistic direction and that is why bourgeois, before being renamed Hotel this building is so important in terms of La Rotonda after the Civil War. In the the architect’s history. 1970’s it became a hospital and the 2016 refurbishment is being completed by the architects of Alfredo Arribas, together

with Núñez i Navarro who medieval-style spiked towers, will be home to a museum space which NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS TO RE-OPEN IN 2017 bought the building in 1999. explores the work of the architect Puig i La casa de les punxes Cadafalch, the history of the Casa

Terradas and modernism. Avinguda Diagonal, 420, 08037 www.casadelespunxes.com “The House of Silk” Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 1, 08003 Barcelona has a new tourism attraction! www.casadelaseda.com After over a hundred years of being closed to the general public, the Casa 18th century home of the Guild of Silk Terradas, better known as the Casa de Sail Makers, called Casa de la Seda, has les Punxes because of its six spiky recently opened its doors to the public. towers, opened its doors to the public People can now enjoy regular visits of this summer. Declared a Historical this beautiful jewel hidden in the heart of National Monument in 1975, the house the Gothic Quarter. offers a recreational and cultural visit The house was built between 1758 and combining the property’s stunning 1763 by Joan Garrido Bertràn and it was design with the history of its architect, declared Monument of National Interest Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and the legend of since 1919 and won the Gold Medal of sant Jordi, which is reflected in the the City of Barcelona in 1929. symbolism of the house, which The House of Silk is a must do in showcases the latest technology. Barcelona due to several reasons: Its Three of the most outstanding parts of privileged location in the heart of the Casa de les Punxes can now be Barcelona, its library with 16th century visited: documents and parchments, its lovely The main floor, the area where the silk lined walls, great architectonic and legend of Sant Jordi will be narrated, a its artistic value and a fascinating history recurrent theme in modernism, via an behind it. audio-visual representation. The ground floor includes the main entrance, a shop and a bar. The terrace, with its characteristic

EASY WALKING TOURS ARE EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE ANY KIND OF Gothic Quarter with no architectural barriers, so that people with reduced mobility who may require wheelchairs, , those who have problems walking or those who get easily tired, can visit the old quarter of Barcelona. The tour runs on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, at 10am in English and groups are small with no more than 10 people including companions. www.barcelonaturisme.com

SPECIAL NEED The Barcelona Tourist Board has created the Easy Walking Tour – a new one-hour guided tour through the Samfaina’ is the new multisensory Barcelona is, “Catalonia like you never experience that will grab the attention of tried before” according to the founders. your five senses through a rich offering delightful gastronomy, gastronomic offering. The unforgettable Mediterranean style, unique designs, experience, in the Grand Teatre Liceu in local produce, and stunning art. Opera

‘OPERA SAMFAINA’, THE-SENSORY NEW EXPERIENCE IN GASTROLaunched in September 2016, ‘Opera BARCELONAIt consists of 950 square meters of different environments and bars,

Samfaina is an artistic and tastings of wine, cheese, ham and cured culinary journey worth meats. experiencing. ‘EL ALTAR’ A NEW GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE www.operasamfaina.com Discover the secrets of the Boqueria Enjoy some spectacular live cooking and Market, the places that make it unique, delight your palate! and go shopping with the chef who will El Altar is the new gastronomic space, in share their secrets of how to buy the the heart of Barcelona, inside the iconic finest-quality ingredients. Visitors will Boqueria Market with views of the have a unique opportunity to see a famous Rambla. El Altar offers visitors renowned chef cook in front of you… and the chance to experience unique and just for you. Enjoy some spectacular live unforgettable activities associated with cooking and delight your palate!

FIRST NBA CAFÉ IN EUROPE gastronomy and wines as well as www.casaguinart.com The National Basketball Association restaurantgroups (NBA) together with the Spanish in Spain with more than 28 restaurants restaurant group AN Grup have opened serving more than five million customers the first NBA Café in Europe on the each year. iconic La Rambla street in Barcelona. Covering 1,200 square meters, NBA Café NBA Café Barcelona, the first NBA Barcelona will feature a range of NBA destination of its kind in Europe, will imagery, memorabilia, and merchandise, offer a unique dining and entertainment all complemented by an exciting menu experience capturing the energy and feel offering quintessential American bar and of the NBA in a state of-the-art venue. grill favourites along with local and It will be managed and operated by AN Mediterranean dishes. Grup, one of the largest barcelona.nbacafe.com

OPEN CAMP BARCELONA, WORD’S FIRST THEME PARK FOR SPORTS The Olympic Ring area on Montjuïc, the main site of the sporting triumphs during Barcelona’s 92’ Olympic Games, has become home to the world’s first leisure park dedicated to the world of sport. Open Camp Europe offers a completely new concept which combines entertainment and sports with fun. The project brings together the world of sport with the latest technology and virtual reality. Whether it’s dribbling like Messi or sprinting like Bolt, visitors can actually feel what it is like to be a professional sportsman or sportswoman competing on some of the world’s biggest stages. The park also showcases the latest sport technology gadgets, and the world’s top sport brands, leagues and clubs. Its attractions are designed for visitors of all ages and offers more than thirty experiences; place a shot between the goalposts of the Olympic Stadium while the crowd shouts your name; indulge your passion for motorsport at the Telefónica Tower; visit the Olympic and Sports Museum and become the top scorer on Europe's first interactive basketball court; join the innovative video games league; and round the day off with the fantastic

closing ceremony, at which you will live some of sport's most memorable moments amid an inspiring festival of light, sound and colour. opencamp.info BARCELONA SHOPPING Barcelona as a shopping destination for more than 15 years, and this year it LINE celebrates new products: Barcelona has a wide variety of Barcelona Shopping tour: a three hour shopping offer. Retail hubs can be found tour around the main shopping venues of in all the districts of the city, where Barri Gòtic, Born, Sant Pere i Sta. modern establishments rub shoulders Caterina, including tastings and ateliers with longstanding traditional shops. visits. Visits can be done in English, Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Spanish and Catalan every Friday from shops with a markedly Mediterranean 15:30h to 18:30h. character; many are family-run with a Barcelona Shopping Card: this card offers long tradition of personalised, friendly discounts and advantages for visitors to and professional service. The Barcelona over 60 establishments. Shopping Line programme has been barcelonashoppingline.com promoting

NEW VINTAGE TOUR IN BARCELONA A new vintage experience has recently most legendary bars of the city. launched in Barcelona to discover the All the cars offer GPS navigators, a city on board of an original Seat 600, the security mobile phone and a boombox most iconic vehicle in Spain back in the with music from the 60s. 60s. This is a unique experience that can be The 2 hour tour takes visitors through privatised for groups or enjoyed with the historic city centre and finishes with friends and family. a taste of delicious tapas in one of the triptroop.com CITY-SKI BREAK, FROM BARCELONA TO THE PYRENEES Located just 2 short hours from Pyrenees are easily accessible from the Barcelona, La Molina is the perfect city by car, train, or even helicopter. resort for those looking to combine a There is also the Barcelona SkiBus city-break with time on the slopes. It which takes guests directly to the Alp was the very first resort to open in Spain 2,500 domain with daily 6.30am and together with the resort of Masella departures from Barcelona during the forms the Alp 2,500 Ski Domain ski season (December – March). encompassing 121km of slopes. Of The all-inclusive pass costs around €77 course, visitors to the Catalan capital per person and includes transfer by bus, won’t be disappointed, Barcelona has it ski pass for Alp 2,500, accident insurance all – incredible food and wine, and ski/snowboard hire. The passes are fascinating architecture and culture, available to buy at a number of locations beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches and within the city including at tourist plenty to see and do. The Catalan information points.

Barcelona will welcome Europe's third EDITION, the lifestyle hotel brand from Ian Schrager and Marriott International. This will be the third EDITION hotel in Europe, after London and Istanbul. The Barcelona Edition will be a truly luxury- lifestyle hotel and will focus on offering an outstanding personal service as well as intimate and individualised memorable experiences. The 100-room NEW HOTELS FOR 2017 hotel will be located in the Ciutat Vella district, close to the Cathedral of H Barcelona and nearly adjacent to the iconic Santa Caterina Market. The space will include three distinct restaurant 5*GL Edition Barcelona experiences, along with a beautiful lobby space, club and rooftop bar area. Opening in 2017 Av. de Francesc Cambó, 08003 Ciutat vella www.marriott.com

5*GL The One Barcelona Opening February 2017 Provença, 277 08037 Eixample

Located in Barcelona’s most exclusive district, The One Barcelona will be a new 5* Grand Luxury hotel with a sophisticated interior design that inspires comfort and tranquillity. The hotel will offer spacious and bright rooms, a restaurant and cocktail & wine bar, a spa, an exclusive guest-only plunge pool and solarium and a magnificent rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.

Welcome to the . The cost of this suite is 15,000 Euros largest suite in per night. Barcelona The new Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I Opened in October 2016 Passeig de Gràcia 68, 08008 Eixample Opening (TBC) www.hotelmajestic.es Av. Diagonal 211, 08018 Barcelona

Almost 500 m2, of 2 or 3 bedrooms with Following the launch of a totally new chic private panoramic terraces and jacuzzis and stylish lobby created by the and solariums overlooking Barcelona is prestigious London studio Richmond the Royal Penthouse, the largest suite of Design Hospitality, Fairmont Rey Juan Barcelona which has just been opened at Carlos I proudly opens newly refurbished the Majestic Hotel. rooms every month. The refurbishment Located in Passeig de Gracia, one of the of this magnificent lobby has seen the most exclusive streets of the city, this space transformed with interesting refined space, intimately decorated with geometric arches in a pergola shaped great attention to detail, is aimed to that separates the area of this vast foyer provide guests with a great sensation of of over 2,000 square metres. peace and comfort with its expansive New and interesting dining options are living room, dining room and also available at the hotel such the new personalised maxi bar. B.24 restaurant with a tapas menu and The bar offers an assortment of local cuisine created by chef Claudio premium and gourmet snacks, which Aguirre and a modern cocktail bar adapts to the guest’s preferences. created by Alex Peyraud. Another exquisite detail that guests can The hotel-wide renovation project find in their room is a briefcase features new restaurants, common areas containing five fragrances of the and 432 guest rooms and suites, of which prestigious Maison Atelier Cologne more than 180 are completed at the Paris. Contained in two formats, the moment and will be completely finished smallest one (30 ml) is presented in a in August 2017. leather case with the initials of the client In addition, the Majestic Royal includes LATEST HOTELS TO OPEN IN BARCELONA (2016)H Soho House 5* face the Port Vell harbor. That's a short walk away from the iconic Las Ramblas Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4, 08002 and from the Gaudí-designed Palau www.sohohousebarcelona.com Güell. In addition to 57 rooms that vary in size, the hotel will have two Soho House Barcelona is in a restored restaurants, a rooftop pool, a 30-room 18th-century building on the Plaça del movie theater, a game room, and one of Duc de Medinaceli in the city's Gothic the brand's signature Cowshed spas, Quarter neighborhood, with rooms that

with amenities provided by the Wittmore is an ‘Adults Only’ hotel which British beauty line. features beautiful accommodation with a garden and on-site dining. The property 4* Le Palacete de Gracia is within 550 yards of Plaza Reial and La Seu, Cathedral of Barcelona.

Opened July 2016 C/ Aragó, 4* Catalonia Magdalenes 271 08007 Eixample room-

matehotels.com/es/anna Opened May 2016 Le Palacete Barcelona Hotel is a small, C/Magdalenes, 13-15 08002 Ciutat Vella private, exclusive establishment with 10 cataloniamagdalenes.com-barcelona.com/en bedrooms situated in the heart of the historic district of Gràcia in Barcelona, Located in the city’s Gothic Quarter, this and is just ten minutes’ walk from the hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Palau Sagrada Familia Church and Paseo de de la Musica Catalana and Barcelona Gràcia avenue. This welcoming and Cathedral. Plaça de Catalunya and elegant boutique hotel has three floors Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar are also and is housed in a building which dates within a 10 minute walk of the property. back to the turn of the 20th century. One This hotel features a full-service spa, an of its main features is an imposing façade outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. WiFi of semi-circular arches and balustrades in public areas is free. The hotel also of artificial stone. offers a poolside bar, coffee shop/café, and a rooftop terrace. 4* Room Mate Anna 5* Ohla Eixample Opened July 2016 C/ Aragó, 271 08007 Eixample room- matehotels.com/es/anna Opened April 2016 C/Còrsega, 289- 291 08008 Eixample This boutique design hotel is located in www.ohlaeixample.com the city centre, which is full of history and excitement, not to mention excellent Ohla Eixample is a brand new 5-star restaurants. A unique vision of boutique hotel located in the heart of the avantgarde interior design and modernist Eixample district in architecture. Barcelona, between the emblematic 5* The Wittmore Diagonal Avenue and the shopping street Rambla de Catalunya. It is a modern NEW VENUES FOR MEETINGS & EVENTS IN 2017 Opened May 2016 building that defines itself through C/ Riudarenes, 7 08002 Ciutat Vella maximum functionality, new technology thewittmore.com and architectural creativity.

Nestled in a charming alleyway, in L’Hivernacle Barcelona Barcelona’s stunning Gothic Quarter, 450 yards from Picasso Museum, The November 2016 to February 2017 Poble Espanyol - Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia,

13, 08038 Montjic poble- 12 Capitania Antigua, Port Forum, Carrer de la espanyol.com Pau, 08930 St Adria de Besos www.cafedelmar.barcelona The Poble Espanyol in Barcelona has reinvented the Main Square by The Café del Mar group is all set to open adding a temporary structure of more its biggest venue to date early next year than 1,350m2 that is diaphanous and has in 2017, and the new location is in Port a height of more than 5m. Fórum in Barcelona, on the border of the The large clear pavilion will be available city centre and Sant Adrià de Besòs. It is to host large events such as meetings, situated in an ideal location, right by the receptions, cocktail parties, and product sea and is surrounded by palm trees. The launches. club will have a total area of 4,000 The Hivernacle will receive the services square metres, with 1,500 square metres of one of the most reputed national dedicated to an outside space with a catering firms, Vilaplana Càtering, with pool. The inside space will consist of four proven expertise in managing large separate floors, with the entrance hall, events in which quality and success are management office and changing rooms

guaranteed. on the first floor; a club that holds 600 This venue will have a maximum people on the second; a restaurant capacity of 2,500 people for a coktail serving the best Mediterranean food reception and 1,100 for a sitting dinner. with a terrace overlooking the harbour on the third; and a multipurpose terrace on the top floor that will be used to host special events and private and corporate functions for around 500 guests. Café del Mar Barcelona is being housed in the former harbour master’s offices, a structure that was built in 2005 and which was a finalist in several architecture competitions. Café del Mar

Early 2017

NEW VENUES FOR MEETINGS & EVENTS IN 2017 Sovren House The basement

Opened August 2016 Port Vell Marina, Opened May 2016 C/ Girona, Muello Oriental 1, 08039 8 08010 Eixample www.sovrenhouse.com thebasementbarcelona.com

Sovren House is an exclusive event space The basement is a unique space with the and private dining room located in the capacity to adapt to and optimise any heart of Barcelona. Originally designed corporate events and business meetings. to provide shelter to the yachts in the This unique venue has two different Marina from prevailing winds, this ambiences; the SET (82m2 studio) and elegantly renovated period building is HOME. (58 m2 space equipped with a now used for everything from bespoke meeting table, a sofa area where you can private dining to business meeting relax and talk quietly and a kitchen area spaces, and corporate functions to whole that is spacious, comfortable and very

building rental. useful).

Wynwood Point Mood Space Barcelona

Opened June 2016 Carrer de València, Opened March 2016 Aribau 230-240 8ºL 300, 08009 Eixample bis. 08006 Eixample espaciomood.com www.wynwoodpoint.com Located at the David Building -one of This new venue is located in front of the Barcelona’s most iconic buildings- the Claris hotel, in the centre of Barcelona. Aribau Mood Space won’t leave you The space has a total of 320m2 divided feeling indifferent. Featuring an into 3 rooms - Arte Lab, Meeting Point openplan layout, high ceilings and a fine and the Private Club – which are fully terrace, the space is fully adaptable for equipped and prepared to accommodate events, culinary demonstrations, very exclusive events. workshops, company meetings, training

sessions, product launchings, you name it, they can cater to it.

COSTA &

PAISATGES

Costa Barcelona offers 100kmBARCELONAof urban beaches Paisatges Barcelona, located in inner Catalonia, is and is easily accessible from Barcelona. It boasts destination. Due to its gentle landscape and the nautical resorts of Santa Susanna and excellent climate, Costa Barcelona is blessed with Vilanova i la Geltrú, and is an excellent golf a wealth of produce, together with a fine cuisine

based on fish and BIOSPHERE DESTINATION seafood. These climatic The town of Sitges, located 30 km south of conditions have also Barcelona, received on the 8th of June the allowed for the sustainable tourism certification "Biosphere development of vineyards, as well Destination", awarded by the Responsible as three of Catalonia’s twelve Tourism Institute, an organisation linked to Denominations of Origin: Penedès, UNESCO, member of the UNWTO and the Global Alella and the internationally Sustainable Tourism Council. This certificate is reputed Cava. a recognition of the quality, environmental dominated by the large plains of sustainability and social responsibility of Sitges the Central Depression and is as a tourist destination; an award for the work surrounded by mountains. Iconic done by the sector in Sitges achieved through towns including Vic; Manlleu; public-private partnerships. Manresa, Cardona, home to Salt The Biosphere Destination Mountain cultural park; and certification is based on a certification system Igualada, bear a great history, as

well as a long market tradition. that, in addition to establishing quality and Nature lovers can explore the vast environmental criteria, includes sustainability natural park network, including El requirements such as social responsibility, Montseny – a UNESCO Biosphere conservation of cultural property, meeting the Reserve bordering Costa expectations of tourists and improving the Barcelona – and the monastery quality of life of the local population. and mountain of Montserrat is The tourism sector of the town of Sitges much more than just a protected achieves this through the certification – a natural area; the natural park recognition that accredits the town as the main combines unusual geological industry locally, capable of promoting, through formations with numerous hiking its crosscutting, responsible management and trails and climbing routes. sustainability in economic, cultural and environmental terms. www.sitgestur.cat

PENEDÈES 360 WINE AND ADVENTURE One of the world’s most important wine regions, the Penedès offers visitors the chance to indulge their inner sommelier, wander through endless vineyards and take in the magnificent views. New for 2017 is ‘Penedès 360º’, an experience that allows visitors to combine walking and cycling routes with wine, and of course, cava tastings. Penedès 360º offers the choice of three circular routes to explore by mountain bike, slow bike or on foot and is an initiative from Enoturisme Penedès – a collection of more than 190 companies from the region which include wine cellars an and shops, restaurants, accommodation providers and museums. Combining adventure with the chance to sample some of the world’s most delectable wines provides visitors with unmissable holiday. penedes360.cat

CODORNIU QUEST, A NEW WAY TO DISCOVER CAVAS CODORNIU Codorníu Quest is a new and original way to competitiveness and discover Cavas Codorníu and learn the origins teamwork leads to an of cava. unforgettable and fun way to Visitors can test their skills and take part in discover Codorníu, the oldest exciting ingenuity tests during their tour winegrowers in Spain. around Codorníu cellars. Emotions, laughter, Modernism, art, nature,

culture, creativity and visitascodorniu.com/enoturisticactivities/codorni history are just some of u-quest/ the components visitors Terrassa Turisme has recently launched the can explore whilst “Minyons Experience”, an outstanding enjoying this exciting activity opportunity to join the Minyons de Terrasa Human Towers TORRES WINERY HAS A Team during one of their NEW TOUR TO VISIT rehearsals. This MAS LA PLANA experience offers visitors a Torres has created a new tour to visit unique Mas La Plana, the wine cellar where the opportunity to Torres family produces one of their most get involved iconic and prestigious wines. This visit is and fit under a the perfect way to uncover the secrets of lumbar back the fascinating world of wine and to get strip or to know a bit more about the history of faixa and join the Torres family and their origins. the human During the tour visitors will explore the tower. This vineyards at the Mas la Plana Estate and experience can learn the characteristics that make the be enjoyed at Penedès County an ideal wine making Casa Jacint area. At the end of the tour, visitors can Bosch (1912), a choose between a tasting of five wines, or a wine modernist and cheese pairing. www.torres.es building that brings visitors back to Terrassa’s NEW HUMAN TOWER EXPERIENCE WITH THE Industrial MINYONS DE TERRASSA history. Codorniu has prepared. visitaterrassa.ca t/en/human-towersexperience/

COSTA BRAVA The Costa Brava brand is the first sun and beach destination in Catalonia and extends along 220 kilometres of coast, from Portbou in the north, until the town of Blanes in the south, where the coast of Barcelona starts. The Costa Brava includes several areas of great natural, landscape and cultural value of the hinterland. The touristic offering of the Costa Brava goes beyond sun and beach tourism. The destination offers great possibilities in several areas: from active tourism to cultural tourism and tourism of golf, health and wellness as well as gastronomic.

NEW PUBLICATION FOR ACTIVE

HOLIDAYS IN THE COSTA BRAVA AND GIRONA PYRENEES The 240-page book presents 51 walking, bike and kayak routes for sports lovers and fans: Ten walks from the Fluvià and Ter rivers, ten walks in the Costa Brava, thirteen bike routes and eight kayak routes both by sea and the Ter and Fluvià rivers, plus relevant addresses and an index of toponyms. The publication of this project has been the result of a proposal that the geographer, writer, photographer and professional mountain guide, Sergi Lara, and Triangle Books presented to the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board of the Provincial Council of Girona in 2015, coinciding with the Year of Nature on the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees. The book is available in five languages and can be found at all Girona province libraries.

COSTA BRAVA PIRINEUS LAUNCH A NEW SPORTS AND TOURISM FRIENDLY PLATFORM with the aim of encouraging sports fans and athletes to visit the destination, as The Costa Brava Pirineus Sports well as to promote sports tourism in the Friendly platform brings together sport Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees and and tourism to promote the products give visibility to local businesses. and events related to the cycling, hiking The platform has several sections which and triathlon world in Catalonia. provide specific information about the The platform, created with the WeFitter region aimed at athletes, promotional app, a community of over 50,000 videos and videos from Girona-born Catalonia-wide athletes and sports fans, athletes Oriol Cardona, Nil Cardona and is an innovative project that the Costa Marc Pinsach, ambassadors from the Brava Girona Tourist Board launched

Board’s Nature and Active 2016 when the iconic city of Girona will Tourism Club who support the host the next Michelin Guide Spain & project, and details about the Portugal 2017 Star Gala. The event, challenges and recommendations. This gathering more than 400 leading figures new tool is launched along with the from the gastronomy world, will take 250/4000 place in Mas Marroch – a property of the Challenge In Costa Brava; held alongside Roca Brothers from El Celler de Can the cycling race of the same name on 8 Roca. Joan Roca, the owner and October. This race –with 568 enrolled best chef of the participants– starts and finishes in world by the Blanes and runs through the inland Restaurant’s magazine this year 2016, section of La will be coordinating the dinner in collaboration with some of the best chefs GIRONA TO HOST THE MICHELIN GUIDE 2017 STAR GALA Selva. in the area. en.costabrava.org The 2017 Michelin Guide Star Gala has a The year of Catalan gastronomy, few Catalan restaurants nominated, such declared after the announcement of as the Miramar (Lançà) and Les Cols Catalonia as European Region of (Olot), both in the province of Girona, as Gastronomy 2016, will reach its highest well as the Àbac, Lasarte, Moments and point next year on the 23rd November La Enoteca in Barcelona. HBO favourite, ‘Game of Thrones’ has made for a dramatic backdrop for the filmed part of Season six in the historic show. city of Girona in north-eastern Catalonia. From the 16th of August Girona is The city’s enchanting medieval city presenting a new way to discover the walls, old Jewish Quarter and vast city’s cinematic side. Game of Girona network of churches and monasteries, experience aims to reveal how and

‘GAME OF THRONES’, THE STAR OF GIRONA’S NEW

CINEMATIC TOUR 28

where it all started, the special younger guests, the brand new features, the settings... and to Kids Club offers a variety of discuss, enjoy and experience games and sports alongside an array of Game of Thrones for three full hours. workshops, including cookery and The tours will be in Catalan (and in painting. PGA Catalunya Resort’s Head Spanish, French and English on request). Professional Enric López and his team In order to get the most out of this tour, will provide golf lessons and clinics for visitors should ideally have seen the golfers wanting to improve their game. sixth season. This tour will be given on Visitors wanting to venture further afield Saturdays at 7 pm, and tickets cost €30 will be spoilt for choice with an array of per person. outdoor pursuits, which include hiking, cycling, fishing, snorkelling and kite- HOTEL CAMIRAL BRINGS NEW LIFE TO PGA CATALUNYA RESORTH www.gameofgirona.com surfing that take in the beautiful PGA Catalunya Resort’s new 5* Hotel Catalonian countryside and the Costa

THE RUINS OF EMPURIES, A NEW VENUE TO HOST EVENTS Camiral extends the Costa Brava resort’s Brava coastline. Private boat trips, commitment to being a world-leading balloon rides, Segway tours, skydiving lifestyle destination by providing its experiences and guided fishing guests with a host of experiences that expeditions can also be organised cover gastronomy, wine, art, culture, through Hotel Camiral’s exclusive sport and leisure, as well as once-in- concierge service. alifetime adventures. For the resort’s www.hotelcamiral.com The ancient Greek and Roman city of new space for events in Catalonia. This Empuries, in the coastline of Costa Brava monumental ensemble, which shows the (90min from Barcelona and 30min from domestic and social life of its past Girona), is an archaeology site to offer a inhabitants, offers different possibilities

for hosting events. Although the majority of the spaces are outdoors, it also has 2 interior rooms - the showroom and the library - with a capacity of 50 and 40 people seated respectively. In terms of the outdoor spaces, the Forum Gardens can host up to 2,000 people whereas the Agora accommodates up to 80 people. In addition it has a terrace for up to 400 people and the Esculapio – II bc. Century – with capacity for 250 people. www.mac.cat/eng/Branches/Empuries

COSTA DAURADA The Costa Daurada is the ideal destination for family tourism. It has 3 certified municipalities: Salou, Cambrils and Calafell, 92 km of beaches and the PortAventura theme park. Culture and art are epitomised by Tarragona, Reus and the Cistercian Route. Natural beauty spots such as the Montsant Mountain Range and the Mountains of Prades are a paradise for active tourism. Its excellent Mediterranean gastronomy, set off by a wine culture endorsed by 6 DOs, provides the ideal complement for getting away from it all in the finest spas, or for organising any kind of business event.

FERRARI LAND SET TO OPEN IN 2017 AT PORTAVENTURA WORLD PortAventura World Parks & Resort has recreation of the birthplace of the announced its new Ferrari Land Scuderia. They will also enjoy world- attraction will officially open on 7th April, class rides inspired by Ferrari, which 2017. Port Aventura World currently will include the park’s main attraction, welcomes 300,000 visitors from the UK ‘the Vertical Accelerator’, which will each year and this is expected to stand even taller than PortAventura’s increase with the launch of their newest own Shambhala. It will set a double park. This third attraction will offer record for being the highest (112 60,000 m2 of fast-paced fun and will be metres) and fastest (0-180 km/h in five the only Ferrari theme park in Europe. seconds) rollercoaster in Europe. Visitors will discover the technological www.portaventuraworld.com genius of the iconic Italian brand and a For the first time this summer, the air, and neither can they see what’s beaches in the town of Cunit, Costa under the water in the same way a drone Daurada, have had an equipped drone can, when there’s crystalline water”, which drops lifejackets as a lifeguard. explains Olmo. This drone was developed by the local Another advantage is its speed, a police officer Dani Olmo. remotecontrol drone is much faster than The drone was flying as a tester during any swimmer or boat and allows the XVIII MEDITERRANEAN GAMES TARRAGONA 2017 the summer season in order to evaluate police to cover an area of 2km in the its proper functioning and it has already same amount of time they would need 2 helped the local authorities to prevent boats and 6 lifeguards. accidents, to control marine animals and On 15th October 2011, the International water contamination. Committee of the Mediterranean Games “No boat can find what we do from the chose Tarragona as the city to host the

DRONES THAT SAVE LIVES ARRIVE TO CATALONIA’S COASTS 32

Mediterranean Games in 2017. The Games will take place The Mediterranean Games are a from the 30th of June to the multisport competition organised 9th of July 2017 in 16 venues of the within the Olympic movement, territory. It will cover 33 with the recognition of the International sport disciplines, with around 4,000 Olympic Committee (IOC). The athletes from 26 different nationalities. participation is established through the In addition 1,000 international judges, Olympic committees of each of the 1,000 journalists, 3,500 volunteers and member countries that take part at the more than 150,000 spectators will be

CASA MIRE, A XIX CENTURY STATELY HOME TO HOST JOANInternational T CommitteeEVENTS of the part of the event. Mediterranean Games (ICMG) in the www.tarragona2017.cat geographical area of the Mediterranean. Located in the historical centre of space for events with 1000m2 and can Tarragona, this house from 1859 accommodate up to 500 people. A introduces itself as a new host for events. journey worth experiencing Its rooms recall the atmosphere of the eng.agplanning.com/casa-joan- time, keeping its high ceilings and miretmid-64 hydraulic floors of the XIX century. Managed by AG Planning, the house has four rooms with different capacities; from a room with 70m2 and capacity for 60 people in cocktail format, to three other smaller meeting rooms to accommodate from 25 to 40 delegates. The rooms are facing the city’s Rambla Nova or the garden, which is an outdoors

TERRES DE L’EBRE Terres de l’Ebre encompasses the four counties found along the 130km river Ebro and its landscape and gastronomy are hugely diverse. The region is home to a wealth of fresh ocean produce, ranging from the cupped oyster to local mussels caught in the calm and warm waters of the Ebro Delta, to spectacular fish and seafood fresh from the Mediterranean. Other food and wine highlights include rice from the Delta and quality wines from Terra Alta (with a Denomination of Origin of their own). Along the coast from L’Ametlla de Mar to Les Cases d’Alcanar lies the fascinating world of the Ebro Delta, a wetland panning 320 square kilometres, part of which is a natural park and one of the most significant natural areas in the whole of the Mediterranean.

TERRES DE L’EBRE - ONE OF THE TOP 100 GREEN DESTINATIONS 2016 The Terres de l’Ebre area has been recognised as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations for 2016. The Terres de l’Ebre is a territory surrounding the river Ebre in the southern part of Catalonia in Spain. 35% of the area is protected by Natura 2000 and in 2013, the region was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Besides the nature protection and preservation,

Terres de l’Ebre also works on other sustainability elements to make the tourism development compatible with nature conservation. Thanks to this it received the Top100 Green Destinations award last September. www.terresdelebre.travel

LANDS OF LLEIDA The tremendous diversity of the Lands of Lleida is surprising; the landscapes of the plains are crossed by a thousand and one enchanting routes which include “The River Sió Castles Route” and “The Cistercian Route”. The capital, Lleida, is an open city in which cultural heritage —including the magnificent old cathedral, La Seu Vella— coexists with the most modern items of infrastructure which include the new Congress and Conference Centre and the LleidaAlguaire airport. Festivals and age-old traditions, natural settings that are ideal for ornithologists, and a local gastronomy based on natural products; these are just a few of the attractions of a territory whose welcoming people and settlements full of character will seduce visitors.

THE FULLY RENOVATED PARADOR DE LLEIDA TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN 2017H The Parador de Lleida, located in the which accommodates the residential and historical centre of Lleida, started its restauration areas – and the ant Antoni renovations in 2009, and after 9 years is Maria Claret square subsoil – which will now ready to welcome guests at the host the car park. Both buildings are beginning of 2017. independent from each other and are It takes up the whole Roser convent – accessible via a public path. The Ponent Leader Association, in Lleida, strengthening the quality and LA CONCA DE TREMP-MONTSEC ASPIRES TO BE A UNESCO GEOPARK has created a new tourism brand – distribution of the tourism products in Western Catalonia Natural Areas – in the area as well as all the complementary order to promote and increase the offerings around it. awareness of the protected areas of the NEXT APRIL 2017 confluence of the rivers Segre and Cinca, The Conca de Tremp-Montsec is an the drylands of Mas de Melons i Alfés, the exceptional place for observing, learning drylands of Segrià and Utxesa, the and enjoying the earth sciences through mountain range of Bellmunt-Almenara,

NEW TOURISM BRAND TO PROMOTE THE NATURAL AREAS IN LLEIDA the drylands of Belianes-Preixana, the the value of its assets – geological, Ivars i Vila-sana lake, the Plans de Sió, palaeontological, mining, archaeological the Vinaixa valley and the Prades-Serra and astronomical. de la Llena mountains. The Geopark includes 14 lleida The main objective is to diversify social municipalities in Pallars Jussà, Pallars and economic activity whilst Sobirà (Baix Pallars), l’Alt Urgell (Coll de

Nargó) and la Noguera (Vilanova de Meià, Camarasa i Àger). These are the areas where Europe’s last dinosaurs were found and provide the starting point for both the creation of the Pyrenees and the first life activity in the area. The territory has been previously recognised as a Starlight Tourism Destination by UNESCO. The recognition of this tourist attraction strengthens the quality and distribution of the tourism products in the area as well as all the complementary offerings around it. At the same time, it helps to improve the formation, development and research in geoeducations and geotourism. www.projectegeoparctrempmontsec.co m

PYRENEE S Home to Catalan’s highest peak, the Catalan Pyrenees offer visitors a splendid range of attractions. It also has beautiful valleys, (such as Camprodon, Núria, Vall de Boí, Vallferrera and Cardós), and villages with a wealth of Romanesque art heritage. There are numerous mountain and adventure sports to try both in summer and winter. Visitors will find 11 ski Resorts – both alpine and cross-country skiing – plus almost a hundred signposted routes and several mountain biking centres scattered across the region which are waiting to be explored.

CATALAN SKI RESORTS: NEW FAMILY HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS Home to the magnificent Pyrenees and a approval. Catalonia’s FHDs are one of the vast number of exhilarating winter region’s unique selling points and the activities, Catalonia is the perfect accolade is awarded to towns, cities and destination for snow bunnies this winter. resorts that go above and beyond to The region boasts sixteen world-class ski cater to the family market with resorts and new for this season, the five accommodation, restaurants, facilities Catalan ski resorts of Valter 2000, Vall de and tourist attractions that provide all Núria, La Molina, Masella and Port Ainé the services visitors need when have all been awarded the coveted travelling with children. Family Holiday Destination (FHD) seal of

LLEIDA’S - NEW ACCESSIBLE PYRENEESThe Alt Pirineu Natural PATHPark, in Sant Joan metre wooden path, this becomes a new de l’Erm – Lleida Pyrenees, has created a step to consolidate Lleida as an new itinerary for people with physical accessible tourism destination. Today, and visual disabilities. Installing a 400 Lleida has more than a hundred adapted

amenities and establishments; from European and Catalan levels. It explains hotels and transportation to outdoor what represented and embraced the activities, trails, museums and ski baroque style, the context in which it resorts. emerged and disappeared, thanks to Tavascan ski resort in Pallars Sobirà different rooms furnished with A large- received the Catalonia Tourism Award format audiovisual show reminds us of 2015 for its innovative adapted circuits, the great value of the altarpieces and which can be enjoyed by all, including exhibits a large part of the Solsonès' blind, deaf and disabled people. sculptural and pictorial repertoire. www.lleidatur.com/Tourism/Visit/AltPi Visitors also have the opportunity to navigate through a touch screen and to SOLSONÈS BARROC - A NEW ART SPACE IN LTHE LEIDA PYRENEES rineu-Natural-Park/168.aspx download a free mobile app with all the Located in the Big House of the Miracle information concerning the baroque (in Riner), this new space takes visitors back to the Baroque era, both at LA SEU D’URGELL Nature & Sports Euro Meet 2017’s key theme will be applied to different scopes The 4th Nature & Sport Euromeet of outdoor sports with the aim of conference will be held from the 26th to dealing with the 4 dimensions of 30th September 2017 in La Seu d’Urgell, sustainable development in each of the capital of the Pyrenees and an area them. • Mass - Mega sport events with a strong sporting vocation and • Active tourism tradition. • Outdoors in natural protected areas • The area is aiming to become the Outdoors and well-being And with the outdoor sports capital of southern final aim of providing a final set of Europe. This event is open to everyone proposals towards a more sustainable interested in tourism, environment, development of outdoor sports. sport and local development. explanatory panels. heritage.

THE 4TH NATURE & SPORTS EURO MEET 2017 WILL 41 BE HELD IN

This innovative division of topics challenges on each of the topics and to will allow participants from achieve proposals to reach benefits and different areas (private balance between the 4 dimensions of the companies, public officers, researchers, development to get to a more sustainable

academic staff, etc.) to discuss about development of outdoor sports. VAL D’ARAN As a tourist destination, the Val d´Aran offers some of the best leisure and recreational activities available. In winter the finest ski resort of the Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret, and the rest of the year the Val d´Aran offers an unbeatable natural mountain paradise with its peaks reaching over 3,000m, the largest collection of high mountain lakes in the Pyrenees, waterfalls, spectacular flora and fauna, the rapids of the Garona River during the spring melt season, 300 km of signed trails (including the GR-211 and the GR- 11, which is the most important trail of the Pyrenees) and is also the entrance point for the Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici

National Park. All of this can be paired with quality accommodation. BAQUEIRA BERET EASE THE EXPERIENCE FOR SKIERS ON AND OFF PISTE The remodelling of slopes which took addition, Baqueira Beret now has 104 place over the summer adds 1 km to the signed runs as well as a freeride area marked runs reaching a total of 151 km with 2,166 ha. of skiable terrain, plus the 5 km of mountain trails. therefore, representing a very attractive Moreover, the Audi Ski Kronos has been option for enjoying the mountains of added to the overall total due to its Naut Aran and Alt Aneu. success this previous winter. With this www.baqueira.es decide in the Val d’Aran who will be the Excursionista Aran in conjunction with winner of the International Ski the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya Mountaineering (ISMF) circuit with an and the FEEC and FEDME Federations. The traditional Borda Lobato located Thus, resulting in a nice ambiance in this next to the parking at 1500 has been area which was significantly improved NEW BORDA LOBATO AND GOURMET SHOP IN BAQUEIRA BERET 1500 remodelled such that this winter it will last season with the new Wine Bar by broaden its opening hours. The Viña Pomal and the Drinkery of the Hotel restaurant will open at midday and also Montarto. Improvements have also been for the après-ski hours. The menu will be made in the majority of the restaurants centered on grilled dishes and Aranese on the mountain with a focus on cuisine. In addition, a new shop will open restaurant operation and better client with gourmet products in the Forum, movement. next to the Montarto Hotel.

BAQUEIRA BERET WILL HOST THE WORLD CUP SKIMO) (SKI 43 MOUNTAINEERINGThe weekend of the 8th – 9th April, the Individual and Vertical race in the Senior best ski mountaineers of the world will category. This is organised by the Club

EVENTS CALENDAR 2017

JANTHREE KINGS PARADE . 05/01/2017 . CATALONIA On the evening of 5th January all eyes will be on Their Majesties the Kings of the East, Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar, who visit each town with their retinue bearing gifts for all the family. This is the popular Parade of the Three Kings, one of Catalonia’s most deeprooted traditions. On the following day, all the Catalan children find presents at home from the Three Kings, or carbon if they were badly behaved during the year.

WORLD SNOW DAY . 15/01/2017 . PYRENEES World Snow Day, supported by the International Ski Federation (FIS), intends to bring snow to children and families and translate the benefits of the practice of winter sports. It is celebrated simultaneously 44

all around the world and various Catalan ski resorts (La Molina, Baqueira-Beret and Espot i Portainé) take part on it organising special activities and promotions such as special prices, open races, snowman contest or downhill torch run.

GRAN FESTA DE LA CALÇOTADA . 29/01/2017 . VALLS, COSTA DAURADA This popular gastronomic festival fills the streets and squares of Valls with Calçots, colours and sounds. Calçotada is a typical Catalan tradition that consists in meeting friends and family to eat Calçots (kind of spring onion) which are grilled in the barbecue, dipped in Romesco sauce and eaten wearing a bib to avoid staining your clothes! The day includes a varied programme of traditional festive events, parades, calçot-related competitions, calçot-grilling demonstrations, a calçotada market and calçot-growing, sauce-making and eating competitions, plus a calçot tasting for everybody. Originally from Valls, those are eaten around the whole Catalonia, outdoors on wintertime.

080 BARCELONA FASHION . 30/01/2017 - 03/02/2017 . BARCELONA 080 Barcelona Fashion aims to turn Barcelona and Catalonia into a benchmark for creativity, innovation and both design generation and projection in the fashion industry, in the broadest sense of the word. It consists of 40 parades over five days and will show the best of each of our brands and designers, three awards, international guests holding master classes, as well as the presence of a large bunch of buyers from around the world. FE B MARXA BERET . FEBRUARY 2017 . BAQUEIRA- BERET, VAL D’ARAN Previous editions of this popular event have attracted over 1,300 participants and it continues to be one of the top cross-country skiing events in the country. It is part of the Euroloppet Circuit, comprising the thirteen most important long-distance amateur races in Europe.

FIGUERES CIRCUS FESTIVAL . 16/02/2017 - 20/02/2017 . FIGUERES, COSTA BRAVA After the success of its five editions with more than 120.000 spectators, in February 2017 Figueres will again be the scene of the only true International Circus Festival in our

country. More than 80 artists from 2 countries will compete in front of an international jury composed of 15 important directors and experts from circuses around the world.

feb CARNAVAL SITGES . 23/02/2017 - 01/03/2017 . SITGES, COSTA BARCELONA Sitges Carnival features a string of colourful parades with people dressed in fancy costumes, folk-dancing, theatrical performances, live street music, children activities and gastronomic events, such as the Xatonada of Sitges – a delicious salad made with the region´s traditional xató sauce. This festival welcomes over 3,000 participants every year.

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS . 27/02/2017 - 02/03/2017 . BARCELONA Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, organised ma by the GSMA and held in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona. r

BARCELONA ZURICH MARATHON . 12/03/2017 . BARCELONA On 12th March, the streets of Barcelona will again host thousands of runners from 87 countries. They will be taking part in the Barcelona Zurich Marathon, which has become a benchmark event in Europe because of the interesting sights along the 42-km route and the city's excellent climate.

BARCELONA BEER FESTIVAL . 24/03/2017 - 26/03/2017 . BARCELONA Barcelona Beer Festival is the meeting point for craft beer lovers. The BBF was established with the goal of spreading the culture of high quality craft beer, this is why over three days they bring craft beer into the spotlight, raising its visibility so more and more people can discover it. Come along and enjoy over 300 different craft beers, quality food, activities and much more – it’s all waiting for you!

SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP . MARCH 2017 . LA MOLINA, PYRENEES The FIS Snowboard World Cup is a worldwide contest series which features six different snowboard events: big air, halfpipe, slopestyle, snowboard cross, parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom. In each event, the best rider will be crowned at the end of the season winning the small Crystal Globe with all World Cup results of the respective event taken

into account. However, there has to be a minimum of three counting competitions to be conducted then an event title and trophy will be awarded.

VOLTA CICLISTA CATALUNYA . MARCH 2017 . CATALONIA The Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is a road bicycle race held annually in Catalonia. It is part of the UCI World Tour as the fifth event of the competition. Raced over seven days, it covers the autonomous community of Catalonia and contains one or more stages in the mountain region of the Pyrenees. The race traditionally finishes with a stage in Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, on a circuit with the famous Montjuïc climb and park. AP VIVID WINE FESTIVAL . APRIL 2017 . COSTA BRAVA R VIVID Wine Festival celebrates the world of wine featuring an intense programme of activities during the month of April: conferences, wine pairings, theatre, show cooking, special menus, music, open door days, wine hiking, wine kayaking… It takes place all over the counties of Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà.

SKIMO WORLD CUP FINAL . 07/04/2017 - 09/04/2017 . VAL D’ARAN The best ski mountaineers of the world will decide in Val d’Aran who is the winner of the International Ski Mountaineering (ISMF) circuit with an Individual and Vertical race in the Senior category. The event is organised by the Club Excursionista Aran in conjunction with the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya and the FEEC and FEDME Federations.

EASTER PROCESSION IN VERGES . 13/04/2017 . VERGES, COSTA BRAVA The Procession of Verges, composed of a series of theatrical performances, has taken place since ancient times. The procession begins with the performance of Jesus being condemned to death and continues towards midnight with the scenes of Christ's journey to Calvary are represented along the streets of Verges. One of the high points of the procession is the eagerly awaited Dance of Death, one of the most important symbols of the town and its popular culture, performed by five skeletons leaping to the sound of a drum.

OPEN BANC SABADELL, TROFEU CONDE DE GODÓ

. 22/04/2017 - 30/04/2017 .

BARCELONA The Barcelona Open (known as well as Trofeu Conde de Godó) is an annual tennis tournament for male professional players. The event has been held in Barcelona every year since 1953 so this ATP World Tour 500 event will celebrate its 65th edition in 2017.

B-TRAVEL . 21/04/2017 - 23/04/2017 . BARCELONA B-Travel has been established as a leader in experiential tourism meeting, which this year has offered an elegant setting and staging, as well as a 360-degree communication campaign. From 15-17th April, visitors to the show are able to enjoy the most amazing experiences, the best destinations, offers, tastings, workshops and competitions within 5 thematic areas of this edition: B-Happy, B-Special, B-Culture, B-Adventure and B- Delicious.

MEDIAEVAL WEEK AND THE LEGENT OF ST GEORGE .

21/04/2017 - 01/05/2017 . MONTBLANC, COSTA DAURADA For two weeks the streets and squares of Montblanc are decked with the colours of its four noblest houses and the towers and walls are embellished with the historic lordly flags. The main events of Medieval Week are the performance of the Legend of St George (a macro-spectacle of light, sound and fireworks), the Dracum Nocte 2.0 the Origin of Evil (a spectacle of invocation of the Dragon of the 4 Elements), the “Patrol Path” Mediaeval Route (a humorous dramatised tour of the town’s most emblematic spots), the Mediaeval Market, the Mediaeval Supper and the Wine and Cava Market. The festival was declared “Festival of National Tourism Interest” by the Government of Spain and the Catalan Government. aprSANT JORDI. 23/04/2017 . CATALONIA Every 23 April, come rain or come shine as tradition dictates, the people of Catalonia go out on the street and buy a book, a rose or both. Bookshops in the cities set up their stalls all over the town, but the biggest concentration is on Barcelona.

FALSET WINE FAIR . 29/04/2017 - 01/05/2017 . FALSET, COSTA DAURADA This event is a must for all wine lovers. This festival celebrates the wine from the designations of origin of Priorat and Montsant as well as all the experiences related to it. The show includes various activities including wine tastings, wine pairings, music and many surprises.

TARRACO VIVA . MAY 2017 . TARRAGONA, COSTA DAURADA The International Festival of Roman History is held in Tarragona during the second fortnight in May each year. It is an opportunity to enjoy the history and Roman monuments of Tarragona, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the festival the city returns to its Roman roots thanks to the participation of various historical reenactment groups and the collaboration of some of the local restaurateurs who, over the years, have rediscovered and prepared Roman recipes with great historical rigour.

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX . 12/05/2017 - 14/05/2017 .

M MONTMELÓ, COSTA AY BARCELONAFrom 12-14th May 2017 the Circuit will be once again host the Formula 1 show. The best drivers of the world, such as Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz or Nico Rosberg will meet on the racetrack to offer fans an

indescribable show. GIRONA TEMPS DE FLORS . 13/05/2017 -

21/05/2017 . GIRONA, COSTA BRAVA Girona's old town overflows with colourful displays during the Temps de Flors event each spring. This festival features a huge variety of floral spaces spread between courtyards, monuments, streets and gardens all around the magnificent city of Girona. The floral projects are presented by different national and international artists.

THE SNAIL FESTIVAL . 26/05/2017 - 28/05/2017 . LLEIDA, TERRES DE LLEIDA The Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is a road bicycle race held annually in Catalonia. It is part of the UCI World Tour as the fifth event of the competition. Raced over seven days, it covers the autonomous community of Catalonia and contains one or more stages in the mountain region of the Pyrenees. The race traditionally finishes with a stage in Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, on a circuit with the famous Montjuïc climb and park. JUN PRIMAVERA SOUND FESTIVAL . 31/05/2017 - 04/06/2017 . BARCELONA Primavera Sound, which has been taking place in Barcelona since 2001, has consolidated itself as a model reference for urban festivals and is internationally considered an unmissable event.

WELCOME TO THE FARM . JUNE 2017 . CATALONIA

The farms and local food producers from Catalonia will again open their doors to visitors next June 2017. Over the course of the three days, Catalonia will offer an insight into production methods and the opportunity to purchase products directly from source. Special deals will also be available in rural accommodation, gastronomic hotels and restaurants, which will be offering cuisine made with locally-sourced products. This “Welcome to the Farm” event is organised by the Alicia Foundation -directed by world’s famous chef Ferran Adrià- and the Catalan Tourist Board and will involve all the Catalan gastronomic sector, from farmers and local producers to restaurants and hotels.

WORLD WINDSURFING TOUR . JUNE . ST PERE PESCADOR, COSTA BRAVA The event takes place annually in Sant Pere Pescador – Gulf of Roses – right next to the La Ballena Alegre campsite. It is no coincidence that a world tour event is held in these waters since the scenic conditions and climate are excellent: good temperatures, wind and wonderful long beaches.

FALLES DEL PIRINEU . JUNE 2017 . PYRENEES Falles are a fire feast celebrations related to the summer solstice which serve as a preparation for the harvest. In the rural world, festivals are closely linked to the agricultural and solar. To pull out the fire, a symbol of the sun, from the mountains and bring it down to the village serves to purify the fields and forests, as well as to purify the population and preserve it from evil spirits.

GRAND PRIX MOTOGP . 11/06/2017 . MONTMELÓ, COSTA BARCELONA The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be hosting one of the scoring rounds for the MotoGP™ World Championship. The Catalan circuit will gather the world categories of Moto3™, Moto2™ and MotoGP™.

TRANSPYR GRAN RAID MTB . 11/06/2017 - 17/06/2017 . PYRENEES Transpyr Gran Raid, is designed to offer a great personal challenge and provide one of the best mountain bike adventures available. The route immerse riders in the scenery and cultures of the Pyrenees, from the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, crossing and merging Catalonia Pyrenees, Aragón, Navarra and Euskadi. An authentic Graduated in Mountain Bike to meet at least once in your life.

RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL . 11/06/2017 & 18/06/2017 . DELTEBRE, TERRES DE L’EBRE The wetlands of the Ebre River in Catalonia, known by its wide rice fields, celebrate an annual festival emulating the planting of rice just as their ancestors did. The festival features different exhibitions, workshops, punt races, the Deltebre "Tres Tombs" parade and other leisure activities along the Ebre Delta. JUN PATUM DE BERGA . 14/06/2017 - 18/06/2017 . BERGA, PYRENEES La Patum de Berga has been held annually for centuries during Corpus Christi and has managed to preserve both its religious and profane roots. It includes a whole series of theatrical representations, characters and figures that fill the town of Berga every year. Fire and dance play a central role. La Patum de Berga in Catalonia has been declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

SÓNAR FESTIVAL . 15/06/2017 - 17/06/2017 . BARCELONA Created in 1994, Sónar is a pioneering festival with a unique format and content. It's first class reputation as a leading reference for international festivals is by virtue of a carefully balanced cultural offering, combining a playful nature, the avant-garde, and JU experimentation with electronic dance music's newest trends. L GAY PRIDE BARCELONA . 28/06/2017 - 09/07/2017 . BARCELONA Barcelona Gay Pride is one of Europe’s main ‘gay pride festivals’ and attracts about 150,000 people a year. Apart from the ‘floats’ that parade through the city, there are plenty of after-march parties in and around Barcelona. The main march sets off at 6pm on the Saturday via Avinguda Paral·lel to Plaza Espanya - and then transforms into a huge street festival at Avenida Maria Cristina - where performers will be entertaining the crowd.

XVIII MEDITERRANEAN GAMES TARRAGONA 2017 . 30/06/2017 - 09/07/2017 . TARRAGONA, COSTA DAURADA The Mediterranean Games are a multisport competition organised within the Olympic movement, with the recognition of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Games will take place from the 30th of June to the 9th of July 2017 in 16 venues across the 52

territory. It will cover 33 sports disciplines, with around 4.000 athletes from 26 different nationalities. In addition 1,000 international judges, 1,000 journalists, 3,500 volunteers and more than 150,000 spectators will be part of the event.

HABANERA SINGING FESTIVAL . JULY 2017 . CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL, COSTA BRAVA The habaneras singing in Calella de Palafrugell is possibly one of Palafrugell’s best-known events. Dating back to 1966 with a meeting of singers in the Can Batlle pub, it was immediately successful and obliged the organisers to repeat the event on Calau beach until 1969, when the organisers – Association of Friends of Calella – decided to move it to Port Bo Square (where it is held today). In recent years the Sing-along has attracted more than 40,000 people and has become a benchmark meeting for the genre in Catalonia and one of the most important in all of Spain. JUL CASTELL DE PERALADA FESTIVAL . JULY 2017 . PERALADA, COSTA BRAVA Together with its gardens, the mediaeval Castell de Peralada is the setting of the Castell de Peralada Festival during the months of July and August. Set in the gardens of the Peralada Castle Park, the auditorium is the ideal venue for concerts on a summer night. History and prestige identify the Festival which, both for its artistic events and for the exceptional nature of the setting in which it is staged, place this mediaeval town as the cultural and leisure centre of the summer nights of the Costa Brava.

RENNAISSANCE FESTIVAL. JULY 2017 . TORTOSA, TERRES DE L’EBRE During the era of Chistpher Columbus, Tortosa was the fifth biggest town in Catalonia, and one of the most important locations regarding Catalan Renaissance art. In order to remember that period of economic, artistic and cultural splendour, the town celebrates the Festa del Renaixement (The Rennaissance Festival). Over five hundred actors and musicians, approximately sixty shows and nearly 3,000 townspeople dressed in mediaeval clothes, take us back in time to the sixteenth century.

FEMAP . JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017 . PYRENEES The international Early Music Festival of the Pyrenees (FeMAP) is becoming one of the most valued early music festivals in Europe and it offers a wide variety of music concerts in selected venues of important cultural heritage. It is the perfect event for those who want to enjoy and visit the Pyrenees as well as the music.

EUROPEAN BALLOON FESTIVAL . 01/07/2017 - 02/07/2017 . IGUALADA, PAISATGES BARCELONA The European Balloon Festival is the largest balloon festival in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, which meets the recreational aspect of the flight, the beauty of this sport and competition. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the spectacle of seeing more than 50 balloons flying, participate in scheduled activities or take off in a balloon themselves (while the teams are in out different tests and competition exhibition).

VIJAZZ . 07/07/2017 - 09/07/2017 . VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, COSTA BARCELONA During the ViJazz Festival many of the most reputable jazz figures on the international scene play free of charge in the Plaza de Jaume I, in the historic centre of Vilafranca del Penedès – capital of wine of Catalonia. Accompanying this jazz experience there is also a wine fair, which allows the attendees to enjoy jazz music while sampling some of the best wines and Cava from the Penedès county.

BLANES FIREWORKS . 24/07/2017 - 30/07/2017 . BLANES, COSTA BRAVA The annual international fireworks competition in Blanes - officially named El Focs de Blanes - consists of 5 days of fireworks in Blanes’ beach. The show starts at 22:30h and it attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world. The different pyrotechnic companies compete to win this contest, offering visitors an amazing show of light and sound within the spectacular surroundings of Blanes seafront. AU FESTES MAJORS . AUGUST 2017 . CATALONIA G “Festes Majors” are local festivities celebrated during summer-time in all the towns, villages and cities of Catalonia. Each destination becomes a lively party - gastronomy, dancing, parades, music and fire shows - with the town streets and squares as the stage, and some of them preserve folk traditions and cultural richness.

BARCELONA CIRCUIT FESTIVAL . AUGUST 2017 . BARCELONA Next August 2017, Barcelona’s Circuit Festival -the world’s biggest LGTBI festival- will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, bringing together over 70,000 lesbians, gays, transgenders,

bisexuals and intersexuals for a two-week festival and converting Barcelona into the world’s top gay destination.

CAP ROIG FESTIVAL . AUGUST 2017 . CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL, COSTA BRAVA Since 2000, the biggest music event in Costa Brava, arrives to Cap Roig’ Castle every summer and its Botanical Gardens, are an incomparable venue. This music festival attracts the biggest names in music and dance and it has become, according to the British newspaper The Independent, one of the top ten summer festivals.

CAMBRILS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL . AUGUST 2017 . CAMBRILS, COSTA DAURADA The Cambrils International Music Festival covers a whole range of musical styles including jazz, flamenco, opera, ballet, piano and gospel. The events take place in different venues throughout the town - the smaller venues holding about 200 people and the large venues holding around 600. The festival programme varies from year to year and sees musicians coming from all over the world to Cambrils. The British artist Elton John will perform next year at the International Music Festival (FIM) Cambrils.

MEET CATALUNYA . SEPTEMBER 2017 (TBC) . SE CATALONIA MEET Catalunya gathers a number of tourism industry professionals from all over the P world in Catalonia during one week. The event includes various fam trips throughout the destination and a professional workshop, and it aims to showcase the MICE tourism offering of Catalonia.

EMPORDÀ WINE SHOW . SEPTEMBER 2017 . FIGUERES, COSTA BRAVA Taking place in Figueres on Costa Brava, this wine show allows visitors to sample the very best of DO Empordà Catalan wines. There are also other gastronomical events and activities taking place throughout the show.

DELTA BIRDING FESTIVAL . SEPTEMBER 2017 . DELTA DE L’EBRE, TERRES DE L’EBRE The Delta Birding Festival takes place each year in Terres de L’Ebre. During this festival, the Ebro Delta, one of the most important natural spaces in the Western Mediterranean, hosts a wide and attractive programme of activities with lectures, courses, workshops, contests and others coupled with a large fair of products and services for the birder and people who enjoy nature as a whole. sep HARVEST FESTIVAL . 31/05/2017 - 04/06/2017 . L’AMPOLLA, TERRES DE L’EBRE Every year the fishing port of L'Ampolla celebrates the harvest festival. The festival is dedicated to the farm workers who allow us to enjoy the finest rice from our lands. Thanks to the demonstration of former planting techniques, the inhabitants of Terres de l'Ebre and visitors can get to know part of the process to obtain this widely consumed food.

SANTA TECLA TOWN FESTIVAL . SEPTEMBER 2017 .

TARRAGONA, COSTA DAURADATarragona’s main festival, Santa Tecla is an explosion of music, colour and joy that takes over the city for ten days. It involves all the traditional festive elements of the “Folklore Cortege”, one of the richest collections of dances, castells (human towers), correfocs (firerunning), fantastic animals, medieval hors d’oeuvres and historical “spoken dances” that have been conserved or recovered in Catalonia.

CANOE SLALOM WORLD CUP . SEPTEMBER 2017 . LA SEU D’URGELL, PYRENEES The 2016 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup heads to La Seu d’Urgell. The Olympic discipline of canoe slalom is contested on a whitewater course with athletes navigating through a combination of up and downstream gates. The river Segre offers the best whitewaters for it.

VOLL-DAMM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL . SEP - DEC 2017 . CATALONIA The Barcelona International Jazz Festival, one of the most important jazz festivals of its kind in the world, speaks for itself. Meticulous planning takes place all year round to produce a festival that manages to balance heavyweight artists with up-and-coming names in a programme that is always appealing.

TÀRREGA THEATRE SHOW . 07/09/2017 - 10/09/2017 . TÀRREGA, TERRES DE LLEIDA FiraTàrrega is the international market for performing arts that takes place every year in Tàrrega during the second weekend in September. Founded in 1981, it is a great shop window of what is going on in performing arts, with special emphasis on street arts, visual and unconventional shows.

CATALONIA’S NATIONAL DAY . 11/09/2017 . CATALONIA The National Day of Catalonia or La Diada Nacional de Catalunya is celebrated every September 11th, a historic date in the Catalan calendar. The day commemorates when , on the 11th September 1714, Catalan troops were forced to surrender to the Castilian forces of France and Philip V of Spain after the 14 month Siege of Barcelona. Nowadays it has become a celebration of Catalan Independence.

MOSTRA DE VINS I CAVES . 19/09/2017 - 24/09/2017 . BARCELONA This wine festival is part of the Festes de la Mercè in Barcelona. It gives visitors the chance to get to know and enjoy the Catalan wines through a number of cellars from the 12 designations of origin of the destination. All this wine offer is complemented with the finest Catalan gastronomy, making this event a true feast for the senses. SEPENATURE & SPORTS EURO MEET . 26/09/2017 -

30/09/2017 . LA SEU D’URGELL, PYRENEES The 4th Nature & Sport Euromeet conference will be held in La Seu d’Urgell, an area with a strong sporting vocation and tradition. The area is aiming to become the outdoor sports capital of southern Europe. This event is open to everyone interested in tourism, environment, sport and local development.

MERCAT DE MERCATS . OCTOBER 2017 . BARCELONA Mercat de Mercats (Market of Markets) is a trade fair in the style of a real market where Catalan agrifood products and Catalonia as a gastronomic tourism destination are sold, promoted and publicised.

TEMPORADA ALTA FESTIVAL . OCTOBER 2017 . GIRONA, COSTA BRAVA Temporada Alta is a festival of performing arts that takes place in the cities of Girona and Salt during October, November and December. Throughout its history, the festival has gained widespread recognition in the industry, both among the public and specialist media.

O CT RALLY RACC CATALONIA-COSTA DAURADA . OCTOBER 2017 . COSTA DAURADA The Rally RACC Catalonia-Costa Daurada is one of the trials whose points count towards the FIA World Rally Championship and the FIA Junior Rally Championship. With the excellent roads of Costa Daurada, it is the perfect setting for the trial and gathers a huge variety of motor sports enthusiasts. The rally route varies each year.

GASTRONOMIC MUSHROOM FESTIVAL . OCTOBER 2017 . ALTA RIBAGORÇA, PYRENEES All the weekends in October are about mushrooms in Alta Ribagorça. This festival includes exhibitions of mushrooms, mushroom hunting, special menus in all the restaurants of the county, local species tastings, etc.

CAVATAST . 06/10/2017 - 08/10/2017 . ST SADURNÍ

D’ANOIA, COSTA BARCELONACavatastSadurní d'Anoiais a fair, thededicatedcapital oftoCavathe.

Duringtypical thisCatalandays,drinkthe Rambla: Cava. Itdetakesla Generalitatplace

inhostsSant many activities related to this Catalan drink such as tastings, conferences, workshops, a display of cava labels, guided visits, children's activities, etc.

SITGES FILM FESTIVAL . 07/10/2017 - 16/10/2017 . SITGES, COSTA BARCELONA The Sitges Film Festival on Costa Barcelona is unmissable for film buffs. The festival is the number one fantasy film festival in the world and represents, at the same time, the cultural

expression of Catalonia. With a solid experience, the Sitges Festival is a stimulating universe of exhibitions, presentations and screenings of fantasy films from all over the world. NO EUROPEAN WINE TOURISM DAY . NOVEMBER 2017 . CATALONIA V This day is all about everything related to wine: winery tours, wine tastings, wine pairings, architectural heritage of wineries, gastronomy and all combined with many cultural and leisure activities. Catalonia has 11 designations of origin for wine and 1 for cava, so this day is a huge celebration all across the destination.

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL . NOVEMBER 2017 . LLEIDA, TERRES DE LLEIDA The International Jazz Festival takes place throughout Lleida across many stages and venues, making Lleida a point of reference for jazz lovers. The event has a varied programme, combining great names of the moment with up-and-coming figures in the D world of jazz. EC IBTM WORLD . 28/11/2017 - 30/11/2017 . BARCELONA IBTM World attracts industry professionals to Barcelona every year consisting of Exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors. By attending ibtm world, participants gain immediate competitive advantage for their business and can keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the meetings industry.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND FAIRS . DESEMBER 2017 . CATALONIA Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets in Catalonia. The most famous of these is Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia which sits under the city’s famous Gothic cathedral. A favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, the market has over 300 stalls selling festive decorations, nativity scenes, handmade crafts, plants, food, wine and the famous Caga Tió. Visitors looking for a Christmas market off-the-beaten-track should head to the charming town of Olot in the province of Girona. Alternatively, there’s Tarragona’s Christmas market, which is adorned with twinkling fairy lights and sells an assortment of ornaments and crafts.

LIVING NATIVITY SCENES . DESEMBER 2017 . CATALONIA The performances of the Living Nativity Scene are done all along Catalonia since ancient times. It is a grand Christmas spectacle that, in addition to reproducing biblical scenes, the traditional occupations of country people are brought back to life.

CAGA TIÓ . 24/12/2017 . CATALONIA Caga Tió is a Christmas Catalan tradition. The Caga Tió is a small log of wood with a smiling painted face. It makes an appearance in homes every year on the 8th of December, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Children keep the log as a pet until Christmas, feeding it and keeping it warm. They believe the log will bring more gifts if they feed it properly. On Christmas Eve, the children are given a stick with which they hit the Caga Tió and sing a special song, and the Caga Tió “poops” out the presents.

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