Christmas Light Displays in Barcelona, Spain

 

It is already Christmas and we cannot deny it. Anywhere we go, we see different Christmas decorations; inside our houses, in the street, restaurants, buildings, etc.. We can truly feel the spirit of Christmas through these decorations.

So now, I will share with you some of the Christmas decorations that we have here in Barcelona, Spain. I was able to enjoy it and take some photos of amazing Christmas light displays that we have in these famous streets and highways of Barcelona. But take note that every street, big or small have different decorations. I just decided to talk about few of them.
  

1. Passeig de Gràcia 

Maybe you have seen a photo that looks like these. And yes, that is here is Passeig de Gracia. Passeig de Gracia is a famous street here in Barcelona. You can see different shopping shops and restaurants along this street. And even the famous Casa Mila and Casa Batllo is located here. 

It is indeed stunning. All these lights and butterfly will surely steal your attention. If you are a tourist or even a resident here. You should not miss these.

2. El Corte Inglés in Plaça Catalunya

For me, it is one of the most awaited part every year. El Corte Inglés is a famous and big shopping centre here. And each year, they have different design of Christmas lights outside of their building. It is a good point to attract tourists or even the residents to come inside their building and shop.

3. Ronda de Sant Pere

 From Plaça Catalunya going to Plaça d´Urquinaona you will have to pass in Ronda de Sant Pere. It will greet you with a ¨Bones Festes¨ o Happy Holiday. 

4. Plaça d´Urquinaona

My camera does not give justice on how stunning these lights are. It feels like you are inside the tunnel of lights. Thanks you Darlene who came with me to see these amazing lights. 

5. Via Laietana

Another long street with 1.105km length will greet you with these colourful rounded Christmas light displays. 

6. Portal de l'Àngel

Portal d l´Àngel is a street where you can see a lot of shopping centres as well. And they will also attract you with these stunning Christmas light displays. It truly give Christmas vibes to any people who will pass by in this street. 

7. La Rambla

If you are a tourist, you should not miss La Rambla. It is a famous street here in Barcelona, Spain. The decorations may seem simple but will give you a relaxing vibes of Christmas. After a long day, passing in this street will truly relax you. 

8. Carrer de Pelai

Another street with tons of shopping shops in Carrer de Pelai. As we all know, Christmas tree is a symbol of Christmas and that is their theme for this year. See how amazing their ¨Star¨ is? It is a street light.

All these Christmas light displays look really stunning. But just so you know, Christmas celebration here in Barcelona is indeed different compared to the Christmas celebration in the Philippines. We really miss the Christmas carol, the giving of gifts during Christmas eve, and all those kids that will knock on your door to ask for gifts, and a lot more celebration.

During Christmas in Spain, all the family members gather to have their get together lunch / dinner. Some celebrate it with a Caga Tio which you can see on my previous blog post. It is a way to give gifts to the children. But most of the gifts are given on our famous 3 kings. And I am so excited to share it with you on my next blog. So stay tuned and subscribe to my blog to get updated.

Camera: iPhone XS Max
Filter: VSCO

Do not forget to watch Darlene´s vlog with me featuring all these Christmas light displays.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Markets in Barcelona | Fira de Santa Llucia

 

Christmas Markets are famous every Christmas season. You will be able to see there a lot of stuff that are related to Christmas such as Christmas tree, Christmas decors, stuff that are related to Christmas beliefs of a certain place. Aside from that, there are a lot of countries that are doing this such as France, Amsterdam, Germany, Philippines, etc. This is an annual event that every places or countries are competing on.

   
Christmas is a season to gather with your loved ones; family, friends, workmates, etc. And Christmas Markets give its contribution to the season. But let us not forget the real reason for Christmas, the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ.

Location

 

Here in Barcelona, we also have Christmas Markets and they are located in front of the famous Cathedral of Barcelona in Barrio Gothic. It is an advantage if you are planning your vacation here because it is near to Las Ramblas. You can go there without travelling too long.



And for those who already live in Barcelona, you should take time to go there. It will give you a Christmas vibes, relieve your stress as well and have time for yourself or with you family and friends.

They have a lot to offer so without further ado, I will tell you the things that you can see and buy inside the Christmas Markets in Barcelona.

   

1. Nativity Scenes and figurines

 

The birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas and we all should celebrate it. In Christmas Markets, you will find a lot of manger that represents the place of His birth. There are also Nativity scene with figurines or just the figurines alone. We usually see Nativity Scene in churches, buildings. But now, you can have your own Nativity Scene with different sizes that is enough for your home.
  
 

2. Christmas Trees

  Inside the Christmas Markets, you will be able to see and buy your own Christmas Tree. And take note, they are real! They have a variety of heights to offer. 

As we all know, you cannot grow a real Christmas tree or evergreen fir tree just anywhere. There are specific cities or countries that has the best weather and land for these kind of trees. And if you want to have such Christmas vibe using a real Christmas tree, it is your chance. 

 

3. The Caga Tio

 

  The Caga Tio is a character in Catalan mythology relating to a Christmas tradition wide spread in Catalonia. It is being used during Christmas eve. It is a trunk from a tree to which children must spank in order to provide them with gifts that they will get from the back of the trunk. It is a good feeling of having different traditions from different countries.

 

4. Caganer

  Another thing that is inspired by Caga Tio are these small mannequins or Caganer that are pooping. You will see all the characters from President of US, heroes, cartoon characters, famous actors, football players, etc. If you are a fan, it is a good thing to collect this.

5. Santa Clause

Even we live in Spain, Santa Clause is still famous to people of all ages. So you will surely see different kinds and sizes of Santa Clause in Christmas Market in Barcelona.
  
 

6. Christmas Decorations

  If you are not fun of Christmas trees, Caga Tio, Nativity Scene. You can still have these Christmas house decoration. They are small that you can just hang on your doors, walls, or put above the table. By this, there will still Christmas vibes inside your house. 

  Christmas is the best season to spend time with your family, relatives and friends. But let us all be thankful for its reason, the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ. Let´s have time to pray, ask for forgiveness and change for the better. Let´s have spiritual encounter with God. 

I wish you a Merry Christmas and God bless you!

---

Special thanks to Mary Rose for spending time with me and for taking my photos
Check out Darlene´s vlog featuring Christmas Markets in Barcelona  

Camera used: iPhone XS Max
Filter: VSCO AL3

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 

CentOnze Restaurant Review | Le Méridien Barcelona

 

Las Ramblas in one of the signature places in Barcelona, Spain. It is a good experience to have lunch or dinner in this area. And one of the most attractive restaurants is The CentOnze Restaurant. The CentOnze Restaurant is connected with the 5 star hotel Le Méridien.
  

  

Location

  

CentOnze Restaurant is located in Las Ramblas 111, Barcelona Spain. It is near Le Meridien, Hotel 1898, Nike, Decathlon, etc. 

If you are walking around in Las Ramblas or near by places such as Plaza Catalunya, Calle Pelayo, or Barrio Gotico, you should not miss eating in this restaurant for it is just a few steps from those said famous destinations in Barcelona Spain.

But if you are coming away from these said places, there are two nearest Metro Station Stops such as Plaza Catalunya and Liceu.
    

CentOnze Restaurant

  

CentOnze Restaurant offers different variety of foods from Starters, Tapas, Meats, Fish and as well as different drinks. You can check directly in their website the choices of foods that they offer.
   

A La Carte

   
Here are some of their A La Carte:

Menus

CentOnze Restaurant also offers Menu. You can take a starter, main and dessert for only 16.50€ for weekdays, and 22.90€ for weekends. It is good if you have a tight budget and yet you want to experience eating in this classy and many to offer restaurant.
     

Ambience

If you really want to relax, this is the best place for you. The ambience inside the restaurant is relaxing, calm and classy at the same time. It also gives the view of the famous Las Ramblas. You will see people and car passing by and thanks to its soundproof, you will not get distracted nor disturbed by them. 

  

It is also a good choice of restaurant for couples for it also gives a romantic vibes inside. And they have big table for family and friends. 



I would like to also give a point the smell inside the restaurant. They offer seafoods and sometimes, most of the restaurant I went to, I always smell something stinky that I do not like it. But CentOnze gives you a clean smell and vibes that you will not get irritated about.

Le Pop Cocktail Bar

CentOnze Restaurant do not just offer meals but they also have their different signature drinks that you should not miss!
  

Comfort Room

One of the many things I check in any restaurants is their comfort room. I can say based on my experience that it is really hard to find a restaurant with a clean comfort room. Good to say that CentOnze indeed has a clean comfort rooms. For sure it is because the restaurant is connected with Le Meridien Hotel which is a plus point for them.

Discount!

Another tips for you, readers, you can have up to 50% discount in their A La Carte just by downloading ¨The Fork¨ on your mobile phones. By that, you will get notificated whenever they have promos. 

Camera used: Iphone XS Max
Photo Editor (For Effects): VSCO
Photo Editor (For Grids): PicsArt

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

Barcelona Exclusive Sailing Experience

 

Barcelona is one of the most famous and most visited city in the world. It has a range of 32 million of tourist every year, and 18% of the revenue of Barcelona´s commercial sector which estimated of 2000 million euros every year.

Barcelona is an all in one city. You can visit an old city which shows the history. Let us not forget the architectural design from the famous, Antoni Gaudi. And of course, the beaches of Barcelona. Those are just examples of what you can see in the small city of Barcelona. It is not hard to travel because every touristic places are just near to each other and you have a lot of mids of transportation such as buses and subways. 

During summer, we can say that the busiest industry in Barcelona is the hospitality industry because of the huge number of tourists that come from all over the world. But that does not mean that the quality of service will be affected. The country of Spain are kind to accept different people from different countries like Philippines, China, Peru, Pakistan, etc. Most of the people behind the great services are from these people. 

There are a lot of things that you can do in Barcelona. One of these is renting a private yacht for you and your friends or family. 

Last 10th of September, we rent a private yacht for the birthday celebration of my friend. This activity is not only for tourist, but as well for the residents of Barcelona and cities nearby.  This is good for a different kind of celebration like birthday, anniversary, or even just a get together with your closest friends or family.

We reserved an exclusive yacht for 8 people that is good for 2 hours. It cost us 300€ and we divided it.

You can reserve it through online booking by visiting the website of Sailing Experience of Barcelona.  You will have a variety of choices with different prices such as the following: 

• Exclusive 2 hours Sailing Experience Barcelona, 299€
• Exclusive 2 hours Sunset, Wine, Cava, & Sailing Experience Barcelona, 399€
• Exclusive 3 hours Sailing Experience Barcelona 399€
• Exclusive 3 hours Sunset, Wine, Cava & Sailing Experience Barcelona, 499€
• Exclusive 4 hours Sailing Experience Barcelona, 479€
• Exclusive 8 hours Sailing Experience Barcelona, 719€
• You can directly visit the website for more activities.

Sail with your own private sailing yacht along the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona, along side with professional skipper. You can enjoy it with your closest friends and/or family, enjoy this unforgettable experience whilst seeing Barcelona like never before. 

Take note that every yacht is exclusive for different number of people. There are inclusions such as: 

Snacks

• Olives
• Chese
• Salami
• Crackers

Drinks

• Wine
• Beer
• Sangria
• Soft drinks
• Water 

These are included in our package and they are unlimited. You can ask them to bring you another snacks or drinks, you just need to ask them.  

 But take a look the ¨about¨ section while reserving to make sure of products inclusion for it may vary depends on type of package you are going to take. They also have variety of schedule and you can choose depend on your availability.

Going there, you will have a pick up point which is Portvell. Better to be in the port 15 minutes prior your schedule to maximize your scheduled time. This activity is best during summer and sunny day. Winter or cold days might be a bad choice for big waves surely will appear. 

The professional skipper will give your brief information for your safeness and things you should be reminded of. Your yacht can stop in the middle of the sea depends on the weather. They have enough life vests for all of your.

It is a relaxing activity for yourself and for your loved ones. You also have an unlimited drinks for you! 

For millennials like us, we like this kind of activity where we enjoy time with ourselves and our loved ones. Barcelona is beautiful and we can take unlimited of beautiful and amazing shots. 

 For our amazing shots, photo credit to: 

Uriel Bathan

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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 Proverbs 18:24