Barcelona carnival 2022 – Featured Activities

Barcelona Carnival 2022 is here and it promises to be one of the biggest and best ever! Despite being the second carnival during the pandemic, this year Barcelona will host an array of fantastic and flamboyant activities brimming with colour and excitement from 24 February to 2 March.

Barcelona Carnival 2022 will bring freedom and fantasy to all districts in Barcelona, so don’t miss our complete guide to a range of featured activities for young and old!

Barcelona Carnival 2022
Barcelona Carnival 2022

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Thursday, 24 March

Just like every year, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will be kicked off on Jueves Lardero, or Fat Thursday. Traditionally, this last Thursday before Lent marks the start of the celebrations and feasting before the upcoming period of fasting.

El Arribo – 5:45 pm

This year, El Arribo opening ceremony will take place on La Rambla in honour of all those who work in kiosks, and will be presented by King Tòtil and Queen Belluga.

This magical parade will end at Palau de la Virreina to hold the much-awaited Taronjada. This rebellious event dates back to 1333 when the Council of One Hundred prohibited the throwing of oranges, and is celebrated this Barcelona Carnival 2022 with the throwing of orange confetti and fireworks.

Culinary events

Similar to past years, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will welcome an array of gastronomic events on Dijous Llarder, from omelette competitions, coca bread tasting events, show cooking, and much more.

Highlights include the truita tasting and concert at 6 pm at the Centre Cívic Font de la Guatlla, the Centre Cívic el Coll’s Fat Thursday for the elderly at 5 pm and La Violeta Omelette contest at 8pm. What’s more, anyone can take part in the ninth edition of Entruita’t’. Find more information about this online omelette competition here.

And whilst we’re on the topic of food, don’t forget to try the traditional coca de llardons: this pork crackling bread topped with pine nuts is one of the most typical sweet-and-savoury Barcelona Carnival 2022 treats.

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Friday, 25 March – Saturday, 26 March

On the 25th, Barcelona Carnival 2022 brings us a plethora of parades, or Rúas. With 30 in total around the entire city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. This year, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will bring the city’s Old Quarter to life with a special event for kids at 5.45 pm, with two colourful parades starting from Plaça de la Mercè and Plaça de la Acadèmia respectively, and ending in Plaça del Rei.

Highlights on Saturday 25th include the ‘Carnavalassu adult’ (5 pm) with a parade starting at Sant Felip Neri and ending at Avinguda Francesc Cambó. Gràcia’s main parade will start at 6 pm in the Jardinets de Gràcia and will end at Plaça de la Vila. And in Les Corts things get started at 4:30 pm in La Plaça Comas, and will finish with a chocolate event and entertainment for kids in Plaça de Can Rosés.

Unlike in other towns and cities, which save the best for Sunday, Barcelona on Saturday will be brimming with a range of parades, pageants and processions in addition to workshops, tasting events, costume parties and masquerades. There are so many events to choose from in fact, we recommend checking out the official city council website to find out what’s going on in your area.

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Wednesday, 2 March

In Christian cultures around the world, Ash Wednesday celebrates the start of Lent. Bringing Barcelona Carnival 2022 to a close will be the traditional “Burial of the Sardine”. This ritual marks the seven days of decadence and celebration and gives way to a time of sobriety and abstinence. This procession symbolises a burial of the past to make way for the new and is an event that cannot be missed.

This Barcelona Carnival 2022, there are eight different burials to choose from in the city, each with its own peculiar traditions. Catch parodies of funeral processions, the burning of the King of Carnival and community meals of… you guessed it – sardines!

Some highlights include the Centre Cívic de Guinardó’s New Orleans-style sardine burial at 5:30 pm and the burial of the King of Carnival at 7 pm at the Cotxeres de Sants auditorium, to bring this magical time to a close.

But wait… it’s not over yet! La Barceloneta will celebrate its very own Carnival the following weekend. So get ready for more fun and frivolities!

From bizFlats, we wish you a very merry Barcelona Carnival 2022!

Barcelona carnival poster

The oldest Barcelona Christmas Market, Fira de Santa LLúcia

A visit to a Barcelona Christmas Market is the best way to sample the city’s Christmas Spirit.  The oldest one in the city is the Fira de Santa Llúcia – situated in front of the Barcelona Cathedral at Avinguda de la Catedral.  It’s right in the centre of city and full of seasonal hustle and bustle, while brimming with traditional Catalan Christmas trinkets and decorations for house and garden.


Barcelona Christmas Market
This Barcelona Christmas Market was created to celebrate the feast day of Santa LLúcia on December 13, but has now grown into a major part of the city’s Yuletide celebrations.  This year, it runs from November 26, through to December 23.

What to find in this Barcelona Christmas Market

There are over 250 stalls which are arranged in 4 distinct sections; Nativity Scenes & Figurines, Greenery and Plants (which includes fresh mistletoe for romantic visitors), Crafts & Fabrics and Traditional Musical Instruments.

It still is a very traditional Christmas market, but over time the Fira de Santa Llúcia has grown and grown.  Today, it supplies additional products like toys and games for the children as well as decorations, hand crafted gifts and artisan products.  Expect to see the traditional specialty on display, turrón, a baked cake of nougat made of honey, egg white and sugar with toasted almonds, or nuts with a rice paper coating. Buy two, so at least one gets to make its way home with you!

Among the many religious and more modern gift ideas, a few of the more traditional decorations items are on display and for sale.  However, no Barcelona Christmas market would be complete without the infamous Caganer figures, a key fixture for the Catalan nativity scene, referred to as ‘El Pesebre’.  This normally depicts a peasant defecating and the Caganer’s exact origins are pretty much unknown.  But there he is, often hidden away in the far corner of a nativity scene, typically nowhere near the manger or main characters.  The Catalan tradition is to have children find the hidden figure.

El Caganer - Barcelona Christmas Market

El Tió de Nadal

This leads to another fascinating tradition… the Tió de Nadal or Christmas log.  The children will recite a famous song about el Tió de Nadal and before beating the Tió all the kids have to leave the room to pray, asking for the Tió to deliver a lot of presents.  This makes the perfect excuse for the relatives to do the trick and put the presents under a blanket behind the Tió while the kids are praying.  The Tió is not for large gifts, as they are brought by the three Kings on January 6th, but they are used more for smaller, communal gifts, treats and dried fruits that are shared by the whole brood… all of which are on offer at this Barcelona Christmas market.

Tió de Nadal - Fira de Santa Llúcia

How to get to Fira de Santa Llúcia

Due to the traffic jams during christmas holidays, we recommend you to get there using public transport. If you take the Metro, you can stop in Jaume I station (L4) and walk 3 minutes until the Cathedral.

Also you can stop in Plaça Catalunya, go down Portal de l’Àngel and have a walk in the main shopping street of the city until you get to the Cathedral (10 minutes walking)

The best way to discover this Barcelona’s Christmas Market is to rent a beautiful apartment in the city centre close by all the Christmas action, then please see our apartments in Barcelona here and book your festive vacation in Barcelona with us.

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Sant Jordi 2020 – When and how will be celebrated?

Books and Roses

A new date has been announced for Sant Jordi 2020. This year, given the current circumstances, the official Booksellers Guild and Florists Guild of Catalonia have decided to postpone this eagerly awaited event on the Catalan calendar in line with Government guidelines. 

Sant Jordi – which is normally celebrated every year on World Book Day on 23rdApril – will be postponed to 23rdJuly with the safety of all in mind. All events, workshops and readings will also be postponed to this date, in addition to the Sant Jordi discount on books.

The proposal of the Booksellers Guild and Florists Guild foresees limited stops and pre-organized book signings to comply with security measures and hygiene. The proposal for Sant Jordi 2020 is pending approval by Procicat and the corresponding municipalities. In Barcelona has been planned to install a thousand stops, for which will be needed the approval of the Municipal Events Commission.

In addition, queues and movement between stops will be regulated, for which a maximum space will be set. All visitors must come with a mask, respect the distance of 1.5 meters and follow the instructions on safety and hygiene given by the organization.

Sant Jordi 2020

Why is Sant Jordi so important?

If you’ve had the chance to experience this day in Barcelona before, you’ll understand just how important it is. It is a day on which the young and old alike take to the streets to buy their loved ones a gift. All the main streets of Barcelona are lined with bookstalls and on every corner you’ll find rose sellers selling single roses. 

The origin of this literary celebration is a popular story in many cultures and is based on the story of Sant Jordi and the dragon. To read more about its history and how it’s celebrated, check out our Sant Jordi article here.

Sant Jordi 2020 will definitely take place in a very different way than usual

Sant Jordi 2020 at home

Lovers of Sant Jordi don’t despair! If you don’t want to walk around to visit the different bookstalls on the 23rd of July, you can also celebrate Sant Jordi 2020 from home!

This year, Casa Batlló is encouraging the citizens of Barcelona to bring the magic of Sant Jordi into their own homes. Every year on this day, this beautiful Gaudí house inspired by the mythical dragon is normally adorned with hundreds of red roses. 

So, be sure to follow the #SantJordialBalcons (SantJordiBalconies) initiative on social media and join in from home by decorating your own balcony with pictures, roses, dragons and book covers. Avoid boredom by getting creative and painting, drawing and making together with your loved ones.

Sant Jordi at home

Remember to upload your pictures to social media with the above hash tag. The ten publications with the most likes will win a collection of children’s books. 

Supporting local booksellers

Additionally, don’t forget that it’s still possible to buy books online from local sellers. Thanks to the platform “LlibreriesObertes” (OpenBookstores), you can order your books and pick them up once the lockdown regulations have been lifted.

The initiative was launched in order to support these local publishers and bookstores during these times of hardship. With the objective of selling 30,000 books, these advance sales will ensure the survival of the city’s bookstores.

Sant Jordi 2020 - books

Check out the website here and help support Barcelona’s bookstores: https://llibreriesobertes.cat

These are days of reading from home, this is why we also recommend you also 8 books about Barcelona that you will love.

How will you be celebrating Sant Jordi 2020 this year? Let us know!

6 great reasons to visit the neighbourhood of Gràcia

The neighbourhood of Gràcia has become synonymous with Barcelona and it’s most likely that if this is your second or third trip to Barcelona, you’ve already fallen under its spell.

Located in the northern part of the city, a 20-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya along the city’s famous Passeig de Gràcia will take you into the heart of this charismatic district.

For those of you that are yet to discover its charm, we’ve put together this article explaining just why we love the neighbourhood of Gràcia area of Barcelona so much. From things to see and do, to its history and local traditions, this small guide will ensure that you won’t miss out on a thing.

A plaza in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Gràcia

Its village charm

Gràcia first emerged as a small rural community with three convents and a small population. It wasn’t until around the 19thcentury that Gràcia began to grow, becoming the most important village in the area thanks to its agricultural production.

In 1850 it was established as a municipality with 13,000 habitants, but it wasn’t until 1897, with almost 67,000 habitants, that it became part of Barcelona itself. Gràcia was flourishing yet it still lacked basic services and facilities. Over the years it has become the thriving hub it is today, boasting markets, cultural, sports and historical centres, medical services and schools.

Its cobbled streets and enchanting squares

Despite being located a stone’s throw away from the centre of Barcelona, the streets of the neighbourhood of Gràcia still conserve that charming allure often only found in small villages. 

Stroll along its streets lined with flowering trees, take a break in one of its many squares with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or explore the Plaça de la Vila square with its 19th-century bell tower and Plaça de la Virreina with its beautiful stone church.

The Festes de Gràcia

Every August the streets of the neighbourhood of Gràcia come alive with locals and tourists alike. The Festa Major de Gràcia constitutes a weeklong celebration in which the streets of this charming area are decorated with recycled materials in every colour.

The residents of many streets and squares in the neighbourhood come together as a community to choose a theme of their own for their respective streets in a fun-filled family-friendly event that cannot be missed. Read more about this tradition in one of our past articles here.

Neighbourhood of Gràcia, a street decorated to look like Moscow Red Square

Alternative stores and independent boutiques

Gràcia is home to a plethora of shops that sell locally made products, ethical goods and gifts galore. With something for everyone, after exploring its streets, why not browse its second-hand book stores with faded armchairs, discover its designer boutiques with clothes designed in Barcelona or choose a custom-made piece of jewellery at one of its many workshops.

Casa Vicens

Opened to the public only a few years ago, many still don’t know that Gràcia boasts its very own piece of Gaudí. Constituting great architect’s first project, Gaudí was commissioned to build Casa Vicens as a summerhouse for the family of the same name. 

This wonderful building will surprise you with its range of influences from far and wide, its varied palette of colours and its spectacular design.

Neighbourhood of Gràcia - Casa Vicens

The history beneath your feet at Plaça del Diamant

On first glance, Plaça del Diamant may appear to be just your normal square, however if you look a little closer you’ll discover the history it houses. 

Underneath the square is a bomb shelter that was built during the Spanish Civil War with a capacity for 200 people. Tickets are only €3 and must be booked in advance. 

Plaça del Diamant - Neighbourhood of Gràcia

We hope you love the area as much as us! Let us know, what’s your favourite thing to do in Gràcia?

12 Top Festes Majors in Barcelona

Have you ever been in Festes Majors in Barcelona? In this article we list the approximate dates of each festa major and how they are usually celebrated. (This year due to the Covid pandemic, each neighborhood proposes both virtual and in person activities. We recommend checking each official programme with the corresponding organisers).

Festes Majors in Barcelona

Our favorite Festes Majors in Barcelona

Festa Major de Sant Antoni

Dates: 17–26 January

2019 was this festival’s debut year, so we’re sure its second year will be an event not to be missed. Enjoy a range of activities centred around the neighbourhood’s recently renovated market.

Festes de Santa Eulàlia

Dates: 7–12 February

Coinciding with the day of former patron saint of Barcelona (12 February), expect to see the centre of Barcelona come alive with castellers (human towers) and an array of parades in her honour. Castellers is something that all the festes majors have in common and you will love it. It’s an amazing traditional experience!

Festa Major de la Sagrada Família

Dates: April–May

Experience this renowned Gaudí masterpiece with over a week of various events and activities suitable for all ages. 

Festa Major del Casc Antic

Dates: June

No one can deny that Barcelona’s old quarter has a unique charm – so why not discover its more traditional side. Head to Sant Pere and Santa Caterina i la Ribera to see castellers, parades of giant puppets and the modest sardanes dance.

Festa Major del Raval

Dates: June

In honour of the neighbourhood’s patron saint, this bright and colourful festival in the centre of Barcelona stands out thanks to its castellers and artisans selling local craft products.

Festa Major del Poble-sec

Dates: July

The festival of Poble-sec will take you on a journey through its most emblematic, local locations, from the Semblador square and the El Molino theatre. Be sure not to miss its blazing correfoc fire run.

Festa Major de Gràcia

Dates: 15–22August

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited of all the festes majors of Barcelona, discover how the streets of Gràcia are transformed by the local residents with decorations of every colour.

Festa Major de Sants

Dates: August–September

From concerts, decorations and correfocs, the Festa Major de Sants transforms this residential and professional district for a week of celebrations in honour of patron saint Bartholomew. 

Festa Major de Poblenou

Dates: 11–20 September 2020

One of the largest of the festivals with around 500 activities, this event is not to be missed. Discover the magnificent cercavila parade, sign up to run the 5 or 10 km race or take part in some of the artistic workshops that run alongside this celebration.

Festa Major de la Rambla

Dates: September

This special celebration of one of Barcelona’s most renowned landmarks sees the façades of its buildings decorated with fresh flowers. What’s more, museums in the area are free during these celebratory dates.

Festes de la Mercè

Dates: 18–24 September

In honour of the patron saint of Barcelona, the entire city comes together to celebrate with popular culture, live music, castellers, correfocs and much more. Les Festes de La Mercè is the main and biggest Festa Major in the city. There’s something for everyone at a range of locations throughout the city centre.

Festa Major de la Barceloneta

Dates: September

In this beachside festival that celebrates the best of one of Barcelona’s most traditional neighbourhoods. We recommend catching a havaneres concert (colonial songs sung by local groups) on the beach.

Is the festa major of your favourite neighbourhood missing? Don’t worry; very soon the entire list of festes majors in Barcelona will be published here, where you will also be able to check their exact locations on the map. 

We hope to see you there!

Where to buy castanyes in Barcelona

Where to buy castanyes in Barcelona? All over the world, the 31st of October and the 1st and 2nd of November hold special significance for many different people and cultures. From Halloween to All Saints Day, it’s a holiday celebrating by many. And although Halloween is getting more and more popular in Catalonia, the region’s local traditions still hold strong. 

A guide to chestnut-roasters in Barcelona

This holiday represents a time for intimate family gatherings, for paying respect to those who are no longer with us and for enjoying age-old traditions and recipes. Known as the holiday of la Castanyada (literally ‘The Festival of Chestnuts”), the first days of November are a special time for all Catalans. If you’d like to read more about the origins of this custom, read our article to discover how this festival came to be what it is today.

At this time of year, the flavours of autumn take on a new meaning in Catalonia and become the protagonist of this holiday. You’ll see how the old and young alike come together to enjoy a range of autumnal treats that we’ll share with you today. Discover them here!

Don’t forget the moniatos

As the cold sets in and the nights become longer, the smell of roasted castanyes (chestnuts) and moniatos (sweet potatoes) fills the streets of Barcelona.

There are around 30 stalls located around the city that sell these roasted delights. Many belong to local chestnut roasters whose task and dedication has been passed down to them over generations. 

What’s more, during this season you will also find typical panellets. These sweet, sugary delicacies boast flavours of almond, marzipan and pine nuts, and are one of the most popular treats to be savoured during this holiday season. Discover our recipe with step-by-step instructions for how to make them here.

Where to buy castanyes in barcelona

Where to buy castanyes in Barcelona – the list

We’ve put together this small guide to the chestnut-roasters of Barcelona so you know wher to buy castanyes in Barcelona. Visit these renowned street stalls where you can try roasted moniatos and castanyes until your heart’s content. 

Wherever you choose to spend your time in Barcelona, make sure to indulge in the flavours of this holiday and join the locals in celebrating this special festival.

Where to buy castanyes in Eixample

  • Passeig de Sant Joan, 2
  • Rambla de Catalunya, 2
  • Carrer d’Aribau, 2

Where to buy castanyes in Les Corts

  • Carrer de Déu i Mata, 49
  • Avinguda Diagonal, 589
  • Avinguda Diagonal, 668

Where to buy castanyes in Ciutat Vella

  • Ronda de Sant Pau, 76 
  • Passeig Joan de Borbó, 1
  • Avinguda de Francesc Cambó, 16

Where to buy castanyes in Sants – Montjuïc

  • Carrer de Vilà i Vilà, 101
  • Carrer de Creu Coberta, 24
  • Plaça de Sants, 1

Where to buy castanyes in Sant Martí

  • Carrer de Pallars, 63
  • Rambla del Poblenou, 57
  • Rambla del Poblenou, 124
  • Avinguda Diagonal, 26

Where to buy castanyes in Sarrià – Sant Gervasi

  • Carrer Major de Sarrià, 1
  • Plaça d’Adrià, 1
  • Plaça de Joaquim Folguera, 3

Where to buy castanyes in Horta – Guinardó

  • Carrer del Tajo, 39

We hope you liked this complete guide about where to buy castanyes in Barcelona. Discover the taste of autumn in Barcelona! However you decide to celebrate this upcoming holiday, don’t forget to delight your taste buds while exploring the city. 

And if you’re looking a place to stay during your trip, we have a range of exclusive holiday apartments to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

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Movies and series set in Barcelona you must watch

The beautiful backdrop and varied history of Barcelona make it the perfect setting and location for movies and tv series. From serious historical based dramas, to romantic love stories and even comedies, check out our favourite movies and tv series set in Barcelona to get a taste of the beautiful and vibrant city.

Movies set in Barcelona

L’auberge espagnole

Barcelona is an ever-popular place for students doing their Erasmus, or year abroad studies, and L’auberge espagnole perfectly encapsulates that. Based on a French student who finds himself in a house of eclectic international students whilst doing his year abroad in the often-diverse city of Barcelona, this film really highlights the hedonistic side of the city that can be enjoyed. Capturing the Barcelona from a certain period of time, this French-Spanish film is not one to be missed, especially for those who studied in Barcelona themselves as a trip down memory lane.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Perhaps the most famous film set in Barcelona, featuring stars Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, Vicky Cristina Barcelona follows the journey of two Americans visiting Barcelona for the first time, where they meet and fall for some fiery Spanish characters. As much a love story about people, this film is a love story about Barcelona, showing off the very best of the city.

Todo Sobre mi Madre

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, one of Spain’s most famous directors, Todo Sobre mi Madre, literally translates as All About My Mother. This Academy Award winning film is able to explore deep and complex issues, such as AIDS, existentialism and transsexuality, through its cinematic prowess, and its setting in Barcelona is perhaps an ode to the city’s often progressive and liberal nature.

Salvador (Puig Antich)

A true story, based on the above named, gives the spectator an insight into the history of Barcelona, during the time of the Franco regime. This is the sad tale of a man who fought for the independence of Catalunya, through anarchist movements and depicts the time he spent on death row as a result. Salvador Puig Antich is still a symbol of independence and a household name in Catalunya, as one of Franco’s last victims. 

Pa Negre

Another sad film depicting life in Catalunya in the times of Franco, Pa Negre, meaning black bread, is the story of a young boy who lives in the Catalan country-side in the harsh post-war times. An emotional tale, that explores the intricacies of human nature, as well as the history of Catalunya and Spain, this is a must watch for those for those interested in politics and history. 

Cheetah Girls 2

For anyone who was into Disney as a child this movie might ring a bell. A talented teen quartet, led up by Raven-Symoné, move to Barcelona to follow their dreams of pop superstardom. A light film featuring musical numbers and suitable for children, Cheetah Girls 2 highlights some of Barcelona’s most famous sites as they explore all the city has to offer. In fact, as the cast and crew were looking for some luxurious accommodation to stay in during filming, they chose to stay in some of bizFlats finest apartments, as the best base to relax and have access to the city. 

TV Series set in Barcelona

La Catedral del Mar

For those interested in history, La Catedral del Mar (Cathedral of the Sea) takes the viewer back to medieval Barcelona, and is the tale of the construction of Santa Maria del Mar, which still stands. Set in Barcelona, the series follows the life of Arnau Estanyol, the son of a fugitive serf and one of the cathedral’s stone workers.

Where to watch: Netflix (outside Spain), Antena 3

Cites

A light comedy-drama, Cites (an adaptation of the UK series Dates) shows what contemporary life in the city of Barcelona is like for young adults, searching for love and companionship.  Following the experiences of 24 different strangers who met on the internet and then meet face-to-face, Cites cleverly intertwines the lives of these strangers to create a compelling drama focusing on the ups and downs of human relationships and the struggle of looking for love in the modern age.The characters visit a great selection of venues such as parks, restaurants and bars which any visitor can find in the city.

Where to watch: TV3, Amazon Prime Video

Merlí

A good one if you want to practice your Catalan (although don’t worry, it is also possible to find it with subtitles), Merlí has seen international success, with the possibility to even find it on Netflix. Set in a high-school in Barcelona, each episode is themed after a famous philosopher or school of thought, with the series bringing philosophy to the public in an interesting and accessible way.

Where to watch: TV3 (seasons 1-3), Netflix (seasons 1 and 2)

So next time you’re looking for something to watch, why not try out one of these great movies or tv series. It might even help you get inspiration for your next trip to the wonderful city of Barcelona. 

Panellets recipe step by step – La Castanyada tradition

October 31st may be famous around the world for being Halloween, but in Catalunya that day holds a different, special significance. It is a day that is known throughout Catalunya as “La Castanyada”, getting its name from the tradition of eating fire-roasted chestnuts – otherwise known as “castanyes”. Directly after this, on November 1st, is “Tots Sants”, a national holiday to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.

During these autumn months, as the leaves start to turn brown and fall off the trees, and a chill starts to spread through the air, you will notice little stands popping up around the streets of Barcelona. It is here on these stands you can find street vendors known as “Castanyeres” selling “castanyes”, as well as “moniatos” – fire roasted sweet potatoes.

However, the most famous and traditional cuisine to eat around this time, and especially on “La Castanyada” itself are “panellets”. These are similar to small cakes that are made from marzipan, which is essentially sugar and almonds, and then coated with a topping of the bakers’ choice, although the most traditional topping is usually pine nuts.

Of course, it is possible to buy “panellets” all around the stores in Barcelona, but if you want to make the tradition your own, we’re here to give you the best, and tastiest, “panellets” recipe, so you can try it out for yourself. While there are many different varieties of “panellets”, our recipe uses the classic base of almonds, but be sure to check out other types and recipes!

Panellets recipe step by step:

Ingredients

  • 200g raw ground almonds
  • 200g sugar
  • White of 2 eggs
  • 75g of pine nuts
  • Lemon zest
  • 1 egg yolk
  1. Add the sugar, ground almonds, lemon zest and egg whites to a bowl together
  2. Use a fork to mix these ingredients together. Once they start to form a paste start kneading them with your hands until a thick and even paste is formed.
  3. Break off pieces of the dough you have made and roll them into small balls, placing each completed one on a piece of baking parchment on a baking tray.
  4. Place the pine nuts on each “panellet” and gently push them in so they stick on the surface until covered and then paint with the whisked-up egg yolk for a lovely golden finish.
  5. While you are doing this pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
  6. Once all the “panellets” are covered, place the tray in the pre-heated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the “panellets” are a golden-brown colour.
  7. Take them out of the oven and leave them to cool.
  8. Enjoy your delicious homemade “panellets”!

If you want a full festive feast, you could even invite your family and friends round on the day of “La Castanyada”, and eat your homemade “panellets” alongside roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes to help you embrace the autumn chill!