[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Secci\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
After the quintessential winter celebration, <\/span>Christmas<\/span><\/b>, with its exquisite delicacies and typical sweets, and all the members of the family surrounding the table, comes <\/span>Saint Stephen’s Day<\/span><\/b>, also known as ‘Second Christmas’, a smaller celebration that takes place in many countries.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In <\/span>Spain<\/span><\/b>, for example, this tradition has taken root especially in <\/span>Catalonia <\/span><\/b>and the Balearic Islands, although it is also maintained in some villages of Valencia, Burgos and Navarre. In this publication, we explain the origin of this festivity and the customs involved, as well as some plans for you to enjoy this magnificent day in <\/span>Barcelona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We recommend you choose <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, so you can get to your destination, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|60px|30px|60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n First, we must know who Saint Stephen was and why this day has been chosen for his homage. The apostle Saint Stephen was a Greek-speaking Jew who converted to Christianity and ended up being the <\/span>first Christian martyr<\/span><\/b> to die for proclaiming his faith in Jesus Christ. He was stoned to death, accused by false Jewish witnesses of blasphemy against Moses and God. This event took place on a 26<\/span>th<\/span> of December, years after the birth of Jesus.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The origin of the celebration dates to Catalonia’s Carolingian past. In the 9th century, <\/span>Old Catalonia<\/span><\/b> was part of the Empire founded by <\/span>Charlemagne <\/span><\/b>and depended on the bishopric of Narbonne, while the rest of Spain was dominated by the Goths and depended on the bishopric of Toledo.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the case of the <\/span>Carolingian Empire<\/span><\/b>, the concept of <\/span>family <\/span><\/b>included a much larger group of people who, on important celebrations such as Christmas, were obliged to travel to the manor house to gather together. At that time, the journeys were long and tedious, due to the condition of the existing carriages, and it was therefore necessary to have a whole day after the festive day to return home. For this reason, the <\/span>26<\/span><\/b>th<\/span><\/b> of December<\/span><\/b> was established as a non-working day.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This date has been maintained over time until the present day, which is celebrated every 26<\/span>th<\/span> of December, with customs that have been incorporated over the years.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/San-Esteban-1.png” alt=”Saint Stephen’s Day” title_text=”Saint Stephen’s Day” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Today, on St. Stephen’s Day, families gather to continue celebrating Christmas. Some of the traditions and customs that revolve around this date are, for example, eating <\/span>cannelloni<\/span><\/b>, which are usually made with the leftovers from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This typical dish was imported to Catalonia by Italian chefs in the 19th century, and from that time onwards it was introduced into the menu of Saint Stephen’s Day, although only in bourgeois and wealthy families. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that this dish became popular and spread to all Catalan homes. In the past, before the arrival of cannelloni, households used to eat “arr\u00f2s de miques”, a dish made with rice, which included the leftovers from the Christmas Day roast.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, “<\/span>neules<\/span><\/b>“, a typical St. Stephen’s Day sweet in the shape of a wafer, is usually eaten with dessert, such as cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e, although it can also be eaten on its own.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> offers its <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, so you can get to <\/span>Barcelona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/San-Esteban-2.png” alt=”neules cannelloni Christmas gastronomy” title_text=”neules cannelloni Christmas gastronomy” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Saint Stephen’s Day is not only celebrated in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, but also in other European <\/span>countries <\/span><\/b>that had Carolingian influences during the Middle Ages, especially in Central Europe and Scandinavia. Some of the countries where this tradition is still alive are <\/span>Italy<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Germany<\/span><\/b>, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Poland, <\/span>United Kingdom<\/span><\/b>, as well as Lithuania, Bulgaria and <\/span>Denmark<\/span><\/b>, among others.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some customs that are worth mentioning are the following: in the Czech Republic, children sing carols house to house to receive Christmas presents; in Ireland, they celebrate <\/span>Wren Day<\/span><\/b>, where young people also go out, dressed in bright costumes and singing carols; and, in England, they celebrate <\/span>Boxing Day<\/span><\/b>, giving donations and gifts to the neediest families. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On this special day, we suggest a series of plans for you to enjoy with your family and friends in the best possible way.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the one hand, as it is customary in <\/span>Catalonia <\/span><\/b>to eat <\/span>cannelloni <\/span><\/b>on the 26<\/span>th<\/span> of December, we suggest you try this typical dish in the <\/span>best restaurants<\/span><\/b> in Barcelona, such as <\/span>Ca l’Estevet<\/span><\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Teresa Carles<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Petit Comit\u00e8<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>7 Portes<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Cal Boter <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Can Culleretes<\/span><\/b><\/a>, the oldest restaurant in Barcelona.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” min_height=”181.8px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n These are some of the establishments whose menus include cannelloni with different types of fillings, from meat and mushrooms to foie gras and truffle, and with the star ingredient that characterises this dish, <\/span>b\u00e9chamel <\/span><\/b>sauce. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, if you are in Barcelona and you are spending the day with children, you can visit <\/span>L’Aqu\u00e0rium<\/span><\/b><\/a>, where you can learn about the animals found in Mediterranean and tropical seas. In total, the enclosure has more than <\/span>11,000 specimens<\/span><\/b> of more than <\/span>450 different species<\/span><\/b>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another option you can do on this festive day is to visit <\/span>PortAventura World<\/span><\/a>, located in the heart of <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, between the towns of <\/span>Salou <\/span><\/b>and<\/span> Vila-seca<\/span><\/b>, which is decorated with Christmas motifs during this time of year. If you are travelling with your family, enjoy a special and magical day, with magnificent shows for all ages, such as the <\/span>Magic Show <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>La Llegada de los emisarios reales<\/span><\/b>, among others, as well as all the park’s attractions. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to enjoy <\/span>Saint Stephen’s Day<\/span><\/b> in Catalonia, don’t hesitate to visit its star destinations. You have at your disposal the <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After the quintessential winter celebration, Christmas, with its exquisite delicacies and typical sweets, and all the members of the family surrounding the table, comes Saint Stephen’s Day, also known as ‘Second Christmas’, a smaller celebration that takes place in many countries.\u00a0 \u00a0 In Spain, for example, this tradition has taken root especially in Catalonia and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40,39,42,29,41],"tags":[46,69,135,45,44,43,125,139],"class_list":["post-12110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-barcelona-2","category-costa-dorada-2","category-spanish-culture","category-travel","category-travel-tips","tag-airports","tag-holidays","tag-private-transfer-2","tag-shuttle","tag-transfer","tag-travel","tag-vacances-2","tag-winter"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy is Saint Stephen’s Day celebrated? \u00a0<\/h2>\n
St. Stephen’s Day traditions<\/h2>\n
In which other countries is this date celebrated?<\/h2>\n
Ideas for enjoying Saint <\/span>Stephen’s<\/span> Day<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n