[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
We have now entered the final stretch of the year, in the most familiar and exciting time of the year, <\/span>Christmas<\/span><\/b>. Tonight, <\/span>Christmas Eve<\/span><\/b> is celebrated, and tomorrow, Monday, the long-awaited <\/span>Christmas Day <\/span><\/b>arrives. During these two days, families sit around the table to get together and share emotions, such as hope, happiness, <\/span>love <\/span><\/b>and longing, making this a very special day in our calendar. For the <\/span>little ones<\/span><\/b>, it is a time full of excitement and nerves to receive the presents from Santa Claus that they have been asking for all year round.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We want you to enjoy Christmas in the best possible way. That’s why we bring you a series of plans that you can do during the 24<\/span>th<\/span> and 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December in Catalonia, specifically in <\/span>Barcelona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>. <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> offers its <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, so you can move to your destination, with total comfort, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0\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 Initially, Romans celebrated <\/span>Saturnalia<\/span><\/b>, in honour of <\/span>Saturn<\/span><\/b>, the god of agriculture, which was a pagan festival held between the 17<\/span>th<\/span> and 23<\/span>rd<\/span> of December, with traditions very similar to those of Christmas today, such as gathering with family and friends, giving gifts to loved ones and having great feasts.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Likewise, in 45 BC, the Julian calendar introduced the <\/span>25<\/span><\/b>th<\/span><\/b> of December<\/span><\/b> as the day of the winter solstice, and for which the festival of <\/span>Natalis Solis Invicti <\/span><\/b>began to be organised to celebrate the birth of the solar god <\/span>Apollo<\/span><\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n It is worth noting that many emblematic buildings in Rome and other Roman cities are oriented towards the winter solstice. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The origin of Christmas dates back to the 4th century, when Pope Julius I established Christmas on 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December. The word Christmas means birth and refers to the nativity of Christ; despite the belief that Jesus was born in spring. <\/span><\/p>\n This decision was presumably intended to convert Roman pagans to Christianity, due to the official conversion of the Roman Empire to the Christian religion. Centuries later, in the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar in Europe, keeping Christmas on 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December.\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\/12\/Merry-Christmas.png” alt=”Merry Christmas” title_text=”Merry Christmas” 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” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The magical figure of <\/span>Santa Claus<\/span><\/b> is inspired by a Turkish archbishop, <\/span>Saint Nicholas<\/span><\/b>, who lived during the 4th century, who, characterised by his great kindness, helped the most disadvantaged families by placing a bag of gold coins in their chimneys. From that moment on, he was declared a saint, and was introduced into the Christmas tradition, as the protagonist of these dates.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n His popularity began mainly in the <\/span>United States<\/span><\/b>, thanks to the German cartoonist <\/span>Thomas Nast<\/span><\/b>, who incorporated this character in his Christmas strips in Harper’s Weekly magazine. Subsequently, it spread throughout the world, through the massive use of his figure in advertising campaigns, such as, for example, <\/span>Coca-Cola<\/span><\/b> brand in 1920.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As for the <\/span>Christmas tree<\/span><\/b>, it has ancestral origins. Numerous cultures, such as Celts and Romans, have had trees as symbols of fertility and regeneration, and have always decorated them with different motifs during their winter festivals. In the Christian religion, the fir tree represents <\/span>eternal life<\/span><\/b>, because it is evergreen and has green leaves all year round, and also because of the shape of its crown, which points to the sky. Nowadays, it is a tradition to put up a Christmas tree, full of balls and ornaments of all kinds, to give colour and light to the living room.<\/span>\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\/12\/Feliz-Navidad-2.png” alt=”Christmas tree family” title_text=”Christmas tree family” 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 Everywhere in the world, Christmas is celebrated on a large scale. The streets are dressed in colours and lights, which bring life and excitement to these special dates; people buy lots of presents to give to their loved ones; and the little ones enjoy their Christmas holidays, getting their new toys for the first time. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That’s why, wherever you go, you’re sure to have a great time. For example, <\/span>Barcelona <\/span><\/b>organises a wide variety of events and activities around Christmas, such as living nativity scenes, art exhibitions and concerts for all ages. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December, don’t miss the<\/span> Barcelona Christmas Festival 2023<\/span><\/b><\/a>, which includes a day-long<\/span> interactive audiovisual exhibition<\/span><\/b> inspired by the annual journey of the sun and the celebration of the winter solstice, which takes place in Pla\u00e7a de la Universitat from 11 am to 11 pm. You’ll also find <\/span>concerts <\/span><\/b>by Magal\u00ed Datzira and Dani Nel\u00b7lo & Organ Trio, in Pla\u00e7a Catalunya, among many other events. You can check out many more initiatives taking place in Barcelona in our article <\/span>‘Enjoy Barcelona at Christmas’<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The tourism capital of <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Salou<\/span><\/b>, located between the coasts of La Pineda and Cambrils, is organising a programme full of activities for all ages. Tomorrow, Monday 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December, at 6 pm, don’t miss the performance of the<\/span> living nativity scene<\/span><\/b> at Masia Catalana.\u00a0<\/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 In addition, among the most outstanding activities this coming week, the youngest members of the family will be able to enjoy the <\/span>Christmas Park<\/span><\/b> at <\/span>Pavell\u00f3 Salou Centre<\/span><\/a>, with a wide range of inflatables, workshops and activities. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tarragona <\/span><\/b>is also holding the Children’s Christmas Park this week, until the 4<\/span>th<\/span> of January. As well as different <\/span>workshops<\/span><\/a> for children and young people, in the different municipal facilities. On the 29<\/span>th<\/span> of December, you will be able to meet the <\/span>Royal Page<\/span><\/b> and give him your letter of wishes at Civic Centre.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During these days, you can’t miss the <\/span>Christmas lights <\/span><\/b>that <\/span>Vila-seca La Pineda<\/span><\/b> has placed in the main streets of its population centres, as well as the <\/span>sand crib<\/span><\/b> located in Parc del Pinar del Perruquet, in <\/span>La Pineda<\/span><\/b>, with sculptures inspired by the elements of nature.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tomorrow Monday, 25<\/span>th<\/span> of December, <\/span>Cambrils <\/span><\/b>also brings you a magnificent Christmas <\/span>programme<\/span><\/a>, with the play <\/span>‘Hist\u00f2ries curtes en espais tancats’<\/span><\/b>, at 10 pm, at Teatre del Casal; and, during this week, with different magic <\/span>workshops<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>storytelling<\/span><\/b>, skating, face painting, and much more.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Enjoy Christmas in a unique way in <\/span>Barcelona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>. Get to your favourite place with <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s <\/span>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":" We have now entered the final stretch of the year, in the most familiar and exciting time of the year, Christmas. Tonight, Christmas Eve is celebrated, and tomorrow, Monday, the long-awaited Christmas Day arrives. During these two days, families sit around the table to get together and share emotions, such as hope, happiness, love and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12394,"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-12278","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":"\nThe origin of Christmas\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Introduction of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree in our culture\u00a0<\/h2>\n
The best plans for the 25th of December in Barcelona \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Programme on Costa Dorada \u00a0<\/h2>\n