Granada for Christmas 2011 - there really is something here for all the family...... Every single one of us!
"Granada. And Christmas as well - How wonderful!" There are such a wide variety of activities and places of interest on offer that no matter what your requirements are, you are certain to find plenty to see and do here. Video of Granada at Christmas 2010 We often visit Granada near Christmas time. We like to enjoy the Christmas Market at the Plaza Bib-Rambla, Puerta Real and Plaza de las Pasiegas. We also make a point of going again in an evening will be going again during an evening to lap up the Christmas lights of the city. We do the same thing every year and are always entranced by the magic wonderland created by all the colours and patterns that there are to enjoy. Christmas Market at the Plaza Bib-RamblaWalk into the Plaza Bib-Rambla near the Cathedral and you will be fascinated by the market stalls. They are selling a variety of things, including:-
The market is open from the of 3rd December until the 6th January 2012. And when you have seen enough of the stalls, wander into the centre of the plaza and look out for Papa Noel (Father Christmas) in the Nativity scene (Belen)! What a wonderful Christmassy time can be had by all.
Nativity Scenes in GranadaIf you get time, you can have an enjoyable few hours looking at the various Nativity scenes throughout the city of Granada.Walk around Granada and view the various Nativities. Some are massive models and are well worth studying for the advanced construction skills that have been used. When I was visiting the nativity scenes to see some memories of Granada Christmas from years ago I went to the Casa do los Pisas near Plaza Nueva. I took a look at the "Belen" and shot the video (above) and then started to browse through the attached museum. As I was wandering around I left the main area and walked up a small passage-way into a large square (still inside the building). As I was looking at the statue, one of the curators came round the corner looking to see what I was doing. She said, "Oh, you are here. Stay in the plaza (square) for as long as you like but don't go through those doors." (she pointed to a double door in the building behind me). She continued, "If you go in there they won't let you out - it's an old folks home!" Duly chastened I was careful not to venture too far!
A Nativity scene near Plaza Nueva showing a Granada Christmas from time gone by Make Your Own Nativity SceneAnyone interested in looking at the figurines, houses, vegetation and animals which make up a typical Nativity scene will find a host of shops near the Cathedral. There is also lots of information on-line about how to make your own nativity scenes.If you decide to study the various nativity scenes, be sure to look into each belen to see if you can find a cagon... this is a shepherd who is squatting down and "going to the toilet" in the corner of the stable. He will invariably be placed somewhere in the background. For me, the presence of a cagon in a nativity scene just goes to reinforce the wicked sense of humour possessed by the spanish. Go Skiing in the Sierra NevadasIf you enjoy doing more active things than looking at nativity scenes, you can take a bus or drive up to the Sierra Nevada and soak up the atmosphere of the busy and popular Solynieve resort.There you will find a large selection of bars, restaurants and terraces to help you enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. This season has seen a bumper turn-out at the slopes. For many people Granada at Christmas means snow, snow and more snow! You can find plenty of information of where to go and what to do by clicking on Sierra Nevada Ski. There is Plenty To Eat and DrinkGo into many of the independent shops at this time of year and you will be sure to find a bottle of Anis and another bottle of liqueur on the counter or a side table. By the side of them you will see a plateful of small crumbly cakes mantecados wrapped in brightly coloured paper. Traditionally, these drinks and cakes are given freely to help spread the joy of Christmas.And while we are talking about Granada at Christmas, don't forget that just a few days later you are in for a particular treat with New Year in Granada. This too, is an experience not to be missed. And for the whole holiday period you can wander around the city of Granada for Christmas (and New Year) and enjoy the tapas and the local dishes from our region. Feast on stuffed Olives, Meatballs, Salted almonds, Baby squid, Chorizo (spicy sausages) and Migas (fried bread crumbs) just to name a few. For the family atmosphere and the light-hearted fun you will find here, coming to Granada at Chrstmas surely can be likened to going back 30 or 40 years to the "old fashioned" values and charm we used to have back then. Come and enjoy. Feliz Navidad! Related links
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