Barcelona summer events

Things to do in Barcelona in Summer

By Dom Bewley

The flowers have long since bloomed, the days have gotten longer, and that lovely yellow ball in the sky shows its face a lot more often. Yes, that's right, the season of summer is upon us - time to ditch the between clothes and go full shorts and skirts. And, as you humans often do in summer, you'll likely be planning your vacation. Well, where better to plan your sunny stay than stunning Barcelona? It's brimming with fascinating culture, great food, and a wealth of summertime fun to experience. So, what events await you in Barcelona this summer? This is our list of the best things to do in Barcelona in summer.

Featuring:

  • Walking Tours
  • Beaches
  • Parks
  • Music Festivals
  • Summer Events

 

Take a Walking Tour

Given the amount of culture you'll find in the city, why not pair it with the warm weather by taking a walking tour? It's the best way to fill the brain with knowledge while filling the body with that sweet vitamin d. Walking tours are some of the best events you can find in the summer, and there's plenty to choose from! Given Gaudi's prominence in Barcelona, entire walking tours are dedicated to his work. You could also take a tour of the Ancient Market district and sample some delicious morsels while you're at it.

Alternatively, find out about Barcelona's rich history on a tour of Old Town and the Gothic Quarter. Did you know you can trace the city's history all the way back to the Romans? If you didn't, it's time to take this tour! Or, if you're looking for something a little more spooky, explore Barcelona's grittier past with a walking tour of Raval. It's not for the faint of heart, mind you, with haunted orphanages, vampire houses, and an abandoned hospital all part of the trip. And finally, if you're looking to escape the sun after a scorching day, check out the Picasso Museum Tour, which explores one of the world's most famous artists, his history, and the inspiration for his thought-provoking pieces.

 

Hit the Beach

For many of us, summers mean one thing - a trip to the beach! Nothing quite beats the perfect mix of sand, sea, and sky. Thankfully, Barcelona has the beach lovers covered, offering a wide selection of options depending on your preference. There's Barceloneta, the city's most famous beach, for those who like to add a little fiesta to your seaside siesta. Or, if you're looking for a more relaxing lounge on the sand, try Mar Bella, which also offers a host of watersports for you to try out.

Want a good mix of both? Sant Sebastia is just for you; its footfall pales in comparison to Barceloneta, but you'll find a host of bars and restaurants to explore. There are even kid-friendly beaches like Nova Icaria that provide ping pong, volleyball, and beach tennis to keep those little ones busy. Plus, the zoo is just a stone's throw away. There are even more to choose from, so find one that suits you and get beaching!

 

Explore a Park

Of course, in the likely event that summer is here, one of the best ways to make the most of it in Barcelona is to go for a nice walk. And where better to stretch those legs than at a park? They're the best place to escape the busy city life, and Barcelona has tons on offer. For the culturally-minded, there's Park Guell, which Gaudi himself designed. If you've never seen his designs in person, why not do so under the sun? For the more adventurous of you, there's Horta Labyrinth Park with its colossal maze.

Or, if you want to cool off a bit, head to Ciutadella Park and see the magnificent fountains and water features. Built on a 19th Century military outpost, there's plenty of old architecture to find and places to grab a bite if you need to refuel. Or, for a more fancy stroll, head over to Pedralbes Gardens, situated in the palace of the same name. Since the Spanish royal family moved out in the 1930s, the imperial gardens have been open to the public. Mesmerizing. Barcelona has many green spaces that demand exploring, so see which takes your fancy, grab a hamper with some snacks and refreshments, and head out!

 

Check out a Music Festival

Some of the best events you can attend in summer are music festivals and, thankfully, Barcelona has plenty of those too! The city's most famous one is arguably Primavera Sound, which caters to many different music listeners. Featuring an eclectic mix of rock, pop, rap, blues, and more in between, it's a great one to check out if variety is your spice of choice. Check out Primavera Sound from 2-12 June.

Or, if you prefer your beats sequenced and your melodies electronic, there's Sonar Festival. Known across Europe as one of the best electronic festivals around, Sonar is a must-visit for the shape-throwers among you. From 16-18 June, you'll have the chance to see some of the world's biggest DJs spin the best tunes, attend workshops and explore visual art shows. It's not just about the music; it's about creativity too.

And, finally, head over to the imperial gardens in Jardins Pedralbes for an open-air music festival that mixes up-and-coming artists with radio mainstays. Not only will you appreciate the tunes, but you'll also appreciate the surrounding gardens!

 

Attend a Summer Event

Let's round this list with some of Barcelona's best summer events! Every June, the city's Pride festival brings good vibes and the party spirit. Expect live performances, exhibitions, and, of course, the parade.

Corpus Christi is a 600-year-old festival that brings religious spectacle to Barcelona every year. Attendees will see processions of giant religious figures and mythical Catalan animals.

Or, spend your Summer Solstice in the city with Nit de Sant Joan! Fireworks, picnics, music, and partying through the night. What more could you want?

And that's our list of the best events to see in Barcelona this summer! Whatever you do, make sure you pack a big bottle of sunscreen and some water to stay hydrated!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Firework display over the Font Magica de Montjuïc on New Year's Eve
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Barcelona in January

When planning a trip to Barcelona, your mind likely goes straight to summer, when the city sees its peak tourism. However, should you find yourself looking to take a trip in winter, you may see a side to the Catalan capital that most outsiders rarely do. Barcelona in January may be quieter than during the rest of the year, but that makes it a fantastic time to see the city in its most authentic state. What's more, should you be partial to a party or two, there's plenty of festivity to get you through the month. Tourism in January So long as you’re prepared to pack a raincoat and put your ideas of a beach holiday on the backburner, visiting Barcelona in January may prove a real treat. Throughout the wee months of the new year, the city sees its lowest rates of tourism, which for the most part should work very much in your favor. In the absence of the bustling droves of summer tourists, Barcelona is as tranquil as it gets come January. That means those choosing to visit in this period will get the pick of the litter when it comes to hotels, with the added benefit of comparatively lower prices. What that also means for you in your winter wanderlust is that you’ll get to experience everything that the city has to offer without much hassle at all. With fewer crowds, you won’t have to book attractions as early as you might in summer, with some often even available to book on the day. Take yourself on a tour of Barcelona’s attractions without having to fight for the sights. Bask in the awe-inspiring architecture of the Sagrada Familia, and explore the city’s ancient markets like a local. And if you’re an early riser, why not catch the sunrise over at Park Güell, too? That isn’t to say Barcelona is devoid of any tourism throughout this period, though. On the contrary, there’s often still a very healthy buzz to the city around this time. In place of the usual tourist crowds, you’ll find many more locals frequenting bars and restaurants in the center than most other times of the year, giving the city a real authentic buzz. Ski Season With the local ski season in full swing, a good portion of visitors to Barcelona in January are naturally there to take advantage of its prime location. With as many as 14 fantastic alpine resorts within a few hours’ drive from the city, Barcelona serves as a perfect hub for skiing enthusiasts. Take a day or two to gear up before a week's trip to one of the nearby resorts, or embrace the best of both worlds in skiing through the day and returning to Barcelona in the evening. New Year’s Eve Right from the get-go, both visitors and locals to Barcelona come together to see in the new year in style. Known as as Nochevieja in Spanish, New Year’s Eve celebrations take place throughout the city, with the most notable celebration taking place on Plaça d'Espanya by the Font Magica on Montjuïc, complete with the obligatory countdown and firework display. In the leadup to the countdown, one of the biggest parties takes place at the Poble Español close by, offering various different music zones for fans of all genres. Up to a thousand people typically come from the world over to party until dawn. Down in the city, many others still gather on Plaça Catalunya, often with a bottle of Cava in hand. At the stroke of midnight, many will then collectively throw their bottles into the street in celebration – much to the dismay of those who have to clean up in the morning! Kings’ Day The rest of January isn’t without its fair share of festivity either. Right away, just as the streets have been cleared up after New Year’s Eve, the city celebrates Kings’ Day. In tribute to the day that the Three Kings visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, Barcelona welcomes their ceremonial arrival on the evening of 5 January. The Three Kings arrive by boat before beginning their annual procession through the streets of Barcelona. Traditionally, children in Spain write letters to the kings in place of Santa Claus, and on Kings’ Day they receive their gifts. If you happen to be visiting around Kings’ Day, be sure to catch the parade and take part in some of the many local festivities. Locals are likely to be throwing parties, and stores and bakeries will be full of festive sweet treats to try out, such as Tortells de Reis, or Kings’ Cakes. La Festa dels Tres Tombs Kids and animal lovers alike are bound to get a kick out of this Catalan celebration. The Festa Major de Sant Antoni is celebrated on 17 January in honor of Saint Anthony, who was said to have used his healing capabilities to save a number of animals. On the first Saturday following this feast, La Festa dels Tres Tombs sees a procession of animals such as horses and donkeys parade through the streets around the Escola Pia de Sant Antoni. Alongside the parade, you can also expect to find the streets lined with stalls selling various treats and local crafts. Wrapping Up Barcelona in January may not typically top everyone’s bucket list, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to experience all that the heart of Catalonia has to offer without having to battle the summer crowds. Whether you’re an avid skier, a fiend for festivities or simply want to see Barcelona at its most tranquil, January is a fantastic time to plan a visit. Just be sure to pack for the weather!
Robert Heaney
Multiple fireworks exploding in the sky above Barcelona
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Festivals in Barcelona

  If you love to party then Barcelona is the place to be. As well as being home to increasingly popular international music festivals, the city's seasonal traditions and saints’ days will have you whirling through the streets all year long. From parades, costumes, music and dancing to more unlikely spectacles like human pyramids, papier måché giants and fire-runs, there’s nothing the Catalan people like more than a celebration. Whatever time of year you plan to visit, we've everything you need to know about some of Barcelona's biggest festivals including: • Festival traditions • Summer music festivals like: - Primavera Sound - The Sónar - The Grec - Cruïlla de Cultures • Barcelona festivals including: - Epiphany (January) - Carnival (February/March) - Sant Jordi (April) - Sant Joan (June) - Neighbourhood festivals - Feste de la Merce (September)   Barcelona festival traditions ‘Festes’ (in Catalan - or ‘fiestas’ in Spanish) are a part of daily life in Barcelona. Some have Pagan or Roman origins, others were adopted as Christian festivals. Either way, since every barrio (neighbourhood) celebrates its own saints' days with processions and street parties, you’ll often find a carnival atmosphere around town.   Fire One theme common to many festivals is fire. Feel the glow of bonfires, fireworks or the ‘correfoc’ (fire run) when ‘devils’ parade through the streets waving pitchforks that release firecrackers and shower sparks.   Giants Giants - or gegants - are another feature of many festivals. Larger-than-life characters with papier måché heads bob through the streets alongside fantastic animals and Capgros (big heads). They originated in the Middle Ages when theatrical figures and animals were used to demonstrate Bible stories to an illiterate public. When they’re not on parade, drop in and see them for yourself at the super quirky (and free) La Casa dels Entremesos (Giant Museum) in the old town.   Castells Also look out for human towers - or castells. Originating in the 18th century, individual groups (or colles) compete to build hair-raising towers of people (castellers) up to nine levels high. In 2010 the sport (or art, depending on who you ask) was declared an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO.   Barcelona music festivals But before we get lost in too many time-honoured traditions, let’s first lose ourselves in music, because, from baroque to techno, Barcelona boasts some of the best music festivals in Europe. The Primavera Sound Festival is one of the most hotly anticipated festivals on the international circuit. Whatever you’re into, groove on down to the Parc del Forum where, for one week in spring, you’ll find big names and independent artists across diverse genres - from folk to jazz to hip hop, though mainly rock, pop and electro. Also keep your eyes on the side programme of gigs and performances taking place in clubs and public spaces across the city.   Hot on its heels is the Sónar Festival, one of the oldest and most well-known European music festivals, which attracts fans of electronic and experimental music from across the continent. Over a weekend in mid-June you can experience Sónar de Dia (day time performances) or catch some of the biggest names in the electronic scene as Sónar de Noche takes the event into the evening. Sónar+D offers an accompanying programme of creative technology experiences including digital workshops, and virtual-reality activities. From June to August The Grec Festival (which began in the seventies in the Grec (Greek) Theatre) brings together the best of theatre, music, dance and circus in a lively series of events that have become a huge summer attraction.   Or you can celebrate multiculturalism at Cruïlla de Cultures. As well as a music festival for genres as varied as ska, pop, hip-hop, reggae, folk and rock, it has grown to be a wider meeting of cultures, involving immigrant associations and neighbourhood groups. Don’t miss the series of open-air concerts that take place throughout July, when the clubs and public spaces of Poble Espanyol play host to national and international artists.   Get ready to mosh as Rock Fest Barcelona attracts rock and heavy metal bands from across Europe. Or grab your castanets as the De Cajón! Flamenco Festival gets the city whirling and stamping. Meanwhile the Barcelona Guitar Festival welcomes Spanish and foreign artists to celebrate that versatile instrument for a month every springtime. It’s official - whatever your music vibe, Barcelona is where it’s at!   Barcelona festival calendarEpiphany (January) The first big event in the traditional festival year is Epiphany. On 6th January, Spaniards and Catalans exchange gifts, whilst commemorating the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the three wise men (or magi). The evening of 5th January is a great time to be in the city, as the wise men arrive by boat at Port Vell. The extravagantly dressed kings then set off on the ‘Cavalcada del Reis’, a parade of floats, which travels from Parc de la Ciutella, through the city streets, with clowns, elves and acrobats distributing sweets to children along the route.   Carnival (February/March) Or, if you time your visit just a few weeks later you can kick back at Carnival, both a religious celebration and a popular party, featuring more floats, fancy dress and lots of fun. Lent is observed across much of the world as a period of abstinence in the 40 days leading up to Easter and, in Spain, rather than ‘Mardi Gras’, it is ‘Carnaval’ (or Carnestoltes in Catalan) that traditionally marks the last party before the fast and frugality. If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, don’t miss the many local parades that honour the arrival of the Rei Carnestoltes (Carnival King) who rouses the crowd to mischief and laughter. Since food is fundamental to festivities, many local markets also organise tortilla-making competitions!   On the Sunday the streets of the city turn orange for the Taronjada, a colourful ‘battle’ that takes place on the Plaça Comercial in El Born. In the past the public would throw actual oranges at one another but today you can just revel in a riot of orange balloons and confetti. Join adults and children that evening in traditional dancing at the Sarau, a grand masquerade ball. The celebrations come to an end on Ash Wednesday with (weirdly) the ‘Burial of the Sardine’ signifying farewell to fun and feasting and the beginning of Lent. The Carnival King is also symbolically condemned to death. Switch your bright colours for black and head to nearby Sitges where drag-queens and glamorous ‘widows’ mourn the death of the party - all night long!   Sant Medir (March) If you love sweets you might want to join the crowds in the Gràcia district on 3rd March for the dolça festa (sweet festival) dedicated to Sant Medir. According to legend the ancient saint’s broad beans flourished immediately after they were planted (though he was subsequently taken prisoner and martyred). In the 1830s a baker from the district made a pilgrimage in his honour, throwing beans to the public along the way. Today the beans have been replaced with tons of sweets and toffees, thrown from a parade of floats and horse carriages that take to the streets in the afternoon after the traditional pilgrimage. To make like a local take along a bag, bucket or open umbrella to catch your own share of treats!   Sant Jordi (April) Not content with slaying dragons to become the patron saint of England, busy St George is also patron saint of Catalonia. Apparently he saved a princess by taking on another dragon there, from whose blood grew a red rose... Consequently the custom is for gentlemen to purchase roses for their own damsel. In return ladies bought a book, although, in these enlightened days, it’s now usual for either partner to buy both! Even though it’s not a national holiday, join the Catalan people in taking to the streets to celebrate. Watch sardanas (traditional dances) and castells (human towers), take part in literary activities like workshops and signings; and stroll the stalls on La Rambla and Paseo, laden with books and colourful blooms.   Sant Joan (June) Don’t miss the mad midsummer celebrations on Sant Joan (St John’s Eve), one of the biggest events of the year, when incredible firework displays light up the shortest night and beer and sangria flow freely. Often known as the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), locals welcome summer with fireworks and bonfires in the street. Join them as they eat pastries decorated with candied fruit and pine nuts and drink Cava all night long! Because June 24th is a national holiday it feels like the whole city hits the street or beach to party until sunrise.   Neighbourhood festivals (July - September) Whilst the bigger festivals are celebrated all over town, some are local to particular districts or barrios. The edgy El Raval neighbourhood is a great place to explore and, in July, the Festa Major del Raval celebrates its multi-cultural roots. Stroll among ethnic food stalls and flea markets, dance to world music and marvel at the obligatory procession of papier-måché giants. You can see more parading giants, human towers and fire devils later in July at the Festa Major de Poble Sec Or join the throngs of people who pack the bars for singing and Sangria for a week in August, at the Festa Major de Gràcia, one of the most famous barrio festivals. Amid the giants, correfocs, coloured lanterns, dancing and music, the neighbourhood streets compete to be the best decorated. And, should you miss that, The Sants Festival follows immediately afterwards with more decorated streets, performances and Catalan traditions.   Sala Montjuïc (July/August) Whilst not strictly a festival, you can make the most of Barcelona’s balmy summer weather at one of the picnic concerts or open-air cinema showings at Montjuïc castle. Maybe spend the day exploring the mountain on foot or by cable car. Then load your hamper with cava and jamon and treat yourself to a night of classic cinema. We recommend you buy a ticket in advance and get there early for a good spot.   Sant Roc (August) You an even bring your four-legged friend to help celebrate the Festival of Sant Roc, held on Plaça Nova, in the Gothic Quarter and one of August’s largest festival events. Legend maintains that Sant Roc was saved by a dog that brought him food whilst he was suffering from the plague, so locals bring their own dogs to join the festivities. Our advice is to spectate but not attempt another attraction of this festival - La Cucaña, a greasy pole that partygoers must cross to win a prize.   Feste de la Mercé Barcelona’s patron saints day - Feste de la Merce - marks the end of summer and sees one of Europe’s biggest street parties. The city has two patron saints - Santa Eulalia (for whom the cathedral is named) and the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy), also known simply as La Mercè. Having originally appeared to Catalan King Jaume 1 in 1218 and encouraged him to found a religious order, the Virgin allegedly reappeared in 1687 to save the city from a troublesome plague of locusts. It’s said that it always rains on 24th September as Sant Eulalia sheds tears of jealousy over the appointment of her ‘co-patron’.   Nevertheless 24 September is a national holiday so, if you’re lucky enough to be in the city, look out for performances, street art, live music, open air concerts and the city traditions of castells, devils, fire-runs and parades of gegants and Capgrossos. Then see the festival season out with a bang, with light shows in Ciutadella Park, laser displays on the facade of the city hall, pyrotechnics on Barceloneta beach and the awesome firework finale beside Montjuïc’s Magic Fountains. As we’ve seen, with festivals all year round, it’s always a good time to visit Barcelona. And an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass will ensure you can make the most of your time whilst making savings on your sight-seeing. So get ready to party because, with Go City, there’s always something to celebrate.
Jo Cooke
El Corte Ingles shopping mall adorned in Christmas lights
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Barcelona in December

Barcelona in December sees the coming together of two different cities; the famous Catalan metropolis and a festive holiday wonderland. Experience all that Barcelona has to offer year-round matched with all the spectacle and warmth of the holiday season. Winter in Barcelona With winter well and truly in swing, Barcelona has long since waved off the torrents of high-season tourists. While you can always expect plenty of visitors throughout the year, tourism rates are typically halved come December. What this means for you, should you choose to visit in this period, is a totally different side to Barcelona than you might see in summer. Aside from the much more bearable weather averaging around a mild 60°F, you’ll find the city far less crowded than during its peak. Where you might have had to book long in advance to visit top sites like the Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera, quick and easy admission to just about any attraction should now be no difficult feat. Due to the later sunrise in winter, typically taking place around 6:30 in December, a popular start to the day is to visit Park Güell to watch the sun come up. Naturally, this means that not getting there early enough will likely make it hard to find a good spot, so be sure to plan accordingly. Barcelona Ski Season December also marks the early days of the Barcelona ski season, with avid skiers often passing through the city on their way to the Pyrenees. Should skiing be your thing, there are 14 fantastic alpine ski resorts within range of the city. With most of these resorts reachable within four hours by car, they’re perfect for visiting for a day or two before returning to the city once again. Note that a number of these resorts cross over into Andorra and France, with Andorra only accessible by car. Día de la Constitución Visiting Barcelona in December does come with one slight caveat, though. On December 6, Spain celebrates Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day), in commemoration of the approval of the Spanish Constitution in 1978 and the subsequent return of Spanish democracy. As a public holiday, most schools and workplaces will take the day off, and many will flock to Barcelona to celebrate. Locals refer to this as a ‘mini high-season’, and for good reason. You can expect restaurants, bars and attractions to be crammed with visitors once again, perhaps even more so than during summer. Should Constitution Day fall either side of a weekend, the festivities are likely to last the full three days. Christmas Markets We’d be remiss to discuss a trip to Barcelona in December without expanding on the city’s many holiday festivities. From the final weeks of November, the city of Barcelona evolves into somewhat of a winter wonderland. The streets are adorned with all manner of festive decorations and lights, which are truly a sight to behold in the evening. But where the holiday spirit really shines through is the city’s many Christmas markets. Europe is world famous for its holiday markets. While Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are some of the most renowned destinations, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to them with its own spirited selection of merry merchants. Throughout the city, you can explore a multitude of markets selling all manner of festive fare, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts. Local artists also take the holiday season as an opportunity to sell their crafts, baked goods, artisan wines and spreads, homemade candies and Christmas ornaments, among a wide selection of other things. You’ll find plenty of different markets dotted around the city, but the largest and most famous is Fira de Santa Llúcia. Found on Avinguda de la Catedral, this market dates back over 200 years to 1786. Given its history and popularity, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to visit should you want to pick up some souvenirs from your trip, as crowds are almost inevitable. Caga Tió Neither Spain nor Catalonia in particular are shy about their traditions, and this is never more true than at Christmas. Early in December, the Caga Tió makes an appearance in many Catalan homes. The Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal is a relatively small wooden log with two front legs and a jolly face, often adorned with a traditional Christmas hat. Children are given the responsibility of taking care of the Tió throughout the season. This typically involves putting a blanket around the little log and feeding it fruit, nuts, bread and candy, much like kids elsewhere might leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Should you ever be fortunate enough to spend Christmas with a Catalan family, you’ll then get to see the true colors of the Tió. Translated literally as the ‘poop log’, children will beat (yes, beat) the Tió in hopes of having it ‘poop out’ gifts, which they should then find hidden beneath the blanket. El Caganer The toilet-humor traditions don’t end with the Caga Tió, though. Wandering through the Christmas markets dotted throughout Barcelona in December, you’re likely to come across a common figure on display. Often depicting various celebrities, public figures and fictional characters going number two, El Caganer is a staple of Catalan Christmas. Originally depicted between the 17th and 18th Centuries as a young peasant caught short between the three wise men in the nativity scene, many families now adorn their own scenes with their choice of Caganer. Contrary to the apparent profane nature of the display, El Caganer is viewed as a sign of good luck to the people of Catalonia. Harking back to ancient pagan ideas, the Caganer’s ‘deposit’ is supposed to represent the fertilization of the soil and high productivity for the year ahead. You’ll find both Caga Tió and El Caganer throughout Barcelona in December, and you can even pick up your own from just about every market stall. Why not bring both home and enjoy your very own Catalan Christmas? Wrapping Up Should you choose to visit Barcelona in December, you’re sure to be rewarded handsomely. Not only will you be able to see all that the city has to offer without all of the high-season crowds, but you’ll also be able to indulge in many of the region's winter festivals. Explore the city at your leisure without having to plan too far ahead, and finish each day with a merry glass of mulled wine and a relaxing jaunt throughout the festively-lit streets and various Christmas markets stretching throughout.
Robert Heaney

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