Christmas in Blanes

 Blanes have been holding a weekend Christmas market during the month of December so I went along there this weekend to take a look around. It is very similar to the markets that are held in Lloret at this time of year but one thing I do like to see in Blanes is the large nativity set they have every year. A lot of work goes into the making and setting up of the almost lifelike models which will be on show until early January. The market however will take place again this coming weekend 27-29th December and open all day.

 

Colourful products and colourful characters!

  

Fire in Fenals today

Back view of the apartment block

A fire has broke out in an apartment block above the Leman Restaurant on Avenida Americas in Fenals at about 4.15pm this afternoon. From our apartment balcony it looked very bad as the smoke was pouring out of the apartments windows and also from  air vents on the roof, as yet I don't have any more details but I will give an update as soon as possible.
Thanks to Christian for the photos below.

Christmas Events in Lloret

This weekend there are 2 events taking place in Lloret, firstly there will be a series of free musical concerts taking place in the church during December, tomorrow evenings concert will begin at 8pm. Secondly on Sunday in the church square starting at 9am is the medicinal fair organised by the Xino Xano walking group. Here you can buy a wide range of goods and produce from herbs and remedies for different ailments to wines, jams, honey, home grown veg, cakes, loaves of bread of all shapes and sizes!

Xmas shopping in Girona

Some the best Spanish high street brands are located in the Espai shopping mall at Salt near Girona and just now it's a great time to visit for your Christmas shopping. There are 2 floors of shopping with stores such as Zara, H&M, Levi, Springfield and also one of the old favourites which ceased trading years ago in the UK and that is C&A! - they were always known for their good quality and reasonable prices. 

One of the strangest Christmas customs in the Catalan region is the Caga Tio (poo log!) this is a small log with legs wearing a typical styled Catalan hat. Children take care of him by feeding him well and keeping him warm upto Christmas Eve to ensure that his belly is nice and full, so he will 'poo out' lots of  goodies and treats for them at Christmas.

The largest Caga Tio I've seen!

Winter evening in Lloret

Almost Christmas and you wouldnt believe how quiet the evenings are in Lloret. The streets are deserted and hardly anything is open. Lets hope that there will be a better atmosphere about the
place soon!