Viaje: Vic

This week marks a couple holidays in Spain to commemorate Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception Day (which basically is just an excuse for Spaniards to take a 5 day weekend). I was actually in Spain one year ago for these holidays and spent the long break in Ireland and Italy. I'm afraid there will be no extravagant traveling for me this year, but I did manage to make a day trip to a small town called Vic.

At the suggestion of one of our TEFL trainers, my friends and I took the train to Vic in order to check out its unique Medieval Christmas Market.

Vic is located 70 km outside of Barcelona (about an hour train ride) and is known as the Ciudad de los Santos (the city of saints) for its strong religious traditions which date back as far as the Roman Empire. It's also famous for its cured meats and, of course, its Mercat Medieval.

Christmas Markets are a famous tradition all throughout Spain and other parts of Europe. You can find them in almost every city and some are very impressive. They sell a wide variety of holiday cheer such as nativity scenes, candy, fruit, cheese, meat, Christmas trees, candles, and other traditional handmade goods.

I have seen quite a few Christmas Markets throughout Spain and Italy, but I was especially intrigued at the thought of a Medieval themed one (too bad I didn't pack my corset). So off we went!  

Vic town square
Complete with Christmas Tree!

Tree in another town square.
It appeared to have wishes and prayers on small pieces of paper attached to it.

Every year, this quaint town in the mountains completely transforms itself into a Medieval village and opens its doors to crowds of tourists. Market vendors dress up in appropriate attire, sell period handmade goods and foods, and even decorate their booths and streets to set the scene. (Think Renaissance fair with a hint of Christmas. But without all the crazy people)

 

Tourists trying their hand at archery
I was tempted to buy my brother a bow and arrow,
but figured that would come back to bite me in butt. Literally.

 

Donkey rides
You better believe I was real close to jumping on that one.

So, we, the tourists, walked around the town admiring the booths, music, and atmosphere. (And I personally walked around trying not to buy every sweet treat I saw.) 

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Lunch: Sausage with bread and alioli sauce.
Reallll gooooood.

 

Dessert: Crepe with Nutella and bananas. MmMmmMm
And the flower hair wreath I allowed myself to purchase and adorn.

We finished our day feeling stuffed with tasty food and a bit stressed out from the obnoxiously crowded streets. But we were undoubtedly filled with Medieval Christmas spirit.