Prague is full of markets, crafts and Christmas carols
Whether you are one of those who allow themselves to be invaded Christmas spirit as if your thing is to make the party bitter for the staff by reminding them at every step that Christmas is a consumerist invention that banks especially celebrate, sooner or later you will end up at a Christmas market.
Once inside, and you'll know you're inside by the smell of fried food that seems to cling to your heart , the best thing is that for a few minutes you merge with the landscape. Each market has its point and depending on the country, its idiosyncrasies and its protocol of action. But there are some generalities inherent in the concept that you should know.
Christmas markets with a lot of color
GENERALITIES OF A MARKET
they are always petty . Except when they close and then they are not funny. It doesn't matter if you get up early, escape at noon or hide in the early afternoon shadows. It will cost you to reach the balls of the tree and when you do you will have to compete with 15 elbows that have decided to buy the same as you.
Yes, the background music is nourished by popular Christmas carols . Going rancid. From time to time a mega hit of the moment sneaks in but it is inevitable that you will come out humming There want for Christmas is you … Perversions of life, it is possible that this knock-on effect will destroy your romantic streak and make you wish that Christmas would go by as quickly as possible. But you are not alone, and as you can see, kisses of love and ethyl songs triumph under the stalls. Don't be so disbelieving.
Everything has cinnamon. From the traditional mulled wine to gingerbread cookies , those that you have never tried because they are so cute that it is better to hang them from the tree or save them until next year when they are already as stiff as mojama and the sugar has discolored. Man is a creature of habit.
Enjoy the Christmas spirit and atmosphere
It always smells like fried food. There is a section where cinnamon does not enter or if it enters it is barely noticeable. They are the fatty things that go around on a stick. They can be sausages, Moorish skewers or pieces of meat of indefinite origin. You will recognize them by the black smoke that comes out of the beach bar and because sooner or later you'll find yourself reaching for it to warm your numb bones. You are not alone here either. Believe it or not, the person next door isn't interested in seeing how a sausage is roasted, and he doesn't dance, he's shivering.
Mulled wine is king . This is the ultimate test, the turning point in your visit to a European flea market. Mulled wine in English, Glühwein in German. As a good Spaniard, the first thing you will say is that you don't drink that potion even if you're dead, but reconsider. As you do, your feet will turn into candied almond cones and you'll urgently need something to restore mobility to your limbs. Whatever. It's time to try the mulled wine, a cocktail of spices, fruits and sugar, which has magical and regenerating properties.
With one glass your body will begin to relax, your eyes will appreciate the craftsmanship of the stalls and the jostling of the people will seem like invitations to the dance, with two you will get a lazy smile that will lead you as if inadvertently to hum Christmas carols, you will begin to distribute hugs without rhyme or reason and You will let the spirit of Christmas possess you. But watch out. With more than three glasses go looking for a pharmacy because you've bought all the tickets for a good screw hangover.
With the cold the mulled wine enters
Since the beginning of December the Christmas markets storm the main squares of European cities and become the perfect alternative if you want to avoid the consumerist fever of large surfaces. Both are crowded but the markets are more fun, actually and as you will soon see, they are irresistible.
IN MADRID
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The Main Square It is impossible, there is a high percentage of drunks with fluorescent wigs, the children seem to have no parents to control them and the moss for the Nativity scene is a bit dehydrated, but you want a piece of shit, and this is the place to get it. In addition to the stink bombs, a classic to take revenge on the torments of the in-laws with the excuse of humor, you will find ingenious ways to pass the time. you will end up with a tree bigger than your living room and you will swear not to return, but we all know that words are carried by the wind - from North -.
IN BARCELONA
In search of the caganer
With the excuse of looking for the caganer of the year, that nativity scene figurine that with his ass for a flag seems to laugh at all the solemnity of the matter, you will approach the new square , the square of the Cathedral, in full gothic quarter , and you will comment that every year there are more people in these saraos. You're right, it seems that the stalls give it away , but if you get close to one you will see that nothing is further from reality . Console yourself, since 1786 this is a tradition to keep and something will be magical when it has more and more faithful.
The Plaza Mayor lights up for Christmas
IN NUREMBERG
You are in the city that sells itself as The capital of Christmas so get ready for the media parade. Literally: comparsas, orchestras and floats are part of the show. But if you manage to abstract yourself you will discover that despite everything, the medieval magic of Nuremberg multiplies among the hundreds of stalls of one of the most famous street markets in Europe . Take the opportunity to get the most original decorations and the most caloric sweets, while the laser lights manage to definitively transport you to a dreamlike landscape. Advice : the mulled wine help , and here you will taste one of their oldest recipes.
IN BRUSSELS
The most cosmopolitan of all. How could it be otherwise? the Capital of Europe pays homage with its more than 200 wooden roof posts ra to all the Europeans who have chosen it as their place of residence, and makes them feel at home looking for their place among the spectacular Grand Place and the coquette Saint Catherine's Square, a whole festival in honor of christmas. If the barrage of good wishes makes you sick, try the ice rink, a couple of shakes and you will remember again that we are in crisis.
Nuremberg, the capital of Christmas
IN PRAGUE
The gothic magic of the fantastic Plaza del Reloj It is somewhat hidden among so many red roofs, but the truth is that once you get into the atmosphere, the towers of the Church of Our Lady will make you feel a shiver of pleasure. An orchestra and a well planted tree they end up convincing you that Christmas, after all, is not a bad idea. Until the cold gives you a shake and inadvertently takes you to the fried food stalls. In this market, what is important above all is eating and drinking, so the only thing missing is the mulled wine – Pay attention that in some stalls they mix it with rum - and ready to navigate through the hordes of Czechs willing to smile more than expected before the imminence of the holidays.
IN BATH
Between the tremendous Abbey and the building of the Roman baths it will seem to you that you are in the middle of a novel of Harry Potter and you only need the magic wand . Don't worry, everything has a price. bathroom , with that addictive cheesy touch, offers a dream market if what suits you is consumerism and details. You will find everything among its craft stalls and you can even look good with your mother-in-law.
The gothic magic of Plaza del Reloj
IN MARSEILLE
The European capital has done a lot of good for the once dark and port city of Marseille and this year to celebrate its spectacular renovation, the city's Christmas market is caressed by the cheerful shadow of a giant meringue ferris wheel . A good idea if you want to shiver for a while and go down for a happier wine than liquorice. In this case you can accompany it with a cotton candy or change it for an absinthe , that inspirational liqueur that is back in fashion. If you are one of those who puts the Bethlehem do not miss two streets above the Puerto the traditional street market of Belenes . You will find the coolest handmade figurines and you will be the envy of the neighborhood.
IN VIENNA
It usually snows so you don't need much more props to enjoy a fairytale Christmas postcard. In addition, the quality of the musical thread raises many integers to the experience thanks to his love for the classics. Christmas for Austrians is a social event so don't wear anything to visit its markets because the catwalk is demanding. Don't forget to try the punsch -with black tea and currant liqueur- the alternative to mulled wine that is also served hot and that manage to raise a dead – cold is understood - If you want to find the most original gifts, go to the market in Spittelberg Market , in district 7.
Traditional Nativity Market in Marseille