Christmas: Fira de Santa Llúcia 2016

One of Barcelona's most traditional fairs, having been staged since the late 18th century, you'll find all manner of Christmas ornaments and gifts on sale there. The main attractions are figures for the nativity scenes than many Catalan families set up in their homes at this time of year. They come in many different sizes, and you'll find an amazing range of characters and accessories beyond the essential Holy Family, shepherds and three kings. Most surprising to visitors is the caganer – which literally means the ‘defecator', and is usually a man dressed in traditional Catalan costume who squats in the corner of the crib, apparently to represent the returning to the ground of what we take out it. Some innovative soul decided to start creating caganers in the shape of contemporary celebrities, meaning you can buy likenesses of Barack Obama, Pope Francis and Leo Messi all doing their natural business, which could arguably be the most original Christmas present you'll find this year.