European Christmas Capital 2024 :
As every year, Europe chooses its Christmas capital and this 2024 it is a city in the centre of the continent with a very unique charm.
If we imagine a Christmas postcard, those classic European cities with cobbled streets and old buildings decorated with giant trees, lights, market stalls, carousels and covered in snow probably come to mind. Every year, the European Union is responsible for naming a European Christmas Capital with the aim of highlighting the varied traditions that have become universal symbols.
Also Read : Celebrate the Season: Best Places to Visit in December for Festive Magic
In previous editions, cities such as Kiev (Ukraine), San Sebastián (Spain), Genoa (Italy), Liège (Belgium), Valkenbourgh (Netherlands), Majadahonda (Spain), Medina de Rioseco (Spain) and Torrejón de Ardoz (Spain) have been chosen. This year it was a very unknown gem from the Czech Republic that has won this honour. A city that combines history, culture and charm and that captivates its visitors with its magical atmosphere.
This is the European Capital of Christmas 2024
This treasure is called Brno and it already promises to become one of the most coveted destinations this Christmas. Its historic center shows that tradition and modernity can coexist perfectly in the same environment, and that makes it always full of life and excitement. Beyond the added beauty that this time of year brings, all its corners are worth discovering, as it stands out for having beautiful Christmas decorations and a wide cultural offer.
A Christmas tram runs through the city that travels to the most beautiful spots, offering passengers spectacular views of the streets with lighting created by local artists, as well as incredible light sculptures. A large part of Brno’s appeal is concentrated in Liberty Square: around it are more than 60 stalls selling handicrafts and in the center a gigantic illuminated tree.
There are also other highlights such as the Dominican Square, which offers a much calmer atmosphere and houses one of the largest wooden nativity scenes in Central Europe. The most traditional experience is at the Vegetable Market, where live music between 5pm and 10pm creates a magical and idyllic atmosphere to admire the display of ceramics, local crafts and beautiful Christmas decorations.
Enjoy the tradition of Brno
This beautiful city has an amazing history. The most famous legend is represented by a stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling of the Old Town Hall. It is said that a dragon was ravaging Brno and the locals devised a plan to kill it: they offered it a cow stuffed with quicklime as food. When it ate it, the beast died and revealed its true form, that of a crocodile. Next to the animal you can see a wooden wheel, another of its symbols.
This story is probably more true than the previous one. It is said that a carpenter bet his friends that he could build a wheel in one day. He won and became rich, so they decided that this element represented the Moravian population. Another great icon of Brno is its gastronomy and the courtyard of the Town Hall itself hosts nine of the best culinary companies in the area that offer typical Christmas dishes that go a step beyond the markets.
Accompanied by TurbomoÅ¡t, a drink that mixes hot apple cider with spices and a little alcohol that can be rum or slivovice, you can try the popular TrdelnÃk – a cake covered with sugar and cinnamon – and Bramboráky – potato pancakes. The city of Brno makes it easy for the Christmas spirit to flood the souls of all its visitors, without forgetting that its tradition goes far beyond Christmas and that if you cannot get to know it at this time, you can do so at any other time.
