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The Barcelona council is expecting another busy Christmas period as markets all around the city offer deals and discounts to attract visitors.

Lotteries and raffles for cruises, cars, hampers and electrical goods are also held.

According to Jordi Torrades of the Municipal Institute of Barcelona, sales during the festive period are estimated to be between 30% and 50% higher than usual.

The week before Christmas is the busiest, with sales almost double the average level, and Mr Torrades said this year is expected to be no different.

It is estimated that every year in Barcelona an average of €1,500 (£1,070) is spent per person on fresh foods, with shellfish and meat generally among the most popular items.

Markets such as the Boqueria and Sants have ensured that the Christmas shopping season gets off to a good start, as they were both packed with visitors over the first weekend of the period.

Barcelona celebrates a festive period that runs until 6 January, when a parade is held which heralds the arrival of the Three Kings.

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