At this time of year, the windows of the cake shops in Barcelona and around Catalonia offer dazzling displays of works of art: Mones de Pasqua.

The mones are one of the most deeply rooted Catalan traditions. Godparents from all over Catalonia give these delicious sweet treats to their godchildren on Easter Monday.

Most of the Mones are decorated with real-life and fictitious characters and are true works of the chocolatier’s art. They are placed on a sponge base coated in chocolate or butter-cream icing covered with sliced almonds.

At Barcelona Shopping City we’d like to let you know about some of the cake shops where you can see these original, mouthwatering cakes on display. Pastisseries Mauri (102, Rbla. de Catalunya and 103, Rbla.de Catalunya) is a Barcelona classic renowned for its professionalism and quality.  Founded nearly 150 years ago, La Colmena (12, Pl de l´Àngel) makes typical Catalan cakes and pastries using time-honoured methods, as well as chocolates. Founded over 30 years ago, the wonderful chocolate shop Chocofiro (81, Av. Gaudí) produces hand-made chocolates and sells them beautifully gift-wrapped. One of the latest additions is the boutique and chocolate makers Be Chocolate by Michael Clément Barcelona. Its products are handmade daily in front of its customers making a visit a fun experience for lovers of fine chocolate.

Don’t forget to buy your special treat. Happy Easter!