We started the day in the best way possible: with a nice cup of hot chocolate and a piece of coca, a typical Catalan sweet bread.
After having breakfast, we all played what is becoming a tradition at ICMAB; a musical bingo. We can safely say that everyone who participated had a real fun! After the bingo, we made the tió shit presents for all.
We did the musical bingo in the ICMAB garden | ICMAB-CSIC
Marcos and Alejandro, masters of the bingo! | ICMAB-CSIC
After the musical bingo, we made the tió shit presents for all | ICMAB-CSIC
At 12 PM it was time for a talk: 'Romanesque Pigments'. The talk, given by Anna Crespi (XRD scientific and technical service) and Daniel Martín (Surfaces group) addressed the physical concept of color, the minerals, and the crystallography that explain the chromatic richness of medieval art.
The activity also offered a journey through the historical and human connections between Soria and Catalonia — from the medieval craftsmen who passed on their knowledge of pigments to the rural exodus of the 1950s and 1960s, when many families from Soria settled in Barcelona and indirectly contributed to the scientific and institutional development of centers such as ICMAB-CSIC.
Overall, this outreach talk aims to reflect on how science, history, and society intertwine within a single narrative and is part of the LAB TOUR project.
Anna Crespi was one of the speakers | ICMAB-CSIC
After this talk, it was time for the traditional singing by the ICMAB choir. We as well used this moment to take our traditional Christmas picture!
ICMAB choir in action | ICMAB-CSIC
It was then time for lunch, and everyone was ready to enjoy a delicious meal! We shared a festive Christmas lunch with a variety of hot (vegetable noodles and canelons, a typical Catalan dish) and cold dishes, including traditional Christmas treats like turró and neules.
As we ended this special celebration, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026! May the holiday season bring joy, relaxation, and inspiration as we continue to work together towards new projects and achievements in the year ahead.
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