Here are just a few weird traditions you might come across at Christmas time in Spain.
Caga Tió (“poo log”)
A log painted with a smiley face who is cared for from El Dia de Inmaculada (December 8) until Christmas. On Christmas Day or Christmas Eve (it varies), the children beat the log (and throw him into the fire) singing songs enticing it to give them presents. Also particular to the Catalonia region, who clearly didn’t think that one rude Christmas tradition was enough.
Red Underwear Running
In the village of La Font de la Figuera near Valencia, the local folk celebrate the arrival of a new year by stripping down to their underwear and running through the streets. One important point if you are going to join in next year – the underwear must be red. And it will be cold…
Day of The Innocents
Spain’s version of April Fools Day, only it takes place on December 28. In days gone by, children used to go from door to door asking for sweets, much like our Halloween. Bakers used to put salt in their cakes on this day to wind up the children. Most of this has now given way to more mundane activities like sticking paper cut-outs to peoples backs.
Grape Eating at the Stroke of Midnight
If you’re out in a public place in Spain on New Year’s Eve, you will notice that everyone around you is carrying a handful of grapes. On the stroke of midnight, everyone will gobble them down – one for each gong of the bells. For each grape you get down, you will have a month’s good luck in the coming year.
And if you are tossing up after all this shall we just get a flight out to Spain for Christmas and New Year, just think…
- Deserted Beaches.
- Sunny Days.
- Fresh Fish for Lunch.
- Eating Outside.
- Long Walks.
- Reading that Book.
- Happy and Contented Kids.
- No Relatives.
- No Heating Bills.
- No TV Repeats.
- No Hassle.
- A Real Rest.
Now, isn’t that a nice Christmas wish-list? All you need is to find Santa Claus and ask nicely…I hope you’ve been very, very good…..