AGENDA BCN

Fira de Santa Llucia

Dating from 1786, this Christmas fair outside Barcelona Cathedral has 300 stalls selling all manner of seasonal goodies. A nativity scene contest, musical parades and exhibitions and the popular life-size nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume add to the fun.

Kids line up for a go on the giant caga tió, a huge, smiley-faced "log" that drops out presents when beaten with a stick (smaller versions are on sale in the market).

The caga tió is a character in Catalan mythology relating to Christmas tradition and many families keep one in their homes during the festive season. Beginning with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December, children give the tió something to "eat" every day and cover him with a blanket to keep him warm at night. On Christmas day the log is put in the fireplace and children beat it with sticks while singing traditional songs. Much like a Mexican piñanta, the log then drops out sweets, nuts, dried figs and Turrón (a Spanish nougat). When nothing is left, the exhausted caga tió drops a salt herring to indicate it has finished bearing gifts. Strange but true.

When:2 - 23 Dec 2007 (annual)
Where:Barcelona Cathedral
Cost:Free, except for what you buy
Opening Hours:10am-10pm

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