In Aerobús we know that there is very little left for Christmas holidays, that’s why we tell you some of the most typical Christmas traditions of Catalonia. As in other autonomous communities, many of the Christmas traditions are aimed at children and children in the house, with which their Christmas becomes much more special and exciting.
These are dates to give a lot of magic and enthusiasm to the smallest of the house and, therefore, it is customary to enjoy the ‘Caga Tió’ or the Uncle of Nadal at this time. It is a mythological being with a friendly and cheerful appearance that reaches all Catalan homes a few days before receiving Christmas. We speak of a wooden trunk that is decorated with two front legs and a smiling face. In its decoration is essential the barretina (a traditional Catalan hat) and the blanket that is placed on it so that it does not catch cold.
Remember that, if you want to know the city of Barcelona during Christmas, you can start your holiday in the best way with our shuttle bus that leaves you in the key points of the city: Pl. Spain, Gran Via-Urgell, Pl. Universidad . You can purchase the ticket online both round trip, to save you queues and to have your trip as planned as possible.
What does tradition say?
According to tradition, the powers of ‘Cagá ó’ were granted the night Jesus was born, when several pastors found themselves without any present to offer the child and offered him food, leaving them with nothing. On their way home they stopped to rest, made a fire and from all the burning logs all kinds of food came out. Hence the magic of ‘Caga Tió’ today.
It is the children who must take care of their food in the days before Christmas. It can vary between nuts, water or fresh fruits that subsequently mysteriously disappear when children are not. Sometimes the smallest of the house feed it based on the leftover of their own dishes, making mealtime much more exciting.
Song of “Caga Tió”
There are many songs around this tradition and as many variants as families that follow it, but the more and better the children of the ‘Cagá Tió’ care, the more generous Christmas day will be with gifts. The children approach the ‘Cagá Tió’ while singing a song that says:
“Caga Tió, caga torró, i si no cagues, et donaré un cop de bastó”
[Caga Tió, caga turrón, y si no cagas, te daré un golpe de bastón]
This song ends with a blow of the cane on it, being the perfect time for parents to entertain their children and place small gifts under the blanket. The gifts vary between sweets, nougat or waffles, although over the years they have been incorporating other types of presents that move away from tradition.
How found it?
Normally, the “Cagá Tió” is located in the dining room of the house and we can find, in some villages, houses in which the Tió is a large trunk that stays in the fire a few days before Christmas.
In any case, Tió always has the same goal: to bring gifts, which over time has been changing from candy or nougat, to the present day that toys and everything that children ask for in these parties are seen. The magical anticipation of the arrival of the “Reyes Magos”.
Remember that Christmas is an ideal time to travel and discover charming new cityes. Although we always recommend Barcelona as a visitor ccity, it is also a perfect time to get to know cities with Christmas : during Christmas we can enjoy street markets, lights and decorated cities that add to the winter full of magic.
Live in the first person the most Catalan mythological Christmas tradition with the little ones of the house and end the year with the most incredible experiences. We will wait for you!
