Christmas
Unusual Spanish & Catalan Christmas Traditions
From Christmas Log to The Three Kings: Unique Christmas Customs in Spain & Barcelona
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As we step into the most colorful moments of the year despite winter’s chill, I wanted to compile a piece about the surprising traditions we’ve encountered in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, where we’ve lived for the past two years, and from across Spain.
Does Santa Bring the Gifts? Think Again…
Caga Tió (Tió de Nadal) 🪵
In Catalonia, the way gifts are delivered involves a rather unique tradition. Meet Caga Tió, a cheerful wooden log with a painted face. As you can see in the first photo, it’s wrapped in a cozy blanket to keep it warm, and starting from December 8 until Christmas Eve, children “feed” it daily.
When the big day arrives, the kids sing a special song and, believe it or not, hit the log with sticks. The result? The log “poops” out the gifts! Yes, there’s no more polite way to describe this quirky custom 😊
The name says it all: Tió means “log” in Catalan, and as for Caga… Let’s just say its meaning is rather self-explanatory, even phonetically. Its full Catalan name, Tió de Nadal, translates to “Christmas Log,” offering a more refined take on this festive icon.
Christmas Markets Full of Caga Tiós
In nearly every Christmas market, you’ll spot these adorable logs in all shapes and sizes, adorned with smiling faces and bright red hats. They’ve become a charming hallmark of the season in Catalonia.
These logs have turned into a delightful symbol of the holiday season in Catalonia.
Fun Fact: Interestingly, in the past, once the Caga Tió had done its job of delivering gifts, it would be burned in the fireplace to offer warmth and light during the cold winter nights.
I’ve added a video of the traditional Caga Tió song below, and it even includes some English lyrics.
PS: The word turrón mentioned in the song refers to Spain’s traditional almond nougat, which comes in many varieties. If you ever visit Barcelona, be sure to try one of the best at Vicens.
In the photo below, you’ll see a Caga Tió in its natural setting. Without its blanket, though, it might be feeling a little chilly 😊
Three Wise Men (Tres Reyes Magos) 👑
While Santa Claus is often the first figure that comes to mind when it comes to Christmas, things are a bit different in Spain. On January 6th, known as the Día de los Reyes Magos, children believe that these kings bring their gifts, and it is also a public holiday across Spain.
This legend, known in English as the Three Wise Men, originates from Christian belief. In short, when these three wise men saw the holy Star of Bethlehem, they understood that Jesus was born and came to worship him, bringing various gifts from different countries.
Every year on the evening of January 5th, there is Three Kings Parade in Barcelona, resulting in very colorful and entertaining scenes. At the end of the parade, candy is distributed from trucks.
If you’re curious, you can watch the related reel I’ve shared .
Belen (Nativity Scene) 👼🏻
Long before Christmas trees became popular in Spain, the focus was on displays Nativity Scenes, known as Belen in Spanish.
Especially during Christmas time, these representations can be found in many different churches, shops, and even some squares across various cities in Spain. Devout individuals still continue this tradition in their homes.
Caganer 💩
If you think the surprises in Catalonia end with Caga Tió, you’re mistaken!
Imagine strolling through the streets of Barcelona when suddenly you come across a figure like the one in the photo below!
Your immediate reaction would be: “What did I just see?”
The Caganer, a quirky figure found in shops all over Barcelona, comes in countless variations. From celebrities and world leaders to football stars, there’s a Caganer for almost everyone. In fact, if you wish, you can even have one custom-made! Whether this makes for a good gift is, of course, up for debate.
What Does the Caganer Represent?
Feces represents fertilizer for farmers and peasants; therefore, the Caganer is believed to symbolize fertility and good luck.
In a theological context, the Caganer serves as a reminder of the Christian belief in the Incarnation, emphasizing that God took human form and shared in the universal human experience.
It’s also common to include the Caganer in Nativity Scenes (Belen) for good luck. According to one legend, farmers who fail to include a Caganer in their Nativity setup might face a poor harvest year!
For some, the Caganer, often depicted in traditional Catalan attire, is a proud symbol of Catalan culture. Others, however, question its place in religious displays, seeing it as inappropriate for sacred settings.
If you’d like to take a piece of this tradition home, you can even find Caganer Christmas tree ornaments at Käthe Wohlfahrt, a specialty Christmas store.
Roscon — The King’s Cake 🍩
The Roscon is a festive treat that, while it may resemble a giant donut, is truly unique in flavor and tradition. Found in various forms across countries like France and Portugal, what sets the Spanish Roscon apart is the surprise hidden inside: A tiny figurine of a king.
When enjoying a Roscon, the lucky person who finds the king figurine in their slice becomes the king of the day, earning the right to wear the crown that comes with the cake.
But there’s a twist! Inside the Roscon is also a bean, and if you’re the one to discover it, luck isn’t on your side — you’re responsible for paying for the cake!
Last year in Barcelona, we decided to buy a single slice of Roscon from the popular 365 Café, knowing a whole cake would be too much for us. My husband, unaware of the hidden surprise, was startled when his teeth hit the king figurine mid-bite! Since it was just a small piece, it didn’t occur to me to warn him about it.
You can see the little figure in the photo below. 😊
12 Grapes 🍇
If your New Year’s wishes are ready, get ready to eat 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight on December 31st! For every grape you eat during the countdown, make a wish for the upcoming year.
Why 12 grapes, you ask? They symbolize the 12 months of the year, and it’s believed that eating them brings good luck for each corresponding month.
Given the high demand for grapes at this time of year, Spanish markets even stock canned grapes to ensure everyone can participate in the tradition — even if fresh grapes aren’t available.
Although there are many different theories about this tradition, one of the oldest dates back to 1909. That year, when there was an exceptionally good grape harvest in Alicante, a major campaign was launched during the Christmas season to promote the consumption of packages containing 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, since it was said that eating this fruit would bring positivity and good luck, it gradually began to symbolize good fortune at the start of the new year.
This charming ritual has also been humorously portrayed in Spanish pop culture. In one of the popular TV show Aquí No Hay Quien Viva, a neighbor takes advantage of a grape shortage to sell theirs at exorbitant prices — proving that even traditions can have their quirky twists!
Whether you’re savoring fresh or canned grapes, this delightful tradition is a fun way to embrace Spanish culture while ushering in the New Year with hope and good fortune.
Don’t forget to chew quickly — 12 seconds fly by fast! 😊
Flor de Pascua 🏵️
The plant known as Poinsettia is a staple in Spain during New Year’s celebrations. It is sold in many markets during Christmas time.
Considering that “Pascua” means “Easter”, Flor de Pascua translates to “Easter flower.” However, in Castellano, which is the Spanish spoken in Spain, this word also serves as a general term for religious holidays.
While “Merry Christmas” is commonly expressed in Spanish as “Feliz Navidad” today, the phrase “Felices Pascuas” was also quite popular in the past.
You can also see many of these traditions in the fun where Morgan, an American living in Madrid, answers the question: “Are you ready for Christmas in Spain?”
What’s the Christmas tradition that interests you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments 💬
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