Tió de Nadal
The Catalan log that is looked after during Advent and which, at Christmas, ‘gives’ sweets and presents when beaten with a stick.
- When
- From early December until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
- Where
- Catalonia
The Tió de Nadal is a log with a painted face, a red barretina and a blanket so that it doesn't get cold. In the weeks before Christmas, the children of the house feed it every day so that it stays well fed.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day the big moment arrives: the children hit the log with sticks while singing the traditional Tió songs, and when the blanket is lifted, sweets, turrón and small presents appear. Many villages also set up a giant Tió in the square.