Christmas in Catalonia is full of unique traditions that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Among these customs, the Tió de Nadal stands out for its uniqueness and popular roots. Known affectionately as the ‘Caga Tió’, this wooden trunk, decorated with a smiling face and a red hat, becomes the star of Catalan homes during the Christmas holidays.
In Barcelona and the surrounding area, this practice is celebrated with enthusiasm and integrated into a variety of activities for the whole family. From Christmas markets to children’s workshops, the presence of the Tió de Nadal is omnipresent, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic cultural experience.
In this blog we will delve into the history and significance of the Tió de Nadal, exploring its origins and evolution over time; and learn about the various Tió-related activities and events that take place in and around Barcelona during the Christmas season. Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can get to Barcelona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
A very endearing tradition
The Tió de Nadal is a deeply-rooted tradition in Catalonia, whose origins date back to ancient rural celebrations associated with the winter solstice and pre-Christian rituals.
Initially, the Tió was a log that was burnt in the home during the winter festivities, symbolising renewal and purification, as well as a rite of fertility and abundance for the new cycle that was beginning.
Over time, this custom evolved into the current tradition of the ‘Caga Tió’. Weeks before Christmas, Catalan families select the Tió de Nadal in the forest and cover it with a blanket to protect it from the cold.
From the 8th of December, the Day of the Immaculate Conception, the children begin to ‘feed’ the Tió every night with fruit peels, bread and other food, symbolising the care and preparation for Christmas Day.
Legends of the Tió de Nadal
The tradition of the Tió de Nadal, as well as being endearing and fun, is shrouded in various legends that attempt to explain its magical origin and meaning. These stories, passed down from generation to generation, show how a simple tree trunk has become a symbol of generosity and family unity during Christmas in Catalonia.
One of the best-known legends places the birth of the Tió in the Penedès region, specifically in a farmhouse in Sant Quintí de Mediona. The story goes that, one cold winter night, a talking log appeared in the chimney of the house. The log warned the inhabitants that, the next day, a young beggar girl would knock on the door and ask them to take her in. Following the trunk’s instructions, the family offered the girl shelter and, from that moment on, the Tió brought good luck to the house.
Another legend traces the origin of the Tió de Nadal to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The story tells how some humble shepherds went to visit the newborn baby with the intention of bringing him a gift, but, not having anything valuable, they offered their food. On their return home, a magical event occurred. Stopping to rest under a log, they found a plentiful supply of food to help them regain their strength on their return journey.
The very name ‘Tió’ has its roots in the Latin titio, which means ‘blight’ or ‘burning log’, symbolising the fire that warms homes in winter. During the 17th century, the custom of ‘making the Tió shit’ was already popular in many Catalan villages, although its modern form – decorated with a smiling face and covered with a blanket – was consolidated between the 18th and 19th centuries.
Discover the tradition of the Tió de Nadal in Barcelona by travelling to Barcelona with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Caga Tió, on the night of the 24th of December
On the night of the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, the ritual of ‘making the Tió shit’ is carried out. The children, armed with sticks, gently hit the Tió while singing the traditional folk song ‘Caga Tió, avellanes i torrons…’. After the intonation and the blows, the little ones discover with joy that the Tió has ‘shat’ gifts and sweets under the blanket that covers him.
The Tió de Nadal is a symbol of Catalan identity, reflecting the culture’s ability to adapt and preserve ancestral rituals, integrating them into contemporary festivities and keeping alive the connection with the region’s historical and cultural roots.
Experience the Tió de Nadal, in and around Barcelona
Today, the Tió de Nadal is still one of the most beloved traditions in Catalonia, celebrated in both homes and public spaces. Events, fairs and Christmas markets incorporate activities related to the Tió, allowing locals and visitors alike to take part in this unique experience.
Barcelona offers unique and original proposals for children to enjoy the tradition of the Tió de Nadal in magical and surprising settings. One of the most outstanding initiatives is the Tió de Nadal at L’Aquàrium de Barcelona, where children can enjoy a different Christmas experience surrounded by marine life.
Another charming proposal is the Passeig dels Tions in Montjuïc, an initiative that turns the gardens of Montjuïc Park into an authentic stroll full of Christmas magic. Here, the little ones can enjoy looking for and discovering dozens of Tions scattered in different corners of the park.
If you want to get your own Tió to take home, you can buy them at many of the Christmas markets you’ll find in and around Barcelona. You can check out our list of the best Christmas markets in our article ‘Your Christmas guide: from Barcelona Airport to the most popular Christmas markets’.
Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, economic and sustainable, so you can get to Barcelona, from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and AVE Camp de Tarragona train station.
