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Fira de Santa Llucia

Dating from 1786, the Fira de Santa Llucia is a Christmas fair held every December outside Barcelona Cathedral. Around 300 market stalls sell seasonal goodies, while nativity scenes, musical parades and exhibitions add to the fun.

Another activity at the Fira de Santa Llucia is the giant caga tió, a huge, smiley-faced "log" that drops out presents when kids beat it with a stick.

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 (small versions are on sale at the Fira de Santa Llucia's market). 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: 29 Nov - 23 Dec 2008 (annual)
Where: Barcelona Cathedral

Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm