The Tió, Christmas Trunk or Tió de Nadal is a Christmas tradition typical of Catalonia and other Spanish regions. It is a wooden trunk that appears in homes a few days before Christmas and on Christmas Eve you must "make the tió poop".
The celebration is a tradition filled with much symbolism. Originally, the trunk was burned and the ashes were used as a protective element. This action represented the light and energy necessary to eliminate bad influences at home. In addition, it was considered a symbol of abundance, union and family protection.
The tió is the central element of the tradition, a piece of thick and dry log, ready to be decorated, fed and burned, according to the original tradition. The most traditional families will visit the local fairs and markets following the route of the picturesque towns in Cerdanya region such as Alp, Bellver de Cerdanya or Bolvir. In Puigcerdà you can buy it at @ginesta_decoracio. On your tour of the markets you can select the face of the Caga Tió that causes you the most emotion.
But the adventurers will find their Tió as the locals did in ancient times, walking through the forest. Cerdanya is a natural emporium that offers a wide range of possibilities to find the ideal tió for Christmas. Get ready for magical tours, where you will embark on an adventure for the whole family that the little ones will enjoy a lot. For example, walking to the Malniu lake from Guils de Cerdanya, or following the paths of the Sant Guillem Park, in Llívia. If you prefer something more intense, hike up to the Puigpedrós, one of the highest peaks in the region, where your chances of success are multiplied, together with the enjoyment of an unparalleled landscape.
Finding the tió is only part of the excitement of the tradition. In general, a week before Christmas, the tió will appear at home, either in the middle of the children's room or in the hallway that leads to the kitchen. The trunk can be decorated with eyes and a smiling mouth to give a warm and human touch to the celebration. You will also need a blanket to cover and protect it from the cold season.
The most important and careful step is to start fattening it to make it poop. For this, the little ones in the house will feed him all the leftovers from family meals. The more food he receives, the greater the number of gifts he will give to thank for the care. This diet and strict vigilance will last until December 24.
Children play a very important role in this tradition. With their songs they seek to stimulate the tió's digestion to make him poop on Christmas night. When the time comes, the little ones organize themselves in turn or together to hit the tió with a wooden stick.
"Caga tió, Christmas tió, don´t poop salty herrings, poop good nougat…”
While they hit the tió with their sticks, the little ones sing the Caga Tió song. With each hit the emotion increases in the environment. Children will find the gifts hidden under the blanket, until they run out or some unpleasant object appears for them, such as a piece of coal.
Celebrate the Tió at La Cerdanya
Cerdanya treasures unique natural spaces, full of great beauty, and an ancestral tradition, which marks the heart of Christmas celebrations: the Caga Tió. The magic of the Pyrenees at Christmas has become the main incentive to buy a vacation home in the region. If you already have your holiday home, come and enjoy with your family incomparable moments in this unique region. If you are still thinking about the best time to acquire it, at Engel & Völkers Cerdanya we help you take the best decisions.
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