The Christmas traditions in Destination Canigó
The “Live Pessebres” (live nativity scenes in Catalan) are a veritable institution in local traditions.
In Catalonia , it is during the 14th century that we find traces of the existence of these theatrical representations of the Nativity featuring actors, singers and animals in a fervor preserved to this day.
The association l'Estudiantine Illoise , formerly pastorale d'Ille sur Têt created in 1925 , is the only one to still perpetuate the tradition of the living Pessebres, which is very popular in northern Catalonia.
Also, during the Christmas period , the Estudiantine travels throughout the Pyrénées-Orientales department for a series of much-anticipated performances.
Celebration, joy and sharing are on the program!
But for more magic, another popular Catalan tradition , humorous and delicious, is favoured by children (and parents)! : the Tió de Nadal or Caga tió.
This little character's story is based on the logs that were placed in the fireplace to warm the house as Christmas approached. Doesn't it remind you of the traditional French Yule log?
Today, we draw a nose, eyes and a smiling mouth on him , not forgetting the famous baratina (small red Catalan beret) which we place on his head and a blanket on his back so that he doesn't catch a cold!
After feeding and caring for him from December 8th onwards, it's time to make the Caga tió defecate ("caguer") ! Indeed, on Christmas Eve, the children will chant the Tió de Nadal rhyme while hitting him with sticks so that he will release the treats hidden in his stomach!
The log is then burned in the fireplace.
One of the many versions for the nursery rhyme “Tió de Nadal”:
Caga tio,
Que et dare a cop of bastó;
Si no cagues torró fi
No sleep amb mi.
Caga tio,
Avellanes i strands,
No caguis arengades
Que són massa salads.
Caga turrón
That its mas good!
Translation
Do poo log!
'Cause I'll kick you.
If you don't shit nougat,
Do poo log!
Hazelnuts and nougats,
Don't shit herrings,
Because they are too salty,
poop nougat,
Because they are better!
