Yesterday in between my Spanish class and the UN Human Rights celebration at the school I took a train into the city in search of a Christmas Market. The one I found was in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, near the Roman Ruins. Actually there is a picture of the plaza in the pictures of La Merce. It's the one with the big tv screens...that's the plaza. It's the Feria de Santa Lucia. It's the main market here in Barcelona. I didn't take pictures because it was raining, gray and wet. Most of the tables set up had green and/or clear plastic tarps on it. Not photogenic.
I was a woman on a mission though. These markets sell something that is a uniquely Catalan tradition. Here is the thing, Catalan's have some different Christmas traditions. And brace yourselves, it's out there.
First there is a Caganer, which translates to the pooper. I think. Anyway, it's a little figure that the Catalan's put in their nativity scene who is squatting and as one blog put it rather politely, is "doing his business." The figure has been banned in the cities nativity scene but he graces many private ones.
And instead of a Christmas tree they have a Caga Tio. This is a log that is hollowed out and has a face on it. Each night before bed starting on Dec 8th, the Immaculate Conception,the kids feed it and cover it with a blanket to keep it warm. Then on Christmas Eve or Day depending on the family they knock it with a stick and sing a song, that yes involves pooping, to get their treats. "Caga tió, hazelnuts and turrones, don't caca herring, which are too salty, caca turrones which are are more tasty. "It doesn't bring large presents. Those are brought by the Three Kings on January 6th.
I was looking for some pictures to post since I don't have any. This site has 8 pictures of Christmas in Barcelona and bonuses...they were taken by Chris Hupp...Jessica's teacher. :D
:D All of a sudden, coal in your stocking doesn't seem so bad.
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