Pausing & Celebrating: 5 Catalan Traditions that Light Up Our Holiday Season
As the holiday season unfolds, I’m ready for a pause to spend the winter break with my husband and kids. Each year brings its unique challenges and surprises, and this year, instead of our traditional celebration in Barcelona or being accompanied by family in Austin like last Holidays, we will be traveling to the sun-kissed shores of Riviera Maya to visit friends that are welcoming us to their home.
The change in setting isn't stopping us from diving into the festivities; instead, it's a refreshing opportunity to blend relaxation with exploration, proving that holidays aren't just about where you are but with who and how you celebrate. As we take this time to recharge among friends in a vibrant setting, with lots of fun activities and family time, we also look forward to sharing with you the rich tapestry of Catalan traditions that continue to color our festive spirit, wherever we might find ourselves.
Image of a typical Tió de Nadal (Christmas Tió) from the website www.denadal.cat
1. The 'Tió de Nadal' - A Unique Catalan Log Tradition:
Our holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without the 'Tió de Nadal,' a charming Christmas log that 'poops' presents on Christmas Eve. Children care for the Tió during December, covering it with a blanket to keep it warm, and feeding him. And then, on Christmas Eve, they sing traditional songs and tap it gently with sticks, encouraging it to deliver treats and gifts. Actually, according to my american friends, the best one explaining this crazy tradition is Jim Gaffigan, get ready to laugh!
Image of a typical Caganer (Pooping guy) from the website https://web.gencat.cat
2. The Caganer - A Quirky Addition to the Nativity:
Another beloved, albeit unconventional, Catalan tradition is the Caganer, a figurine depicted in the act of defecation hidden within our nativity scenes. This peculiar character, far from being disrespectful, just aims to add humor and earthiness to the holiday narrative.
Image of the classical Escudella Catalana & Carn d’Olla from https://www.catalego.net/post/escudella-nadal
3. Sopa de Galets & Carn d’Olla - A Hearty Christmas Meal:
In Catalonia, Christmas lunch is about gathering around the table for a delicious 'Sopa de Galets & Carn d’Olla.' This rich stew boasts a savory broth filled with galets (large pasta shells), meatballs, sausage, vegetables, and chickpeas, embodying the warmth of family gatherings. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t forget the Turrones! Almond is my favorite.
Image downloaded from Freepik (www.freepik.com)
4. New Year’s Eve Grapes - A Race Against the Clock:
A highlight of our New Year’s celebration is eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each strike of the clock. This tradition, steeped in seeking good fortune, involves a fun, if somewhat frantic, attempt to consume all the grapes for luck in the coming year—often leading to much laughter and some cheek-stuffing moments.
Image downloaded from Freepik (www.freepik.com)
5. The Three Kings Day Parade - A Magical Conclusion:
Our holiday season extends to January 6th with the celebration of the Three Kings Day, or 'Día de Reyes.' The previous evening features a spectacular parade where the Wise Men arrive, tossing sweets to children, symbolizing the gifts brought to the infant Jesus. It's a magical ending to our festive season, full of light, joy, and community spirit, that ends with more gifts under the tree in the morning.
While this year’s celebrations might be miles away from home, the essence of our traditions travels with us, enriching our holiday experience with a blend of Catalan heritage and the new memories we will make in Mexico. As we share these traditions, I invite you to reflect on your own festive customs and appreciate them.
Happy holidays to everyone, and here's to a new year filled with peace, happiness, and cherished traditions! Follow me on Instagram @martafores_coach for a glimpse into how we keep our traditions alive in the coming days, wherever we are.
And as a gift, not from your Majesties the Magic Kings, but from me, the Blog will be back with amazing new content on January 6th. Subscribe below and you’ll be the first to know when the new posts arrive!
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on this post, feel free to contact me at coach@martafores.com.
