Can you imagine feeding a log instead of leaving cookies out for Santa Claus… and then making it “poop” presents by hitting it with a stick? Welcome to Christmas in Catalonia and to one of the most unique Catalan Christmas traditions: ‘El Caga Tió’.

This mix of humor and magic is one of the most anticipated moments of December in Catalonia, not far behind the Christmas Lottery.

What is the Caga Tió?

The beloved Caga Tió is a wooden log with a happy face, a blanket to keep warm, and a typical Catalan hat. Despite the name (which literally means “pooping log”), this tradition is full of warmth, humor and Christmas magic, and has been around for centuries.

It began with old rural customs, when people celebrated nature and fertility. The log symbolised abundance and prosperity in winter time. Over time, it evolved into the fun little Christmas character we know today, especially loved in places like Barcelona, where you’ll see it in every street and home in the city.

Writing Letters to Santa? You Mean Feeding the Caga Tió!

From early December, the Caga Tió magically shows up in Catalan homes, and from then on, it’s treated like part of the family. Children will make sure to “feed” it daily (usually tangerine peels or stale bread) and keep it warm under a blanket.

After nearly a month of taking care of the ‘tió’ (and making sure it gets fat so it can bear multiple Christmas presents), the big moment comes on Christmas Eve. Children sing a special song and hit the log with a stick, hoping it will “poop” out presents, which are revealed once the blanket is lifted. Pure Christmas magic!

One Must Sing to Make the Caga Tió Poop, Of Course!

One of the most fun parts of the Caga Tió is the traditional song. Check out the lyrics below and the video to learn more about the story behind this quirky character!

Catalan lyrics:

Caga tió,
Ametlles i torró,
No caguis arengades,
Que són massa salades,
Caga torrons,
Que són més bons!

English translation:

Poop, Mr. Pooping log!
Poop almonds and nougat,
Don’t poop herrings,
They’re too salty,
Poop nougats,
They’re much better!

Live Catalan Culture While Studying Spanish at C2 Barcelona

Are you learning Spanish this winter? At C2 Barcelona, you don’t just learn the language—you also experience Spanish and Catalan culture!

Sign up to one of our Spanish courses and enjoy the holidays like a local.