The Tió Christmas log
Location and contact
To find out more
One of the most deeply rooted traditions in Andorra is the Tió de Nadal, or Christmas Log. It's a rural tradition related to the winter solstice, fertility and nature. A log of wood, or “tió” in Catalan, symbolises all these elements.
This curious tradition begins every year around the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (8th December), when families select a log, which is covered with a blanket in a corner of the home. Children feed him a little every day, until he gets full and "defecates" gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Children sing a carol out of sight of the Tió log, and when the time is right, they’re called and start to sing the traditional “Caga Tió...” song while they beat the log with a stick and then lift the blanket. When the coal appears, the ceremony is over.
This tradition is also held in some parishes which install a giant Tió log in the town square so everyone who wants to can enjoy it. This year you can take part in Ordino, Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria.
In Andorra, you can discover the true Tió de Nadal and its history within the Ordino Enchanted Forest. A space designed around and inspired by the figure of the Tió with enchanted trees, magical creatures and many more surprises.
