Cure the hang over and kick start the new year with a brisk dip in the Med with swimming club la Palme catalane in Canet en Roussillon at 11.30am
A santon is a small figurine, usually made out of clay and used in nativity scenes.
In some towns and villages, these Nativity scenes come out onto the streets, life-size, to convey the essence of the festivities
A popular and much loved Catalan Christmas figure, this small statue, originally of a pooping peasant wearing traditional floppy red Catalan cap (barretina), crouches with trousers half down, in a ‘toilet’ position, making his small contribution to the land.
These pooey Catalan traditions may shed some light on the popular Catalan saying
“menja bé, caga fort i no tinguis por a la mort!” (Eat well, poo strong and don’t be afraid of death!)
First week in December – Not a good weekend to pop across the border!
Approaching 30 a lady would pray for ‘Un tel qu’il te plaira Seigneur, je m’en contente!” (Send anyone Lord; I’ll take him!).
They might not all be a pulsing whirl of excitement – some are only small gatherings scantily attended – but it’s a great way to support the local producers.
How was the unknown soldier chosen?
Franco allegedly believed dancers were passing on coded messages with their feet!