Nativity scene at the top of the Taga
Since 1961, the Unió Excursionista de Sant Joan has been climbing the nativity scene at the Taga. Sympathetic members of the organization and villagers participate in the enthronement of the nativity scene at the top of the 2,040-meter mountain, which is carried out by a different person each year. The nativity scene is collected during the month of February.
Christmas market
The Christmas Market organized by the town council of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, the town council of Ogassa and the Union of Shopkeepers fills the main streets of the center of Sant Joan with stalls of artisanal and Christmas products. You can find nativity scenes, figurines, fir trees, accessories, decoration products, food products... In addition to the stalls there are also different activities, such as children's workshops, lantern making, nougat making... And, to warm up, in the evening there is a popular chocolate party.
As part of the Christmas Market, the Toy Market is also held, which brings together stalls specializing in games and toys and the toy exchange table, a space where children can take unused toys and exchange them for others . This initiative is possible thanks to the collaboration between the CEA Alt Ter and the AMPA of the Sant Joan de les Abadesses School Institute, in addition to the organizers of the market. The toys left on the counter are given to children from low-income families.
Gathering of Santa Lucia
It is celebrated on the Sunday in December closest to the day dedicated to this saint at the hermitage of Santa Llúcia de Puigmal. Several sardana auditions are held there and a solemn mass is held. In some editions, trips are organized on foot or by mountain bike from the town to the hermitage.
Juvenalia
The Esplai Somnis Group organizes the annual Jovenàlia Christmas Children's Park which takes place at the Municipal Sports Hall of Sant Joan de les Abadesses.
In the sports complex, children participating in Jovenàlia can find everything from bouncy castles, to a toy library with a psychomotor circuit for the little ones, through giant games and multiple make-up workshops, Christmas rings and stars, and drawing and painting , others. Access is free and the activities are designed for children and teenagers up to 14 years old.
Royal Page
As is traditional, year after year, the Royal Page of Their Majesties the Kings of the East visits Sant Joan de les Abadesses. El Patge arrives in town with a parade that ends at the Palace of the Abbey, where he collects all the letters from the boys and girls. This is followed by a children's entertainment show.
New Year's Eve
On the night of December 31, we share a toast and good intentions at the Great New Year's Fair organized by the Sant Joan de les Abadesses Festivities Committee at the Municipal Sports Hall.
