The Gavle Goat is in place again, continuing a tradition in the Swedish town of erecting a huge straw goat in a city square. Local residents are now holding their breath to see if another tradition continues: Burning the goat.
Over the decades since the first goat was erected in 1966, it’s only survived to Christmas 20 times. At 13 meters high, anything that happens to it is going to be pretty spectacular, and even spraying it in anti-flammable liquid hasn’t helped. A gap from 2016 to 2021 set a record for the goat’s survival.
Aside from fire—once set by an American tourist who had been told it was legal and traditional to do so—it’s also fallen prey to a ramming attack by a customized Volvo and an attempt to steal it using a helicopter. Perhaps the most bizarre moment came in 2023 when wet weather resulted in a larger than usual amount of grain left in the straw, resulting in an attack by a flock of large birds who tore it apart to eat the grain.
Watch this space: TravelGumbo is waiting to learn what happens this year…
