Gävle Goat
Gävleborgs län
The Gävle Goat is a large traditional Christmas decoration made of straw, erected annually in Gävle, Sweden, since 1966. Standing around 12 meters tall and weighing approximately 3 tons, it is constructed on a wooden frame covered with woven straw mats. The goat is placed in the city center to mark the start of the Christmas season and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Despite being a symbol of holiday cheer, the Gävle Goat is notorious for being frequently targeted by arsonists, with over 30 recorded burnings since its inception. Various measures, including surveillance and fire-retardant treatments, have been attempted to protect it. The tradition is maintained by the Gävle municipality and local organizations, and the goat is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest straw goat. The goat’s annual presence and its dramatic history of attacks have made it a unique and internationally known cultural landmark, symbolizing both festive spirit and local resilience.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Gävle Goat is from late November through the Christmas season, starting with its inauguration on the first Sunday of Advent. Visitors can watch the goat live via online streaming if they cannot be on-site. Due to the frequent risk of vandalism and arson, it is recommended to check the current status before visiting. Tickets are not required as it is a public installation, but planning accommodations in advance during the busy holiday season is advisable. Various local events coincide with the goat's presence, such as Christmas markets and cultural programs, enhancing the festive experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Gävle Goat has been burned down over 30 times since 1966, making its destruction almost as famous as the goat itself.
- •It holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest straw goat.
- •Legal rulings have classified the burning of the goat as gross vandalism, punishable by up to three months in prison.
- •There have been proposals to legally burn the goat as part of a controlled event, but these have been rejected to avoid encouraging arson.
- •The goat is constructed from about 20 cubic meters of straw, one kilometer of wood, and thousands of nails and screws.
History
The tradition of erecting the Gävle Goat began in 1966 as a way to attract visitors to Gävle during the Christmas season.
Initially built by the local fire brigade, the goat quickly became a popular symbol but was repeatedly set on fire, leading to legal actions against perpetrators.
Over the decades, the responsibility for building the goat shifted between local merchants and school organizations.
Despite numerous attempts to prevent its destruction, the goat has been burned or vandalized many times, making its survival each year a notable event.
The goat holds a place in the Guinness World Records as the largest straw goat, and its story has become intertwined with Gävle's cultural identity and holiday celebrations.
Place Guide
The Gävle Goat Structure1966
A massive wooden frame covered with woven straw mats, standing approximately 12 meters tall and weighing around 3 tons. The goat is a striking visual icon of Christmas in Gävle and the largest straw goat in the world.
Live Streaming and Surveillance
Since the goat is frequently targeted by arsonists, live video streaming and surveillance measures are in place to monitor and protect it during the Christmas season.
Christmas Festivities Around the Goat
The goat's inauguration marks the official start of Christmas in Gävle, accompanied by stage programs, concerts, markets, and cultural events in the city center.
Contact
Phone: 026-17 71 17
