FAQ - Common Questions About the Gävle Goat

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Gävle Goat – the iconic Christmas symbol of Gävle. Whether you’re curious about what the goat is made of, fun facts, or want to know when and where the inauguration takes place, we’ve gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions.

About the Gävle Goat Inauguration

What is the accessibility like during the inauguration?

We want the inauguration to be accessible to everyone. There is a ramp for people with disabilities, located next to the mixing desk.

I can't make it to Stortorget, can I watch the inauguration in another way?

This year, we are focusing on inviting Gävle residents and visitors to Stortorget to experience the inauguration live. At the same time, we have chosen not to broadcast the Gävle Goat inauguration via the web, as we have done in previous years. This means that only those present at Stortorget in Gävle will be able to take part in the Gävle Goat inauguration in 2024.

Traffic diversion on December 1

- X-trafik will divert bus traffic from 12:00 PM on Sunday, December 1. See information about temporary bus stops on X-trafik’s website: Traffic Information - X-trafik (xtrafik.se)

- Nygatan by Slottstorget will be closed for traffic and parking.

- Kungsgatan and Rådmansgatan will be closed in both directions, southbound and northbound, from 12:00 PM on Sunday, December 1.

- Visitors to the inauguration are advised to take the bus, walk, or cycle.

- X-trafik will run the "Santa Bus" between 11 AM and 7 PM. For more information, check X-trafik's communication channels.

About the bag ban and security

How do you handle the bag ban at the inauguration?: We will have a fenced-off area of approximately 20 x 20 meters in front of the stage. Two security guards will be present to ensure that those within the fenced area adhere to the bag ban.

About the location

Where will the Gävle Goat stand this year?: This year (2024), the goat will once again stand in its temporary location at Rådhusesplanaden.
Why has the Gävle Goat moved?: This is because Gävle Municipality has been constructing a new cultural center at Slottstorget, where the Gävle Goat usually stands, for several years.

About straw and birds

Does the straw harvest look more promising than last year?: Yes, the straw harvest looks good this year!
What other potential measures do you have to prevent the birds from eating the goat?: Given that the straw looks good this year with long stems, good quality, and no seeds (as far as we know), we hope that any bird visits won't cause as much damage this year.
Already last year, bird experts stated in the media that the jackdaws would likely return. Have you consulted bird experts in preparation for the upcoming season?: We know the straw is of better quality this year. If the jackdaws return, we will monitor the situation and address it accordingly.

About the Gävle Goat

What is it made of?: The Gävle Goat is made of a wooden frame, straw, and ropes. Everything is built by hand, making it a true craft. Before the inauguration, it is decorated with red ribbons, trimming of the body and beard, and lights in the horns.
Where does the straw come from?: The straw comes from a farmer with fields just outside of Enköping.
How is the goat built?: The goat's frame is reused from year to year. Each year, we bind new straw mats that are attached to the frame.
Who builds the Gävle Goat?: It is a great team of goat builders from Gävle Municipality, some of whom have worked on the goat for many years.
How is it done to bind straw mats?: It's a true craft! The goat builders tie all the straw mats by hand. First, they create rolls of straw, then the rolls are tied together to form a straw mat that is five meters long and 80 centimeters wide.
How many straw mats are needed?: A total of about 60 straw mats are needed. The work to bind the straw mats takes about 6 weeks.
How many people work on building the goat?: A total of ten people contribute to building the goat.
How long will the Gävle Goat stay?: The Gävle Goat stands from the first Sunday of Advent and is taken down on the first weekday after New Year's.
What happens to the straw when the goat is taken down?: It is turned into heat and energy for the people of Gävle.
Where will it stand this year?: This year, the goat will once again stand in its temporary location at Rådhusesplanaden.
Why has the Gävle Goat moved?: This is because Gävle Municipality is constructing a new cultural center at Slottstorget, where the Gävle Goat usually stands.
How famous is the goat?: The Gävle Goat is world-famous. Its webcam is followed by about 100,000 visitors in 120 countries.