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May 26, 2012
Gävle Goat survives Christmas Eve
Published: 25 Dec 10 10:33 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/31060/20101225/
The Gävle Goat (Gävlebocken) has survived Christmas Eve and is still standing in the town's main square.
- Gävle goat targeted in foiled helicopter heist (17 Dec 10)
- Gävle goat succumbs to flames (23 Dec 09)
This year, a record level of security seems to have paid off and the goat has made it through to Christmas Day, despite many efforts, including an attempt to bribe the security guard to the tune of 50,000 kronor ($7000).
The threat to goat, which stands 13 metres tall is not over yet, as the plan is for it to stand until the 3rd of January when it will be dismantled properly. Even the police know that they cannot rest on their laurels even though the goat has survived this long
"We'll see if it's still standing for New Year" Göran Lyrberg from Gävle police told reporters.
In 2008, the goat survived Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, only to be burnt down on December 27th.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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Swedish word of the day
lång
adjective
Lång means long, tall and can be used for height, distance or time.
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Personally, I think they should make the burning part of the official celebration, perhaps with an unwritten rule "not before Christmas" for example.
Rather than covering it in chemicals designed to suppress fires, they could focus their efforts on making it burn SAFELY.
I like your leadership on this issue -- very well considered. This would save us all much security angst.
The Gavle Julboken is a warm, funny story.
Also, fire retardant was used only in 2006-7, but it darkened the straw and attracted moisture so is no longer used.
WOW...
Every year demented people take pleasure in trying to kill him!
The poor guy never hurt a soul, he is a kind and loving Kusin that is well thought of by his family and friends.
He has worked hard at goat school and served his apprenticeship with honors, to make his lifelong dream come true... and it is a great honor for him to be picked to represent the spirit of Sweden and YES all the Christian world as an honored symbol of Christmas in Gävle and Norrland.
Those that plot to harm him may feel the wrath of the creatures from the heart of the darkest Norrland forests, and it will be swift and harsh.
Sincerely,
Gamla Hälsingebock...LOL
Wait a minute. Tax money is paid locally. The residents of Gävle have voted for their local goverment and in democracy we accept that we are accountable for the decisions of the politicians we elect. If we don't like it we vote them out.
However have you considered how much tax money is saved? The local security staff have more work and more spending power. The "goat" is a tourist attraction and attracts more people into the town to spend money. Petrol companies, bus companies, train service companies do better. But most of all the shops sell more stock. This means they can employ a few more staff. This means less people will be on the dole, less people on social warefare and this saves a lot of "your" tax money.
Ps. Does anyone remember the American that burnt it down? He was sent to prison for 18 days and ordered to pay 100 000 crowns in costs. He sneaked out of Sweden and Sweden has not persued the matter in the US. It is terrible that a criminal can get away with paying a fine just because he made it to the border. I think America should hand him over.
The Goat more than likely brings in more money than is spent on it. You can't always think about money and taxes; sometimes one must think about joy.
Merry Christmas! I'm going to continue to follow the goat story from now on.
Garry Jones, you say an American burnt it down once? He was probably encouraged by his mischief-making Swedish cousins. Smile.