Authorities in Gavle had tried to fireproof the goatA giant straw goat erected each Christmas in a northern Swedish town has been burned down - yet again.
The 13m-high (43ft) animal in Gavle has been torched 23 times since it was first erected in 1966. It has also been hit by a car and had its legs cut off.
The vandals are rarely caught, though in 2001 a 51-year-old American tourist spent 18 days in jail after being convicted of setting it alight.
In 2007, the goat managed to make it through the festive season unscathed.
Goat committee spokeswoman Anna Ostman said this year's unlucky creature was set on fire early on Saturday morning.
The 7m-long (23ft), three tonne goat was originally designed to attract tourists to Gavle, which is 106 miles (170km) north of the Swedish capital.
But in its first year it was burned down on New Year's Eve and since then has been attacked regularly.
In 2005, it was torched by two arsonists dressed as Father Christmas and the Gingerbread Man.
Authorities in Gavle have tried to protect the goat using fireproofing chemicals, security guards and a web camera.
But just 10 of the goats, which are built in the town's central square, have survived beyond Christmas since 1966.
Goats have a special place in Swedish tradition. According to folklore, they delivered festive gifts before Father Christmas took over.
So it would seem that Goats are very important. They snore but they also give out festive gifts.
I almost feel cool to be called a Goat.
God forbid I ever go to Sweden though, or I'll be burned to death or smashed to pieces by vandals or a car.
Amazing!
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