Madrid has banned the sale of tinsel wigs, costumes and other joke-shop items from its main Christmas market in a bid to limit the offerings to traditional items.

The decision aims to restore the `Christmas spirit` to the market, held every year for over a century at the central Plaza Mayor square, the online edition of daily newspaper El Pais reported, citing city officials.

It was taken in June but only made public on Friday, it added.

Under the new rules, the 84 stalls which will be set up in the square later this month will only be allowed to sell lights, trees, decorations, and figurines and other items needed to make a traditional nativity scene.

Vendors wishing to sell novelty items will be allowed to do so at 20 stalls which will be set up at the nearby Santa Cruz square.

The sale of costumes at the market has grown in popularity in recent years, with many of the hundreds of people who flock to it in the days before Christmas wearing their freshly bought wigs and masks, creating a carnival-like atmosphere in the square.

The sale of the joke-shop items is tied to Spain`s Fools` Day, El Dia de los Santos Inocentes, on December 28, three days after Christmas Day.

Some vendors have asked city officials for permission to sell hats and party novelties in the Plaza Mayor square at least from December 22 until the market closes on the last day of the year, El Pais said.