Caganers: The Quirky Catalan Tradition of Figurines ‘Doing Their Business’
A centuries-old Catalan Yuletide tradition has once again thrust Donald Trump into the spotlight – in figurine form, pants down and defecating. This intriguing custom involves “caganers,” clay figurines depicting various figures engaging in the very act that takes the tradition’s name.
Originally conceived as hidden shepherds within nativity scenes, caganers have evolved. Now they encompass a wider cast, reflecting world leaders and celebrities who have captured headlines throughout the year.
Dating back to the 18th century, caganers were meticulously crafted and placed in nativity scenes. Their presence was believed to symbolize good luck and ensure abundant harvests.
The word “caganer” itself is quite a literal translation from Catalan, meaning “the fertilizer,” and its symbolism is rooted in the ancient agricultural practices. It was thought that a caganer’s “deposit” enriched the soil and promised a bountiful harvest.
From Humble Shepherd to Global Icons
While the original caganer was a humble peasant, modern incarnations have embraced a wider, often satirical appeal. In keeping with the tradition, new figures are created each year. For instance, alongside Donald Trump’s return, 2023 caganers feature French President Emmanuel Macron, dealing with a government crisis, and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei, and new Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham are also immortalized in caganer form.
Sergi Alos, CEO of online caganer retailer Caganer.com, notes that sales often mirror the political landscape. “Trump has been massive, overwhelming, just like in the elections,” Alos reveals. “Sales of US Presidential candidates pooping always reflect the outcome of the country’s vote.
Trump’s caganer figures have proven to be perennial favorites. not only was he a hot commodity in 2016 during his first Presidential win, but he also topped the charts in 2020 when he lost.
Past depictions included notable figures like The Queen, Barack Obama, and Elon Musk. The tradition’s enduring popularity underscores its unique place in Catalan culture – a blend of humor, tradition, and a touch of cheekiness.
The Unthinkable: A Nativity Scene without a Caganer?
In 2005, the city council of Barcelona inadvertently sparked a public uproar. They had commissioned a nativity scene, but it notably lacked a caganer! Local citizens expressed their outrage, arguing that “a nativity scene without a caganer isn’t truly a nativity scene,” as stated in a letter to the local newspaper.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the caganer’s deep-rooted significance within Catalan society. It’s not just a whimsical decorative element; it embodies a connection to tradition, history, and the land.
How has the representation of caganers evolved beyond the traditional shepherd figure?
## Caganers: More Than Just Toilet Humor
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re diving into a fascinating Catalan tradition with a rather unconventional twist. Joining me is Alex Reed, an expert on Catalan culture and customs. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Our topic today: caganers. For those unfamiliar, these are figurines depicting – well, people defecating. Not your typical holiday decoration, right?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! The tradition is certainly unique. [[1](https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/meet-el-caganer-the-figurine-that-rocks-every-christmas-in-barcelona/)]The word “caganer” translates literally to “the fertilizer” and historically, these figures were believed to bring good luck and bountiful harvests.
**Host:** So, they were originally hidden in nativity scenes?
**Alex Reed:** Yes! A humble shepherd, “doing his business” near the manger. It’s thought to symbolize fertility and prosperity.
**Host:** That makes more sense contextually. But nowadays, I’ve heard the caganers have diversified a bit, shall we say?
**Alex Reed:** You got it! These days, caganers encompass much more than just shepherds. We see politicians, celebrities, even fictional characters – all captured in mid-defecation.
**Host:** It sounds like a satirical tradition has developed alongside the original.
**Alex Reed:** Precisely.
People use caganers as a playful commentary on current events and to poke fun at figures in the news.[[[[
**Host:** Certainly a creative way to express opinion! How widespread is this tradition today?
**Alex Reed:** Primarily in Catalonia and surrounding regions. You’ll also find them throughout Spain and even in parts of France [[1](https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/meet-el-caganer-the-figurine-that-rocks-every-christmas-in-barcelona/)].
**Host:** Fascinating stuff! Thanks so much for shedding light on this quirky and enduring Catalan tradition.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure!
