Caganer - Christmas pooper Barcelona - strangest Christmas customs

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Caganer - the Christmas crapper!


Catalan Caganer. Look among the figures in a Christmas 'pessebre' nativity scene in Barcelona Catalonia and you will usually find a odd little character called el Caganer. The name literally means 'the pooper' or 'the crapper' or 'the shitter' - take your pick! This is a strange and unique Catalan Christmas tradition which brings good luck.

Guide to Barcelona Christmas

El Caganer is the naughty and cheeky figure who can been seen in Catalan navitivy scenes. The original El Caganer is a little elf or gnome-like figurine, who wears the traditional Catalan 'barretina' red beret. He gets his name of the 'Christmas crapper', or 'Christmas Pooper' because he has his trousers down, a bare backside and is defecating (pooping) Very naughty little fellow! 

You can buy a Caganer figure in most souvenir shops in the city centre and at the Christmas markets of Barcelona. In recent years the popularity of El Caganer has spread and there are now  hundreds of caganer figures with new ones being added every year. 

New Caganer figures 2024

Among the new caganer figures in 2024 are Kamala Harris, Footballers Dani Olmo and  Vinícius Júnior, The Beatles Abbey Road caganer, musician Jimi Hendrix among many others. The caganer figurines are all handmade and cost from €5 to €20 per figurine depending on size. Visit Caganer.com to see the new 2024 Caganer figures. 

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The origins of el crapper are a bit murky, but apparently the Caganer has been dropping his britches to 'fertilize the earth' since the middle of the 19th century at least. There are Caganer versions of almost every aspect of life in Catalonia. No-one famous can escape their 'Caganer' destiny. There are caganer versions of many famous people from Caganer President Trump to Caganer Homer Simpson to the Pope.
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Caganer Obama, Caganer  Hilary Clinton, Caganer Donald Trump and Caganer Marine Le Pen

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You can see all the new caganer figures it the Caganer market stall at the Santa Lucia Christmas market at Barcelona Cathedral. 

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Dali, John Lennon, Pablo Picasso and Mick Jagger caganers

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A poo too far? In 2013, the caganer company caused controversy. Why? For the first time ever a caganer was made of the revered co-patron saint of Catalonia the blessed Virgin of Montserrat. This drew protests from bishops and many in the general public and it was discontinued.

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Caganers of Nelson Mandela and Pope Francis 

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Most of the famous FC Barcelona players and ex-players have caganers like Carles Puyol, Neymar Jr and Messi. Messi has several versions, including a World Cup Messi Caganer.

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President Putin, Anonymous and President Obama caganer statues

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You can even get a 'fake' Playmobil Caganer figure

Playmobil caganer
Caganer version of castellers human tower groups

Caganer castellers

Visit Caganer.com to see all the new caganer figures. The caganer figurines are all handmade and cost from € 5-20 per figurine depending on size. 

Caganer Independista

Queen Elisabeth and Fidel Castro caganers

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Kate and William caganers

British Royal Family Caganer

F1 caganers

F1 drivers Caganer


Huge caganer in the outdoor 2011 pessebre nativity scene on Plaza Jaume in Barcelona

Caganer Pl Jaume

Barcelona Christmas traditions
Pictures Barcelona Christmas

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 16:10
 
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Sunday, 22 December 2024


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