Taylor Swift, Barbie and Elon Musk among new pooping 'caganers' this Christmas

It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year. In Catalonia, as well as the usual Christmas trees, lights, carols and presents, there are caganers – pooping figures that take their place in nativity scenes alongside baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Among the new figures for 2023 released by Girona-based company Caganer.com are Barbie, the singer Taylor Swift and Tesla owner Elon Musk. 

French football player Kylian Mbappé, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the Catalan Socialists, Salvador Illa, and an iconic couple from the ancient world, Antony and Cleopatra, are also available for the first time this Christmas. These are some of the 30 new additions to the company's 600-strong catalogue. 

Always a popular item at Christmas markets, in recent years Caganer.com has also attempted to make caganers a Catalan souvenir throughout the year via its stores and online sales.

"Currently, we work on new products throughout the year, because our stores are open from January to December," explains one of the two brothers who runs the company, Marc Alós. 

While the original caganer features a Catalan peasant wearing a traditional red hat known as the barretina, nowadays the figurines include all sorts of famous people and characters. 

"We touch on all areas: there are people who, for example, like politics and sports, but others who are more interested in cinema and fiction," Alós says.  

Political figures 

In terms of politics, joining the likes of former Catalan president Puigdemont, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands out. Alós explained that the caganer was created earlier this year in the wake of Netanyahu's reelection, rather than in the last few weeks with the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.  

"We had requests from tourists from Israel who visited us and asked us for it," Alós says.  

Another international leader included is Mexico's president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Closer to home, Salvador Illa, leader of the Catalan Socialists and of the opposition in Parliament, is also available. 

Sports 

Kylian Mbappé, in the colors of Paris Saint-Germain, Basque golfer Jon Rahm, three-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and basketball legend Michael Jordan also made their caganer debuts. 

And there's an update to the football legend Leo Messi. The new Inter Miami Messi is was added for 2023, joining previous Messi caganers in Barça, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina jerseys, as well as with the Ballon d'Or and World Cup trophies.

Music, cinema and TV 

A defecating Barbie is sure to be a top seller after the success of the doll's Hollywood treatment this year. Music fans will be able to get their hands on caganers of Argentine DJ and producer Bizarrap, American singer Taylor Swift Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny and the late British soul singer Amy Winehouse. 

Other novelties include the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street, Shrek, the Grinch, Olive Oyl (Popeye's partner) and Eric Cartman from South Park. 

Caganer ambassadors 

Caganers.com now has five premises in Barcelona, one in Madrid and another in Platja d'Aro (Baix Empordà), in addition to its original base in Girona. 

"Seeing so many butts catches peoples' attention," Marc Alós laughs. "And this helps us become an icon." 

The caganers that tourists buy, and take abroad, help boost their online sales. "They become our ambassadors in other countries," Alós says. 

And while trends come and go, some figurines are always among the top sellers, he explains. That includes former president Carles Puigdemont, Leo Messi, Pikachu and various Star Wars characters.