MADRID - Look closely at a nativity scene in Spain's Catalonia region and you will likely spot an unusual figure -- a peasant with his pants down and doing his business in the holy scene.
The "caganer" -- or "pooper" -- figurine has long been a staple of Christmas in the northeastern region, usually placed in a discreet corner not far from Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.
The defecating statuettes are believed locally to bring prosperity for the coming year. They have become increasingly popular with tourists, especially in Barcelona, the region's capital, where they are easily found in Christmas markets.
The traditional clay figure depicts a peasant or shepherd wearing black trousers, a white shirt and the classic red Catalan cap called the barretina.
But the tradition has expanded to include famous figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, former US president Donald Trump, singers such as Michael Jackson and athletes like Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.
One of the biggest caganer makers, family-run Caganer.com, currently sells 650 different models of the figures at its six shops in Barcelona and Madrid as well as online, where the United States accounts for the bulk of orders.
The roots of the caganer are vague but are generally thought to date from the 18th century.
The figurines aim to "connect the people to the mystery of the nativity", said Josefina Roma, a retired University of Barcelona anthropology professor.
Xavier Borrell, the president of the 33-year-old Friends of the Caganer Association, which has around 100 members, said the figures "have gone beyond nativity scenes to become an icon".