A popular and much loved Catalan Christmas figure, this small statue, originally of a pooping peasant wearing traditional floppy red Catalan cap (barretina), crouches with trousers half down, in a ‘toilet’ position, making his small contribution to the land.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but also to be kind to those around us, and the planet! After a year particularly affected by conflict, the displacement of people, poverty and the spread of disease, French disability charity, Handicap International are running a festive campaign that’s easy to support.

These pooey Catalan traditions may shed some light on the popular Catalan saying
“menja bé, caga fort i no tinguis por a la mort!” (Eat well, poo strong and don’t be afraid of death!)