Poopers

Actually, I think they are called “shitters” in Catalan.

This strange Catalan customs pays tribute to the traditional shepherd who relieves himself in the field.  The typical figure wears a red hat and squats with his pants down, taking a dump.  These figures actually appear in Christmas nativity scenes!!

Non-traditionally, other characters have been made in the same stance — usually political  or pop culture figures.  I actually saw one of the Virgin Mary — which I really thought was going too far.

Additionally, at Christmas, there is another tradition in Catalunya of a shitting log called the Tío de Nadal (Christmas log).

Beginning with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8),  the tió is given a little bit to eat every night and is covered with a blanket so that he will not be cold. In the days preceding Christmas, children must take good care of the log, keeping it warm and feeding it, so that it will defecate presents on Christmas Day or Eve.  I’m not making this up.

I think they are a little obsessed with shitting, personally.