Aitana, Silvia Orriols and Cubarsí, the new caganers this Christmas

BarcelonaAs with every Christmas, the world of nativity scenes is updated with new caganer figures that reflect the country's current political, cultural, and media landscape. Although the classics—like the traditional caganer or figures representing different professions or flags—are still a hit year after year, every Christmas new faces join the nativity scene in the form of caganers. Among the new additions presented this Friday by the Empordà-based company Caganer.com, headquartered in Torroella de Montgrí, are singers Aitana and Joan Dausà, Pope Leo XIV, designer Karl Lagerfeld, and the comic strip characters Mortadelo and Filemón, all transformed into figures.

With these additions, Caganer.com reaches 750 figures in its catalog, a record number in its 33-year history. There's "no ceiling whatsoever," assures co-owner and sculptor Marc Alós. "Our stores have been open year-round for some time now, with the aim of making caganers a year-round commodity."

The Alós-Pla family draws inspiration each year from current events to expand their repertoire with iconic characters from all walks of life: music, film, art, politics, and sports. The world of comics and cartoons, one of their best-selling categories, has grown with figures like Zipi and Zape, Mickey and Minnie, Squidward and Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants, Ash and Pikachu from Pokémon, and the Chinese plush toy Labubu, which is a hit on social media.

In the sports section, the collection expands with new Barça players, such as Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, and Raphinha, as well as tennis player Jannik Sinner, Catalan motorcycle racer Àlex Márquez, and NBA star LeBron James. With fewer new additions than in previous seasons, the political highlight is the inclusion of a caganer (a traditional Catalan Christmas figurine) of the mayor of Ripoll and leader of Aliança Catalana, Sílvia Orriols. Rocky Balboa, Vito Corleone, a xenomorph from the film Alien, and Wednesday Addams complete the collection of famous characters, both real and fictional. This year's new additions also include large-format pieces: traditional caganers, now available in sizes ranging from 35 to 85 centimeters, with prices between 70 and 450 euros.

The best-selling item is still the undisputed classic: the peasant wearing a beret. Right behind it are media figures such as US President Donald Trump, Leo Messi with the Ballon d'Or, and the young Barcelona talent, Lamine Yamal. The catalog also features musical icons like Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, as well as beloved fictional characters such as the Minions, Harry Potter, and the protagonists of Star Wars.

Caganer.com, which opened its first physical store four years ago, expects to exceed €3 million in revenue, a growth of approximately 35% compared to last year. Its expansion and internationalization plan includes opening its first store outside of Spain in 2026, in Paris, France. Their caganers, which bear the official Quality Artisan Product (PAQ) seal, can be found at Christmas fairs, in physical stores in Barcelona, ​​Girona, Madrid, Bilbao and their headquarters in Torroella, or through their website.