Alongside Christmas trees, lights and presents, shoppers in Catalonia will find “caganers” or “poopers”. Sold in Spain’s Catalonia region since the 18th century, “caganers” are holiday season figurines depicting bare-bottom peasants, celebrities or public figures defecating. The ceramic statuettes are traditionally placed in nativity scenes in the hope of bringing good luck and a rich harvest. At Christmas markets across Catalonia, “caganers” rub shoulders with "tios", a log with stick legs and a red hat that is also a holiday staple in many homes. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES