People are often surprised and shocked to find the figure of a man, with his trousers dropped defecating, included in the Christmas Nativity scenes across Spain. It would seem incongruous with the holy nature of the Christian message. The Spaniards however are amazed at the fuss that this little chap can create.

The exact origin of the caricature has been lost in the mists of time but is widely belived to be dated back to the late 17th century, and most definitely originates from Cataluña as belied by its traditional Catalan costume.

The interpretations of the tradition vary. Some suggest it is a reference to the humanity of the birth, whilst others imply a fertility symbol and still others view it as a lucky omen. But it might just be a humorous whimsical folly of childish fun, it certainly appeals to the adolescent comic in us.

Last year a giant nineteen foot Caganer was errected in a Barcelona shopping center that created quite a stir

In recent years the Caganers have been on offer that represent various personalities, politicians and just about anybody in public life, you can purchase the whole Real Madrid football team lined up pooping in unison! Others include Barrack Obama, Santa Claus and even our Queen.

Where would you draw the line? The Bishops here in Spain believe that line has been crossed when the Vigen de Monserat and the Pope were offered on a website and this might even reach the tribunals.

Belen is the name given to the many nativity scenes that spring up all over Spain at this festive time of year. I have, during my life here, adopted the habit of visiting as many of these that I Stumble upon. I'm invariably en-awed at the dedication and labour that is expended over several months to craft these magnificent works. None, however, have inspired the emotions more that the minor masterpiece that has been created by the community in the small village of La Mosca on the outskirts of Málaga. Over the last twenty two years the neighborhood has worked in unison to recreate the Christmas story on the side of the mountain at the edge of the village. The Belen has bloomed from a small shoe box sized Nativity to the thirty square meters that it occupies today.

I was joined by Francisco Dueñas, Secretary of the 'Peña Belén' who was more than happy to recount the unusual history;

It all started in 1991 when the locals were protesting the presence of a large rock of many tons that was perched precariously above the village threatening to plunge devastation on the populous. As is common In Andalucia the protest was accompanied by singing, dancing and the cooking of a paella. To further entertain themselves some of the participants, noting that the mountainside resembled a rugged country side in miniature, decided to make a small nativity amongst the rocks

Before long every one had become involved; collecting plants, carving and dressing figures and building a stable. The small nativity was illuminated by candles and guarded around the clock.

This proved so popular with people visiting from all over the province as word of mouth spread that it was decided to repeat the project every year

Opening times

Weekdays 10-14.........17-22

Weekends/fiestas 10-22

Bus No34 will take you from the center of Malaga to right outside the door(last stop)

Christmas Day is a huge fiesta with music, carols and Malaga wine