The Catalan figurine traditionally hidden in Christmas nativity scenes is called the caganer.
The caganer is usually shown as a peasant wearing a red Catalan cap, or barretina, while crouching with his trousers down. The figure is deliberately placed away from the central manger scene, and children often enjoy searching for it among the shepherds, animals, buildings, and landscape of the larger Catalan nativity display, known as a pessebre.
The exact origin is uncertain, but the tradition is documented from at least the eighteenth century and is often associated with the Baroque period. Explanations of its meaning vary, including ideas of fertilizing the earth, bringing good fortune, and humorously grounding a sacred scene in ordinary human life.
The caganer is especially associated with Catalonia but also appears in neighbouring areas such as Andorra, Northern Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Modern versions may portray public figures, but the traditional figure remains the rural peasant in the barretina.