Caganer

Obama el caganer

Here in Lleida, there is a tradition of "caganers."  What everyone should know is that "cagar" means "to crap" or "to take a dump."  The word "caganer" is therefore a person doing that act- or in this situation, a small figurine doing the same.

Here, famous soccer players, politicians, famous people show up as "caganers" and it's a good thing.  It's like a small prize.  Good job, you made it!  You're the next caganer!  Well, that's true for our dear Barack Obama.  Just the other day this (above) was in the local newspaper.  An artist decided to make his own rendition of Obama for this year's caganer collection.

Now, what does one do with a "caganer?"  Good question.  This is a little sacrilegious, so brace yourselves.  Lleidatanos (the people of Lleida) buy caganers and put them in the nativity scene. Right next to little baby Jesus and his adoring parents.

(gasp)

That's what I thought.