It’s time again. Christmas Markets are about to open on the island. Golden lights will illuminate a magic scenery, full of beautiful handicrafts. In addition to the classic nativity figures there is a whole world of small figurines that embody traditional trades on Mallorca. The pastorets are lovingly crafted down to the last detail, colored by hand and carefully decorated. 

Carme Garcia is one of the artisans who has been making these tiny people at her home for decades. You’ll meet her on the Christmas market on Plaça Major in Palma. Her stall is an entire universe of pastorets. Miniatures of the typical Mallorcan market vendors selling fruit and vegetables, fish and sausages. Or bread and sweets such as ensaimadas or turrón. And craftspeople of all kinds who weave precious fabrics or mold ceramics, twist ropes or carve wood. 

The Caganer

Many visitors are looking for childhood memories or the latest additions to the collection. A particularly curious figure is the caganer, Catalan for shitter, a person with pants down who is often hidden in a corner relieving himself. The tradition of decorating nativity scenes with a caganer is said to date back to the 17th century. 

No one knows exactly where this custom originated but it is still practiced in Catalonia and on the Balearic Islands. Originally, Carme explains, the character symbolized the fertilization of the soil and good luck for the new year. Today caganers are not only depicted as farmers but often resemble celebrities and politicians.

Presents and Memories

In addition to the pastorets there is also a selection of small fishing boats and Mallorcan windmills. If you are looking for a Christmas present, a souvenir or a treat for yourself or a loved one, you are sure to find it here.

Carme Garcia started to craft the small figures with her children. And what began as a pastime became her vocation. Besides the historic trades people frequently ask for pastorets of family members or of contemporary professions. And indeed, Carme also makes figures on request. 

But she loves to cultivate the tradition. Not least because a pastoret sitting in front of a laptop seems neither very decorative nor fitting a Christmas crib. Although hardly any other story has been communicated as professionally as this birth.

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