‘Modern’ nativity sparks outrage in Belgium
In a provocative twist to traditional holiday displays, German artist Victoria-Maria has sparked significant controversy with her art installation featuring a nativity scene with faceless figures. Dubbed “zombies” by critics, these faceless characters have ignited backlash, vandalism, and a heated debate over the intersection of faith and tradition. The installation, presented in Brussels’ renowned Grand Place, is at the heart of a broader European conversation about inclusivity during the Christmas season.
Across the continent, an increasing number of local governments, educational institutions, and publicly funded entities are confronting criticism as they attempt to introduce what they describe as more inclusive representations of Christmas. These changes, aimed at embracing diversity, have not been welcomed by all, leading to polarized opinions.
In Belgium, this transformation has taken a particularly controversial turn. The modern reinterpretation of the nativity scene in Brussels, which features faceless figures, was intended as a contemporary and inclusive artistic endeavor. However, the display has been met with vandalism and intense criticism from local politicians and citizens, as reported by the Catholic News Agency.
The online community has also reacted fervently. Belgian national soccer team player Thomas Meunier took to X, expressing his discontent with the installation by stating, “We’ve hit rock bottom… and we keep digging.” His post resonated widely, garnering thousands of shares and a robust public discourse.
Installed at Brussels’ Grand-Place on November 28, 2025, the artwork by Victoria-Maria is a bold statement in the ongoing discussion about the evolution of holiday traditions in Europe. The piece, captured by photographers such as Nicolas Tucat, is a visual departure from conventional nativity scenes.
Amidst this uproar, Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, from the Socialist Party, defended the city’s decision at a press conference. He emphasized the city’s attempt to find a middle ground during the festive season. “In this Christmas period, we need to tone it down,” Close remarked, noting that while Brussels opted to retain a nativity display, some other cities chose to eliminate theirs altogether. His comments highlight the delicate balance cities are striving for in respecting tradition while embracing modern inclusivity.
“The old Nativity scene had been in use for 25 years and was showing many defects,” Close said. “It was time to take a new direction. We are very happy with Victoria-Maria’s creation, and we want to make sure the artist is not attacked personally.”
The Brussels dispute reflects a broader pattern emerging across Europe as institutions rethink traditional Christmas symbols and language.
Decolonizing Santa
In the United Kingdom, a publicly funded museum sparked outrage after publishing a blog suggesting that Father Christmas should be “decolonized,” according to The Sun. The blog post, which was originally published two years ago, was written by Simone LaCorbinière, the museum’s Joint Head of Culture Change at Brighton and Hove Museums. She argued that the traditional image of Santa Claus was “too white and too male” and criticized the idea of a single figure judging children through a “naughty or nice” list.
People take part during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on Dec. 24, 2011. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)
LaCorbinière urged parents to imagine Santa as a more diverse figure who “celebrates cultural exchange.” “Have Santa learn about different cultures rather than judge them,” she wrote, suggesting stories could show him experiencing different traditions. She also proposed including “Mother Christmases,” arguing that “patriarchy and colonialism went hand in hand.”
The comments drew condemnation from politicians. Senior Conservative Party MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke said the initiative was misguided, stating: “At a time of goodwill and festive cheer, it seems woke do-gooders would rather everybody was miserable. This is the worst possible use of taxpayer funds.”
No more Christmas sweaters
Elsewhere in Britain, schools have also faced scrutiny for restricting Christmas-themed clothing or renaming holiday events, according to GB News. Several schools reportedly replaced Christmas sweater days with more generic “winter” or “seasonal” attire to avoid religious references.
People take part in an Ugly Christmas Sweater Run on Dec. 16, 2017 in The Vondelpark in Amsterdam. (Koen Van Weel/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Christmas music at risk
Debates have also extended to holiday music. According to The Telegraph, Labour’s controversial Employment Rights Bill, which became law last week, places a legal duty on employers to prevent harassment by third parties related to protected characteristics such as religion. Critics argue the law could affect workplace Christmas music, including songs such as “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and “Jingle Bells,” all of which have faced renewed criticism in recent years.
In a statement on X, the head of the U.K.’s Free Speech Union, Lord Young, was quoted as saying, “The Government didn’t listen, insisting we were being alarmist, but a ban on Christmas music and carol singing will be the least of it. Prepare to live in a country in which every hospitality venue is a micromanaged ‘safe space’, overseen by lanyard-wearing banter bouncers. Welcome to Starmer’s Britain.”
