The nativity scene's creator pixelated the faces of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to represent "a diverse mix of skin tones".

17:20, Wed, Dec 3, 2025 Updated: 17:23, Wed, Dec 3, 2025

The Christmas nativity scene at the Brussels Grand-Place/ Grote Markt, Monday 01 December 2025

The faces of Jesus, Mary and Joseph have been pixelated to represent 'a diverse mix of skin tones' (Image: Zuma Press/PA Images)

A new nativity scene featuring faceless figures has been installed in the capital city of Belgium, sparking a fierce debate. Revealed on Friday, November 28, the scene, titled "Fabrics of the Nativity", was created by local artist Victoria-Maria Geyer and was commissioned through the Cathedrals of St Michael and St Gudula, to replace the traditional wooden figurines which had been used in Brussels for a quarter of a century. 

However, the creator's decision to pixelate the faces of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to represent a "diverse mix of skin tones" has sparked fury among many of the city's locals. Ms Geyer said she designed the scene - made from recycled materials - "so anyone can see themselves in them". In fact, the move has been so controversial that the cloth head of the baby Jesus was found severed and removed from the manger just a day after the scene was unveiled.

Christmas nativity scene at the Brussels Grand-Place/ Grote Markt, Monday 01 December 2025

x (Image: Zuma Press/PA Images)

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

CCTV footage shows a blurred silhouette, however, no suspects have been identified so far. City officials have replaced the figure and stated that they will closely monitor the scene. 

Belgian Senator Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the centre-right Reformist Movement, slammed the scene on social media, writing: "How ugly, a society that denies its values. This nativity scene is terrible and an insult to our traditions – more like zombies at Brussels stations than a real crèche".

His party also launched an online petition calling for the return of a more traditional nativity: "These faceless figures look more like a tribute to the zombies you find around Brussels' train stations than a nativity scene, and they in no way represent the spirit of Christmas," its statement reads.

Belgian national team soccer player Thomas Meunier also took to X to share his criticism of the installation: "We’ve hit rock bottom... and we keep digging," which was shared by thousands of others on the platform.

Brussels Installs 'Faceless, Inclusive' nativity scene

Victoria-Maria Geyer said she designed the scene 'so anyone can see themselves in them' (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Brussels' mayor, Philippe Close, a member of the Socialist Party, defended the design, describing it as a way to honour the city's multicultural heritage. 

He said: "Brussels is a city of diversity. This scene embraces an inclusive approach for everyone. The old nativity scene had been in use for 25 years and was showing many defects. 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.

"Everyone has the right to find the new nativity scene beautiful or ugly, but some reactions are simply over the top. This storm should be allowed to die down."

The installation is scheduled to remain on the UNESCO World Heritage site for at least five years. According to local media reports, the installation cost is €65,000 (£52,700) during this period.