A German artist’s redesign of the Nativity figures has ignited fierce debate in the country. Critics speak of a distortion of the Biblical story and of Western culture, while many are asking: is Europe abolishing itself?

A redesigned Nativity scene on the Grand Place, in the heart of Brussels, has triggered heated controversy, significantly disturbing the Belgian capital’s Advent peace. The installation by German artist Victoria-Maria Geyer is composed entirely of textile figures without facial features. It is precisely this detail that has provoked strong reactions and an outpouring of negative comments since the display’s unveiling.

Opponents of the new Nativity accuse the city of destroying the Biblical story and, with it, Western culture. The absence of facial features is seen as a violation of tradition and a sign of cultural erosion. One Belgian party has submitted a petition against the installation.

According to a report by WELT, Philippe Close, the Mayor of Brussels, was compelled to speak publicly on the matter and urge calm among those involved in the dispute. The Mayor stressed that the Nativity scene had been approved by the local church authorities.

At a press conference, the artist – who is a practising Catholic – defended her work.

“It is far from my intention to break with tradition.” The anonymous textile figures are deliberately open in form so that, in Ms. Geyer’s words, “everyone’s imagination may roam freely, and under no circumstances exclude any community.”

Petition and Heightened Security Measures

Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the conservative-liberal MR party, has issued particularly sharp accusations. For him, the installation represents “absurdity and an insult to our traditions”. He considers it “unacceptable” that tradition should be undermined in the name of inclusivity.

Mr. Bouchez therefore launched a petition on Saturday. According to his spokesperson, more than 33,000 signatures were collected within three days. The goal is to have the Nativity scene in the heart of Brussels’s Old Town replaced.

The nativity scene in Brussels is faceless to make it more inclusive and avoid offending Muslims. ABOMINABLE. pic.twitter.com/1tvgUVykn8

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) November 30, 2025

Another incident has further escalated the already tense situation: the textile element depicting the head of Jesus suddenly disappeared. There is still no information on whether it was lost, damaged, or deliberately removed. The city leadership, however, reacted immediately and strengthened security measures around the depiction of the Holy Family.