The head of an infant Jesus figurine has been stolen from a newly installed Nativity scene in Brussels’ historic Grand Place.
The theft came following a row over the display’s “inclusive” design that has already drawn criticism.
The vandalism occurred overnight on November 28, when the cloth head of the baby Jesus was severed and removed from the manger.
CCTV footage reviewed by police showed only a blurred silhouette and no suspects have been identified.
The theft was discovered on the morning of November 29, the day after the scene – titled Fabrics of the Nativity – was unveiled as part of the city’s Christmas celebrations.
It was crafted by local artist Victoria-Maria and commissioned through the Cathedrals of St Michael and St Gudula. The installation features life-sized figures of Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, a donkey, three wise men, a shepherd, and a sheep, all made from recycled fabrics in neutral beige and brown tones.
According to the creator, it is a nod to the historical importance of the textile sector in Belgium.
She said she was a Catholic and had no intention to polarise opinion.
Rather than traditional carved wooden statues, the figures are faceless, with pixelated patchwork cloths intended to represent a “diverse mix of skin tones” and promote sustainability.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, a member of the Socialist Party, defended the design at its launch, describing it as a way to honour the city’s multicultural heritage while maintaining the Nativity tradition.
“Brussels is a city of diversity,” Close said. “This scene embraces an inclusive approach for everyone.”
He said the reactions have been exaggerated.
“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,” he said.
Officials noted that the previous wooden figures had become too weathered and difficult to maintain, with plans to keep the new installation for at least five years.
The display sparked immediate backlash, though, with critics claiming it erased Christian symbolism in favour of political correctness.
Many also connected the piece with efforts to avoid offending Muslims.
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
Belgian Senator Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the centre-right Reformist Movement, condemned it on social media, posting: “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.”
Bouchez’s party has also launched a petition, calling for the return of the traditional nativity scene.
“An inclusive society is one that brings people together and Christmas is the ultimate holiday of togetherness,” the party complains on the website.
“But 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.”
Close’s tweet, accompanied by a photo of the faceless ensemble, garnered thousands of engagements, fuelling a broader debate.
Conservative outlets amplified the outrage, with some labelling it a “woke assault on Christmas”, while supporters, including the artist, argued it encouraged “creative evolution” of traditions.
International coverage framed it as symptomatic of European cultural erosion.
Police have appealed for witnesses but the motive remains unclear – whether a prank, protest against the design, or targeted act of intolerance.
The incident echoes past Nativity thefts in Brussels, such as the 2017 disappearance of the baby Jesus figurine from the same square.
In 2014, Jesus’s head was removed by activists during a political protest and in 2015, three people caused severe damage and were prosecuted for it.
