7 Nativity Scenes that are worth a visit

Christmas in Spain is full of all kinds of traditions that, year after year, are repeated and become one of the most awaited moments of the year, it happens with everything that surrounds the Nativity Scenes. Decorating the tree, putting up Santa’s stockings, preparing the menu and, despite the pandemic, arranging family dinners.

Cities, like people, also dress up for Christmas and, in addition to boasting each year of original and innovative decorations and lights, also maintain a tradition: the Nativity Scene. There are communities that have kept their Nativity Scene design intact for years and others that, every December, come up with a new style that becomes the center of attention. In any case, there are certain ones that, because of their great history and antiquity or for being a unique and groundbreaking proposal, are worth discovering.

The Beach Nativity Scene of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands are a true paradise since, even in the winter months, it usually has warm temperatures and dream beaches. For this very reason, it is logical that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria chooses every year a beach design carved in the sand that attracts the attention of the whole world for its Nativity Scene. The Nativity Scene of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria consists of more than 2,000 tons of sand that forms the typical figures up to four meters high. It is located on the beach of Las Canteras and during the Christmas weeks it occupies a great area that attracts thousands of curious and tourists.

Barcelona Nativity Scene

Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan and cultural cities in Spain. For this reason, every year the city’s Nativity Scene causes a great expectation, for wanting to know the type of design that will have been chosen for the occasion. One of those that caused more surprise among the inhabitants of the city was that of the year 2019. The city council decided to place in full Sant Jaume square a deconstructed proposal of the Nativity Scene from boxes that contained and combined motifs of the Nativity Scene as the Virgin Mary, along with everyday goals and pictures, which caused fascination and annoyance in equal parts. It managed, in any case, to become one of the most famous.

Neapolitan Nativity Scene of Valladolid

They treat it as a real treasure and it has become one of the most famous ones in Spain. The Neapolitan Nativity Scene of Valladolid boasts every year of being one of the most spectacular in Europe. It has been kept in the National Museum of Sculpture for many years. The imposing Nativity Scene has 620 figures dating from the 18th century that are distributed throughout the entire showcase recreating the birth of Jesus. The quality of the details and the history behind them make them miniature works of art. This kind has managed to break with the bucolic landscape of the time and reflect the society of the time.

Nativity Scene at the Casa Cisneros in Madrid.

Madrid has several ones of which it can boast, but undoubtedly one of those that has attracted the most attention throughout its history is the one that every year is placed in the Casa Cisneros, in the center of the capital. This Nativity scene follows the traditional theme and aesthetics and always takes care of the smallest detail, placing real moss and faithfully recreating the scene. Its large dimensions have meant that it has sometimes had to be displayed outdoors, covered with a large transparent tent to protect it from the weather. During the Christmas days, it is one of the cribs that receives more visits, making the curious stay for a good time contemplating all the winks and details that hide the small figures.

Playmobil Nativity Scene of Seville

Leaving tradition and history aside, we find one of the most original and funniest Nativity Scenes in Spain, that of the Madariaga Foundation in Seville, made entirely with Playmobil pieces and figures. This toy brand has come to specialize in marketing figures of the Nativity Scene, but certainly in Seville they take it to another level. With more than 40,000 pieces, the Nativity Scene has an extension of 400 square meters. It recreates different biblical scenes ranging from the Egyptians to the birth of Jesus. Admission is not free and must be booked online a few days in advance. However, it is a perfect plan to do with children at Christmas and has earned the position of one of the most famous in the country.

The great Nativity Scene of Xàtiva in Valencia

In Valencia, the tradition of the Fallas is something that is lived intensely and fruit of this passion arose years ago the largest Nativity Scene in Spain, in Xàtiva, with up to 1,600 square meters. The vast extension that occupies this Bethlehem is not full of small figures, but precisely have been falleros artists who have been responsible for making life-size figures. The result is an enormous large-scale one where people can walk around and see the scene first hand. The orchards and vegetation are real, as well as the ponds and fountains, which makes it a unique experience within the many that Spain has.

El Escorial Monumental Nativity Scene

For 25 years now, the town of El Escorial, just 50 kilometers from Madrid, has been preparing all its streets for its great Monumental Nativity Scene. It is a large-scale one that has remained faithful to tradition and has been put up, year after year, for the enjoyment of visitors, who have free access to enjoy it. In total, it consists of 450 figures of a large size and recreates various scenes within the Christmas festivity until the famous birth in the Manger. In addition, as a novelty in recent years, have been restoring and creating new figures made from recycled materials.