Although Christmas trees and holiday decorations are increasingly present in Spanish homes, Christmas cribs, known as belenes in Spanish, play a central role in holiday preparations. For centuries, Spaniards have cherished the tradition of creating nativity scenes, which has its roots in the Italian Middle Ages. The first nativity scenes arrived in Spain in the 16th century thanks to the Franciscans and quickly became an integral part of the Spanish Christmas. Today, Spain is famous for its huge, intricately crafted nativity scenes, which can be seen in the main squares of cities and in special museums.
Spanish nativity scenes are more than just a scene depicting the birth of Jesus. They are usually elaborate with many details, showing the daily life of the inhabitants of Bethlehem. A traditional nativity scene consists not only of figures of the Holy Family, but also shepherds, animals and artisans, often depicted in typical Spanish costumes. In some regions there are also figures of angels, devils, in Catalonia, it is traditional to place a figure of a caganera - a figure of a peasant or shepherd who is in a characteristic humorous pose. Although the figure may seem funny and unusual at first glance, according to Spanish folklore, spotting it brings good luck. The placement of the caganera in the nativity scene symbolizes the rebirth and fertility, and is said to ensure prosperity and fertility for the coming year.
Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and Valencia hold exhibitions of giant nativity scenes every year, attracting locals and tourists alike. In Madrid, for example, the Plaza Mayor becomes the site of the largest exhibition of nativity scenes in the capital, with special sculptures and figures bringing the entire square space to life. In Seville, you can see the famous nativity scenes with hundreds of figures in Maria Luisa Park, while in Valencia, the nativity scene in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, in the heart of the city, is very popular every year. These displays often draw crowds and create a unique atmosphere, reminding us that the tradition of nativity scenes is alive and full of deep meaning in Spain. The city's nativity scenes often have elements that relate to the region, for example: characteristic symbols of a particular city.
The importance of nativity scenes in Spain is reflected in the fact that there are many museums dedicated to nativity scenes, which is unique in the world. Alicante is home to one of the most famous museums, the Museo de Belenes, which showcases nativity scenes from various periods and styles, from classical to contemporary, made of different materials and in a variety of regional styles. Another important site is the Nativity Museum in Mollina near Málaga, which houses more than 60 different nativity scenes from different countries.
The Christmas tree, although popular around the world, in Spain is an addition to the nativity scene rather than the main decoration. More and more families are choosing to decorate the tree, an influence from Anglo-Saxon cultures, but this does not match the tradition of nativity scenes. Christmas trees can be found mainly in the homes of younger people or those who like to follow modern trends. The Christmas tree gained popularity in Spain in the second half of the 20th century, but it remains a less important symbol than the traditional belenes.
