According to Catholic tradition, the very first nativity scene dates back to 25 December 1223. On that day, Saint Francis of Assisi celebrated the birth of the Baby Jesus with a sermon in a cave in his native Umbria. The Great Legend of Saint Francis tells: “When Saint Francis arrived, in remembrance of the birth of Christ, he asked that a manger should be made ready and that hay should be brought, together with an ox and an ass, and he preached about the nativity of the poor child king”.
His idea spread throughout Christianity, winning the hearts of many thousands of families who wish to celebrate this event in peace, love and harmony. This beautiful tradition is recreated not just in the intimacy of many homes in Madrid but also in numerous institutions that open their doors to display nativity scenes that are often truly wondrous.
It was in Naples that the modelling of nativity figures became an art. And from there, the king came to Madrid to become Spain’s Carlos III. With his arrival, the Neapolitan influence spread throughout Spain. Neapolitan Nativity scenes will be on show this Christmas in the Plaza Mayor and in Madrid’s Museum of History, to give just two examples. But there’s no shortage of traditional nativity scenes, such as in the San Isidro Museum, or monumental-scale displays, such as at CentroCentro in the Palacio de Cibeles, with figures made by the nativity sculptor José Luis Mayo. This year will also feature a major exhibition of nativity scenes from the Antonio Basanta Collection.
The City of Madrid is thrilled to be able to share the work of artisans, collectors and lovers of nativity scenes at this special time. It also offers a complete itinerary of nativity scenes of all styles in churches, district cultural centres, such as the Casa del Reloj in Arganzuela, museums, squares, shopping centres and more, open to all visitors. And for a few days, nativity scenes will be projected onto the facades of some of our churches, with images provided by the Prado Museum.
The nativity scene is art, culture, tradition and custom. It is yet one more side to Madrid, and another reason to embrace the spirit of Christmas. An unmissable Christmas treat for residents and visitors alike.
Marta Rivera de la Cruz
Third Deputy Mayor
Delegate Councillor of the Government Department for Culture, Tourism and Sport
Thu 28 Nov - Sun 5 Jan 2025
