Put up a Christmas tree? Okay, fine, maybe a small plastic one in the corner. But the real, authentic way to decorate your house, school, shopping mall or public square is with a
Belén (nativity scene).
Belén is the Spanish name for "Bethlehem."
Just like many families follow the same routine each year putting up the Christmas tree - locating the boxes of decorations, replacing the hooks on the ornaments that have lost them, checking to see if the lights still work - the familiar process of putting together the
Belén awakens the holiday spirit in Spain.
How to Make a Belén: Step by Step
1. Find boxes to make a base with several different levels.
2. Tape "starry night sky" to wall and cover base with a cloth.
3. Spread cloth with sand.
4. Organize and assemble figurines and scenery.
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| Julio makes his Belén with playmobil figures. :P |
5. Arrange figurines into the typical scenes that illustrate the birth of Jesus. Enjoy!
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| El nacimiento (the birth in the manger) |
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| Herodus and the Roman army, a Roman family (with cats) |
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| La anunciación (the announcement with angel and shepherd) |
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| Los reyes magos (The three wise men bringing gifts) |
Of course, our nativity scene is a bit silly because it's made with playmobil people, but most people have beautiful realistic figurines and living moss for atmosphere.
Julio's parents create a gorgeous Belén each year with a running waterfall and homemade buildings. Check it out:
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| El nacimiento |
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| Many belens illustrate the various professions typical of that time |
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| La anunciación a los pastores |
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| Los reyes magos |
At the local shopping center last week, I discovered a horrifying animatronic nativity scene right nextdoor to the Burger King.
Last year, I visited a life-size nativity scene in one of the plazas of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.
And finally, the nativity and Christmas tree at the primary school where I teach:
One of my fifth-grade students, who I meet with twice a week after school for private English lessons, gave me this Christmas gift. Although stockings are not very typical, according to my sources. ;)
!Feliz Navidad y prospero Año Nuevo!
I love it! I never knew about families making belens -- I wonder how widespread it is. I don't remember seeing this in Chile but maybe other families did it. I love the playmobil figures!
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