Christmas Nativity Scenes in Barcelona

Background To Nativity Displays in Barcelona

In Barcelona the Nativity plays an important role in Christmas Traditions - it is known as the ‘Pessebre’. A large amount of Catalan homes include a Nativity scene as part of their Christmas decorations. They can be constructed similarly to a doll’s house. Christmas markets such as the Fira de Santa Llucia are filled with stalls selling separate figurines and backgrounds to build the scene. They are of varying elaborateness- some scenes including lights and running water!

A Christmas stall selling Nativity figarines

A tradition for the Nativity that is specific only to the Catalan region is the Caganer- a man squatting and pooing! Please see our Guide to Spanish Christmas Traditions for more details. These figures come in all shapes and sizes and alongside the traditional figures there are often topical ones- this year depicting characters such as Messi, Zapatero and Obama. The Caganer is generally hidden somewhere at the back of the Nativity scene.

Pessebre in Placa Sant Jaume Nativity Scene

TheChristmas Nativity Scene in Placa Sant Jaume

The main Nativity Scene in Barcelona can be found in Placa Sant Jaume, outside the town hall. This is the largest and most impressive Nativity Scene that I have ever seen. In the weeks leading up to its opening an area of the square is cordoned off as the elaborate scene is erected. Locals wait with eager anticipation to see what has been created this year.

This year the scene is made up of real shrubbery, including palm trees and cactuses. The figures are life size. The public are free to walk through the scene.

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8th December) a large queue forms, as people take their turn to see the full Nativity scene. Outside of this date there are rarely queues, although there is often a crowd around the Baby Jesus, taking photographs.

There are other, smaller Nativity scenes around Barcelona, however, these open at a later date (see below).

Pessebre a la Placa Sant Jaume Nativity Scene
Placa Sant Jaume, 1

Dates: 2nd December, 2008 - 6th January, 2009

Pessebre Monumental a la Parroquia de Sant Maria Vianney Nativity
Melcior de Palau, 56

Nativity Dates: 13th December, 20008 - 2nd January, 2009

Pessebres al Temple Sagrat Cor de Jesus del Tibidabo- Basilica
Plaza Tibidabo, 5

Related Pages

Overview to Christmas in Barcelona

Chocolate Restaurants - Where to find the famous Churros Chocolate drinks
Christmas Traditions in Barcelona - One family share there experience
Christmas Lights - Where to find Christmas light displays in Barcelona
Christmas Markets - Popular Christmas markets open during Xmas period
Clubs For New Year´s - Clubs offering New Year events
Christmas Nativity in Barcelona city centre
Family activities for the Christmas period in Barcelona
Feast of the Immaculate conception
Opening hours for Barcelona attractions
Public Holidays in Barcelona
Restaurants open during Christmas in Barcelona

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